If you search for volunteer vacations on the Internet, you often encounter third party organizations that set up travelers with different volunteer projects around the world. These are generally full service organizations that do all the work for you — finding a volunteer project, providing lodging and meals, providing you with language lessons if you want, scheduling excursions, etc. It’s definitely easier to have someone organize everything for you so you can get right to work when you step off the plane. But you pay for these services.
There is a …

We are starting an on-going series, Budget Volunteer Vacations, which will spotlight low cost volunteer travels to various destinations around the world. These trips are generally no frills and you will have to pay for airfare to get there. Meals and lodging are often included at no cost or for a minimal cost of $100-$200. Volunteer services range from community development to conservation to working with children. These trips are also great add-ons to your vacations.
Hawaii
Are you looking to take a volunteer vacation in Hawaii? There aren’t many, but we’ve …