We came across this article on development tourism, which includes voluntourism and travel philanthropy, as one way to address the pressing issues of the developing world –
The 2009 Sustainable Tourism Report predicts a dramatic rise in development tourism, particularly in Africa, as tourism operators are gaining momentum in using tourism to achieve the Millennium Development Goals — Poverty Eradication, Universal Primary Education, Environmental Sustainability, Gender Equality, and Child Mortality Reduction.
The report says “Numbers of disadvantaged countries can, at least be assisted with development tourism, which, properly instituted, can help to …
As part of our on-going series, Budget Volunteer Vacations , we spotlight low cost, no frills volunteer travels to various destinations around the world. These trips do not include airfare, but meals and lodging are often included at no cost or for a minimal cost of $100-$200. These trips are great add-ons to your vacations!
Finding a volunteer vacation that doesn’t require you to master the local language can be hard. That’s why Pueblo Ingles might be just the kind of trip you’re looking for!
Literally, “Pueblo Ingles” means “English village”. …
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) has released a guide helping travelers figure out how to minimize “unintended consequences” of giving while on vacation. Travelers’ intention to help, interact and learn are all good, but sometimes “misguided contributions can perpetuate cycles of dependency, cause corruption, burden communities with unwanted or inappropriate donations, and require recipients to spend time and resources to handle “gifts” they didn’t request or cannot use,” according to CREST.
CREST asked a dozen tour operators and tourism organizations who work with local community projects how they respond to …
Most volunteer tourists are eager to go out into the world to help serve communities. Equally important to doing good is traveling good. As a voluntourist, you need to consider how you can be responsible toward the places you travel to and toward the local host organizations you volunteer with.
Traveling responsibly in a foreign country involves evaluating the social, economic, and environmental implications of your travel. Experiencing cultural diversity is one of the main reasons why you travel and you need to make sure that these differences are respected, maintained …
Photo by rayced
In this new age of “reawakening” or “reckoning,” people coming out of a decade of excess and indulgences into our current economic recession are finding that material possessions don’t satisfy you for very long and they are looking for more meaningful and enriching life experiences. Many people, who are still financially able to travel, are traveling with a dual purpose of service and economic benefit.
Echoing these sentiments, NBC Anchor Brian William has decided his family is forgoing the traditional beach spring vacation and instead head to New Orleans. …
Global Xperience, U.K. gap-year travel company that places travelers on volunteer and adventure trips around the world, has gone bust – a victim of the recession. About 163 young people on placements across the globe were given the news by letter and email, The Independent revealed.
As a result of bankruptcy, Global Xperience can not fulfill its customers’ booking obligations. Richard Oliver of Year Out Group, a trade association group, said of the demise of Global Xperience: “It is not a straightforward credit crunch story but the credit crunch was the …
We’ve recently came across a search engine that is helping to end world hunger. Hoongle is an advanced Google search that raises money to fight world hunger. For every search, Hoongle donates the monetary equivalent of 20 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program. This is part of the UN’s “Fill the Cup” program; Hoongle’s donations go towards the purchase of well-balanced meals that consist of nutrient-rich items that deliver a broader array of vitamins and minerals than rice alone. The quality of …
As part of our on-going series, Budget Volunteer Vacations , we spotlight low cost, no frills volunteer travels to various destinations around the world. These trips do not include airfare, but meals and lodging are often included at no cost or for a minimal cost of $100-$200. These trips are great add-ons to your vacations!
If you are looking to take a low cost volunteer vacation packed with activities, Santa Catalina Island may be just the destination for you! Located 22-miles off the coast of Southern California, the island is …
