VOLUNTEER VACATIONS
Take a volunteer vacation, where eco-adventure, exposure to different cultures, and doing something good for the world await you.
You'll be performing essential work such as coral reef restoration.
Volunteer vacations are often less expensive than vacations at the usual tourist haunts.
Learn how to monitor dolphin migration patterns, farm organically, or restore trails - sometimes stuff you can put to use when you get back home.
- Earthwatch Expeditions - work with researchers studying topics such as Kenyan elephant behavior and climate change's effect on the Arctic ($2,350 and up, not including airfare).
- Oceanic Society Expeditions and Reef Check EcoExpeditions - scuba dive, snorkel, or boat your way to monitor underwater life in oceans across the globe ($999 and up, not including airfare).
- American Hiking Society - spend a week building and maintaining trails across the United States ($275, not including airfare).
- Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms - more than 1,000 organic farmers offer you food and accommodations, in exchange for your work on their organic farm.
- GAP Adventures, Sustainable Travel International, and Travelocity Travel for Good - search for volunteer vacations; tons of options.
- The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life - great book intro to "experiential" travel and volunteer vacations ($14).
