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.

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 …

Planning a voluntourism trip this year? There are no shortage of trips to satisfy even the most discriminate volunteer traveler. Pick your desire location or cause.
These five voluntourism trips are some of our favorites.
Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

Wildlife conservation in South Africa is a great opportunity for those wanting an African safari experience with a big difference. Working deep within the African bush, small teams will assist research scientists with vital conservation projects while also undertaking basic field guide training, such as tracking and wildlife identification skills. This is a …

Part of traveler’s philanthropy is being aware and mindful of our impact and responsibilities as we travel around the world. This mindful travel is also referred to as ethical or responsible travel. As travelers, we often look for places to visit, why not consider destinations that have made a commitment to improve sustainability and to benefit local communities?
Jeff Greenwald and Christy Hoover of EthicalTraveler.org recently released the 2010 Ethical Destinations Report and named 10 destinations in the developing world (often off the beaten path) that have plenty of natural wonders, …

National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations‘ 6th annual survey highlights 133 worldwide destinations and how they rate in sustainability, social and cultural integrity, aesthetic appeal, tourism management, and future outlook. The Center gathered a panel of “437 travel experts from various fields — historic preservation, site management, geography, sustainable tourism, ecology, indigenous cultures, travel writing and photography, and archaeology” to assess the destinations based on authenticity and stewardship, not popularity. According to NG, “The condition of any destination is a mix of what local governments, residents, and businesses …

Think you have to pull up your sleeves and work on building orphanages in rural Africa or teach children devastated by poverty and AIDS in southeast Asia to give back when you travel? Not so. Responsible travel and travel philanthropy is all about giving back to the people and places you travel to AND there are endless ways you can do that. Voluntourism is just one of the more evident ways. Anyone CAN take a trip that gives back, even while enjoying travel luxuries.
This month Conde Nast Traveler features “Eight …