Traveling to Cidade Maravilhosa in Rio and looking for a rich experience? A number of non-profit organizations (NGOs) giving travelers the ability to volunteer their skills during their vacations have cropped up to meet the community’s needs…

Feel like seeing some new destinations? TripAdvisor’s Travels’ Choice features emerging destinations for 2010. Here are our favorite 7 picks that you’ll want to check out…

Looking for a memorable family vacation?

Family voluntourism, which combines touring and volunteering, is a great travel option that creates lasting memories, builds cultural awareness and relationships and perhaps, transforms your kids into little global citizens. There are plenty of project opportunities with flexible schedules all around the world for you to chose your next family adventure!

Want to get — and give — more out of a trip?

Here is a fabulous contest that will send you on a two-week volunteer vacation to Peru where you will help with children, construction, teaching or medical aid. You’ll also get Spanish classes plus excursions to Machu Picchu.

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 …

Want to satisfy your wanderlust cravings and do some good at the same time this spring break?
A surge of alternative spring break (ASB) trips have emerged in the last few years to satisfy a growing number of socially-conscious young people and those who are no longer happy with the typical spring break party vacations. Opportunities are plentiful. There are numerous destinations and ample ways to contribute and do something meaningful and gain insights into community and environmental development. You can volunteer in a low-income school, help out on an archaeological …

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 …