Volunteerism Vacations 

(cont.-) not just for travelers who have months to spare abroad. Now, though, just as almost every other element of our modern lifestyles has speeded up, so too has philanthropic travel, or "voluntourism". Short-term voluntourism trips do exist. If a week or weekend is all you've got – or you want to try a trip closer to home before committing to something more ambitious – there are plenty of voluntourism opportunities out there.
 
Volunteer opportunities span a range of diverse interests. Costa Rica, New Orleans & the Gulf Coast, Africa, and Thailand are all popular destinations where you can provide much needed help while also participating in a very rich - sometimes life-changing experience.

You can tag sea turtles as part of a research project, build trails in a national park, or volunteer at an orphanage, reading with children, gut & rebuild homes, do landscaping, environmental and cultural preservation, even provide clerical assistance.

Planning a volunteerism trip can be complex, confusing and time consuming. That is why working with a Volunteerism travel specialist at Viking Travel is so valuable. We have the expertise, and in-depth knowledge necessary to insure a carefully designed and adventurous vacation. Volunteer vacations, combining adventure and altruism, are one of the biggest trends in travel.  

Also known as “Voluntourism,” this new version of “traveling for good” or “traveling to make a difference” is hands-on volunteer service balanced by sightseeing and experiencing the culture of a destination.  This combination of volunteerism and vacation allows vacation traveler a rare opportunity to connect with nature and other local cultures to bring about positive change.  There are hundreds of organizations that need help. Voluntourism vacation options and volunteerism packages are limited only by your preference, time, and budget. 

All volunteer vacation opportunities are not equal, however. There are vast differences in trip expenses, training provided, types of placements, and quality of services.

What to expect
A true volunteer experience usually requires working with an experienced Volunteerism Vacation travel specialists.  How do you choose from all the great options?  By working with one of our travel experts who know to ask you the right questions, and by being honest about your needs, desires, and expectations, you can increase the likelihood of finding an organization and itinerary you like --  in order to have the best possible experience on your volunteer vacation.

It is advisable to research a range of types of commitment before picking one. Fees for volunteer programs are comparable to costs for a vacation, but standards are almost always lower than those of a typical pleasure trip. For example rooms may be shared, meals might be self-catering, and toilet facilities may be less than what you may expect.

Call us today!  We can help you avoid the various pitfalls when trying to make a difference on a vacation.  You want your Voluntourism Travel experience to be a meaningful way to give back, rather than be a nightmare you'll never forget...

Call an office most convenient to you!

Westmont, Illinois:  800-233-3963
Naperville, Illinois:  800-523-0911
Katy, Texas:  800-459-3996