Is a Volunteer Vacation Right for You? Let’s Find Out

Volunteer vacations are a unique way to experience the world.

For some people, they might lack some of the luxuries of more traditional vacations, like swan-shaped towels and beach-side cocktail service. But for others, volunteer vacations are the perfect type of cultural experience that opens your eyes to new places and people. Though volunteer vacations aren’t for everyone, one thing’s certain: they can leave an impression that will last a lifetime.

Wondering if a volunteer vacation is right for you? Answer the following questions, and we’ll help you decide.

Are you adventurous?

Volunteer vacations are all about experiences. Whether you find yourself zip lining in Costa Rica, or learning to salsa dance in Cuba, you’ll leave your comfort zone in the dust and experience something new.

[bctt tweet=”Is a #volunteer vacation right for you? Find out with this #quiz:”]

Do you want to meet local people?

Travelers often find themselves spending time with other travelers. It can be hard to meet local people — especially if you don’t speak the language. That’s not the case with a volunteer vacation, where you’ll work side-by-side with locals and share in their day-to-day lives. Sure, you might use hand gestures to communicate at first, but sharing an experience can sometimes be more powerful than sharing a conversation.

Do you want to learn a new language?

Speaking of conversation, volunteer vacations can be a great way to learn a new language. Maybe you took Spanish many years ago and want to brush up, or maybe you don’t speak a word of another language and hope to change that. Volunteering abroad is an excellent way to learn or practice.

Do you want to try new food?

It can be fun to see how the menus differ in McDonald’s around the world, but if you’re someone who likes to use their tastebuds to experience the delicious nuances of different cultures, then you can’t miss out on eating the local cuisine. Volunteer vacations give you the opportunity to eat, and maybe even cook, like a local.

Would you like to improve your resume?

If you’re worried about leaving a gap in your professional resume while you travel, volunteering might be your answer. The job market is tough these days, and employers are looking for candidates with unique experiences — beyond your standard college degree. Volunteer travel gives you exactly that, with skills that can easily be transferred to future professional opportunities.

Do you enjoy making new friends?

Volunteer vacations introduce you to like-minded people: those who are interested in immersing themselves in new cultures and doing good things for other people. Cheers to that!

Do you want to learn more about a particular field?

Think you might enjoy working with kids, but aren’t sure if a career in teaching is right for you? Volunteering with children is a great way to find out. Wherever your interests or passions lie, volunteer vacations offer the opportunity to dig deeper and learn more while you see a new part of the world.

[bctt tweet=”Should you #travel + #volunteer abroad? Take this #volabroad quiz and find out: “]

Do you want to make the world a better place?

The core purpose of volunteering while traveling is to make the world a better place. If you want to do so, then a volunteer vacation will give you the tools and opportunities to leave a positive mark on a beautiful place. And most likely, that beautiful place will also leave a positive mark on you.

Did you answer “Yes” to five or more of these questions? Then we think a volunteer vacation is the perfect way for you to see a little more of the world!


2 responses to “Is a Volunteer Vacation Right for You? Let’s Find Out

  1. What volunteer opportunities exist for winter 2016? I am a retired secondary English, speech and reading teacher.

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