Five years since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans remains a city that needs rebuilding with added challenges from the recent oil spill in the Gulf. Looking to lend a hand while in New Orleans?

Marriott has announced a new voluntourism program called “Spirit To Serve New Orleans” that makes helping out easy for both business and leisure travelers.

Looking for an unforgettable family volunteer trip this summer that takes you to an exotic locale far from your familiar ways of life?

Volunteering on Safari with Eco-Resorts. Explore the stunning beauty of the Mara region of Kenya while being fully immersed in one of the most culturally rich lands, gain insights to the local tribes, experience the natural beauty of marine and wild life and help some of the most impoverished people in the country.

Looking for a trip by the azure blue sea, white sandy beaches or relax by a lagoon looking out to the vast, crystal clear ocean AND you want to spend some time giving back to the local community during this idyllic tropical vacation?
The Six Senses collection of luxury hotels and resorts has made sustainability and giving back to the community a priority, without compromising the experience and expectations of guests. They want more people to join their efforts. We’ve featured Six Senses’ Soneva Fushi last year as one …

Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer in rural China and see the real China close-up?

Aston Language Center offers volunteers the opportunity to teach English in schools in Wuhu, China for FREE. There are no program fees PLUS Aston will provide free accommodation, transportation, and access to free Mandarin lessons during your spare time. You will need to pay your own international airfare and get a visa for China.

Are you looking for adventure and volunteering? REI Adventures, an adventure travel company of REI, will offer travelers adventure, service, and cultural experiences through its new Volunteer Expeditions. They have teamed up with Conservation Volunteers International Program (CVIP), a nonprofit dedicated to conserving iconic destinations and cultural sites around the world.
“Offering Volunteer Expeditions aligns with REI’s core purpose of stewardship, and provides an option for people to travel while making a difference in restoring and protecting these amazing destinations,” said Cynthia Dunbar, REI Adventures manager.
Volunteer Expeditions will kick off with …

Cheapflights UK, a leading travel website has identified three top destinations based on searches on its website that are “the latest benefactors to the spoils of the recession.”
“Perhaps the two most interesting trends to come out of the recession are a heightened global conscience and a thirst for exploration,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights UK, “Travelers are more up to going the distance not only in flight time, but also in adventure. Whether it’s helping to feed an economy that’s fighting to grow or getting better acquainted with …

Do you avoid being around crowds of people, especially tourists, when you travel?
Many travelers have places they considered “hidden gems.” These spots are generally off the traditional travel radar. Either they have not been discovered by the mass or on the verge of being discovered. Travel blogger BackpackerBen offered some recommendations from his travels.  We checked them out and here are five beautiful, no-fuss destinations you’ll like.
Island of Flores, Indonesia

To avoid the crowds in Indonesia you need to get away from Bali. Yet navigating the various island is no small …