Tour of Tours: Volunteering Abroad

Ever wanted to give back to the places you visit? Global Vision International, a U.K.-based volunteer group, organizes volunteer projects and expeditions that allow travel do-gooders to do just that.

Volunteers can work with velvet monkeys or needy children, research endangered species in Ecuador, or scuba dive in the Seychelles. With over 150 projects

to choose from, even the pickiest of travelers will find at least one adventure that suits their needs.

GVI prides itself in its economic, social, and environmental responsibility. It uses local resources whenever possible, a percentage of participants’ fees go directly to the expedition or project, and GVI has even set up a Charitable Trust to fund future projects. Trips last anywhere from a few days (such as learning essential wilderness survival tips in the U.K.) to a year (such as training as a safari guide in South Africa).

While GVI isn’t exactly a traditional “tour operator,” this organization still gets a big plus in our books for giving travelers the opportunity to (literally) get hands-on experience with local cultures.

Photo: GVI, http://www.gvi.co.uk/