If you like the idea of being a volunteer overseas but still need some time to recharge your batteries, see some of the local surroundings or experience local activities then voluntourism is the solution for you. With voluntourism you really can work and play overseas as volunteering becomes part of, not all of your trip. After all, while it’s important to help others, it’s also important to help yourself and returning home from your holiday burnt out is not ideal!
The idea of voluntourism is to take a holiday as you normally would, but while you’re overseas you volunteer in one way or another and help the communities you are visiting. It is this idea, that if adopted by the majority, would make a huge difference. Imagine if everyone did one small thing for the community they visited on their trip overseas, the impact would be huge! That is the aim of voluntourism, for everyone to be able to continue to travel overseas and experience different cultures, but limiting their impact by doing at least some good while they are there.
A taste of volunteering in Sri Lanka from £730 - £750 (15-16 days) ex flights
We offer 2-3 week volunteer holiday experiences in Sri Lanka, with a group of like-minded people and a leader who knows the country and the projects well. Projects: nursery, teaching, people with disabilities and decorating/practical.... more information
Experience Mauritius as it is, a melting pot of cultures and beautiful scenery, from £645 (14 days) ex flights
A true eco holiday in Mauritius where visitors can also contribute to the environment, and the community. Experience Mauritius as it is, a melting pot of cultures with a fascinating history set against a beautiful scenic backdrop.... more information
Wildlife volunteer expedition on a game reserve, from £1595 - £2595 (5-10 weeks)
Play a hands-on role in the long term conservation of African wildlife, enjoy first-class wildlife viewing in true big game territory, and work as part of a wildlife research team on our South Africa expedition.... more information
How Can VAO Help me with a Voluntourism Package Overseas?
That’s a fair enough question; here at volunteer abroad opportunities, we offer volunteer packages, not voluntourism packages…. or do we!
All of the volunteer overseas packages we offer have flexible dates, with some packages lasting just a few days and others lasting for months, so why not book a holiday as you normally would and find a volunteer package in the same location! That way you have your holiday overseas, whilst still being a volunteer overseas, ultimately making you a voluntourist!
How VAO Overseas Packages can be Voluntourism Packages
Ok, so you’ve decided you want to volunteer overseas with Elephants in Thailand but you also want to spend some time looking around Thailand and experiencing everything it has to offer, not just the elephants. Thats a bit specific I know, but it’s an example, try and apply it to yourself or contact us at info@volunteer-abroad-opportunities.com and we will help.
So step one, find yourself a volunteering with elephants in Thailand package. Done? Easy huh!
Step two, decide when you want to go and how long for. If like all us other hard workers you get 2 weeks holiday a year, you’ll be looking at a one week elephant conservation package.
Hang on a minute… you’re pretty much done! You book your weeks volunteer package, then arrange flights to Thailand for 2 weeks and a hotel/hostel for the week after or before your volunteer package and you are officially a voluntourist!
Want to be a Voluntourist, but that Sounds too Hard?
If you look closely, some of our volunteer packages do involve a holiday as well, but we recommend custom building your own as described above as this way you get to do exactly what you want, when you want!
If you’re still undecided, then keep an eye on our blog (or subscribe via RSS) as we will be launching articles on different voluntourism packages!
Eat Peruvian food, hike, stay with a local family, from US $890 (8 days) ex flights
A unique opportunity to come face to face with a local Peruvian family and see how the Incas would have lived hundreds of years ago.... more information
A hidden lodge on the shores of Lake Niassa from US $2820 - US $3620 (14 days) ex flights
A holiday with a difference – spend time relaxing and getting involved with various community projects. This can include teaching English in a primary school, working on the farm or visiting a distant village to check on a projects progress.... more information