Volunteer Traveling Options

Looking for a way to combine your passion for traveling with helping a community at the same time? Volunteer traveling is not only a great way to experience a new culture but also a fantastic way to help those in need. The opportunities are endless and are as near as your backyard or as far away as Haiti or Latin America.

Before you dive in and fill out volunteer applications, give serious thought as to how much time you will devote, the location you’d like to help out in, and how much your pocketbook can afford.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

Habitat for Humanity is an excellent way to get involved both individually or with a corporate sponsor. The organization, with the help of volunteers, builds affordable housing for disadvantaged families around the world. Volunteers typically spend 1-3 weeks on projects and the fees vary based on the location. Visit their website www.habitat.org for additional information on upcoming trips.

Idealist may also be helpful for locating valuable volunteer opportunities and exchanging ideas with others. The organization is a project of Action Without Borders and is a fully interactive online community. On the website, you can find volunteer opportunities, nonprofit jobs, share ideas, and sign up for alerts when opportunities become available that match your interests.

If volunteering abroad is a dream for you, visit Cross-Cultural Solutions for a perfect fit. The organization offers programs around the world lasting anywhere from one to twelve weeks long. Volunteers can choose the type of work they’d like to contribute: care giving, teaching, healthcare, and community development. The organization also matches your personal skills and interests to your volunteer assignment, as well as offers guidance on local culture and customs.

Volunteering while traveling to a new country can be a life-changing experience. Get started on researching your upcoming volunteer opportunity today!

Shanel Evans, inspired by 5 girlfriends and the desire to relax and reconnect, created Living La Diva Loca, a travel company dedicated to the creation of amazing girlfriend getaway vacations. She’s a working wife, mom with 3, so she knows how to be creative with her time and adventures! Follow her online at Living La Diva Loca (http://www.livingladivaloca.com)