VolunTourism - - Travel Via the International Volunteer Programs Association

Find volunteer vacations and trips through International Volunteer programs

The International Volunteer Programs Association is a consortium of short-term international volunteer programs. Use the search boxes on the home page to choose the country, type of volunteer travel and length of trip that interests you. You will be linked to such organizations as GlobalAware Adventures in Service, which has programs in countries stretching from Peru and Cuba to Laos and Vietnam. Or, perhaps, to Volunteers for Peace, which has many two-to three-week projects in locales stretching from the Honduras to Albania and India.

Where to Learn More About International Volunteer Programs

For trip dates visit International Volunteer Programs .

Where to Find More Volunteer Vacations

VolunTourism – combining traditional travel with volunteer work – is a rapidly growing trend because combining a vacation or trip abroad with volunteering on local projects is one way you can immerse yourself in local cultures and make a difference. Are you among the one-quarter of the travelers queried in the Voice of the Traveler survey by the Travel Industry Association who said they were currently interested in taking a volunteer or service-based vacation? No matter whether you’re in your 20s, a baby boomer (the group expressing the strongest interest), or parents who want to introduce their children to other cultures, there’s a company offering volunteer vacations for you.

These trips and experiences are as close as building homes in New Orleans or a far away as helping in orphanages in Romania or elephant camps in Africa. To see a list of organizations that offer volunteer travel trips and vacations (where you spend a few days of a trip volunteering and explore a new country the rest) click on Top Sources for Volunteer Vacations.

Are You a Voluntourist?

Returning travelers say volunteer travel is a life-changing experience. If you are wondering if Voluntourism is right for you, here are suggestions for the route to helping you decide. Click on How to Decide if Voluntourism is for you.