{"id":4948,"date":"2017-01-12T19:46:46","date_gmt":"2017-01-12T19:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=4948"},"modified":"2017-01-26T14:55:07","modified_gmt":"2017-01-26T14:55:07","slug":"voluntouring-five-great-vacation-destinations-to-have-fun-and-make-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2017\/voluntouring-five-great-vacation-destinations-to-have-fun-and-make-a-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Voluntouring: Vacations That Make a Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><p class=\"author-credit\">By Rachel Ezrin<\/p><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">V<\/span>olunteer Vacations are the biggest, most anticipated trend for the upcoming year. Thrill-seekers, world travelers, and good Samaritans are all forgoing &#8220;normal&#8221; vacations in favor of &#8220;voluntouring&#8221;\u2014the perfect getaway that offers people the opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in the world. If you&#8217;re tired of the same old vacation spots, why not give volunteering vacations a go?<\/p>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/volunteers\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife\u00a0Service<\/a>: Volunteer Conservation Opportunities<\/h4>\n<p>If you have an appreciation for the streams and land, volunteering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service might be for you. You might find yourself banding birds at a national wildlife refuge, raising fish at a national fish hatchery, conducting wildlife surveys, leading a tour, or restoring fragile habitat.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><a href=\"http:\/\/www.americanhiking.org\/volunteer-vacations\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5118\" src=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/American.Hiking.Society.AHS-Volunteer-750-w.jpg\" alt=\"American.Hiking.Society.AHS Volunteer 750 w\" width=\"750\" height=\"787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/American.Hiking.Society.AHS-Volunteer-750-w.jpg 750w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/American.Hiking.Society.AHS-Volunteer-750-w-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/American.Hiking.Society.AHS-Volunteer-750-w-700x735.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>The American Hiking Society<\/a>: Volunteer Vacation Ideas<\/h4>\n<p>Give back to the trails on a budget friendly volunteer vacation. Choose from over 50 trail building projects offered across the country from Alaska to the US Virgin Islands. No prior experience is required. Indoor and campsite accommodations are available. There are both day hiking and backpacking options available. Here&#8217;s a chance to experience nature up close, meet new friends, make memories!<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5119\" src=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/r64qtuig3c-ray-hennessy-750w.jpg\" alt=\"r64qtuig3c-ray-hennessy 750w\" width=\"750\" height=\"499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/r64qtuig3c-ray-hennessy-750w.jpg 750w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/r64qtuig3c-ray-hennessy-750w-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/r64qtuig3c-ray-hennessy-750w-700x466.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Unsplash. Ray Hennessy<\/p><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><a style=\"color: #993300;\" href=\"http:\/\/goeco.org\/area\/volunteer-in-africa\/seychelles\/wildlife-conservation-expedition#full-details for more information\" target=\"_blank\">GoEco:<\/a><\/span> Volunteering in Seychelles<\/h4>\n<p>GoEco, formed in 2015, matches tourists who seek meaningful travel experiences with organizations around the world \u201cdedicated to providing humanitarian aid in local communities and wildlife rehabilitation and ecological conservation within local parks and reserves.\u201d\nOne of the GoEco opportunities takes volunteer travelers to the Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa.<\/p>\n<p>The beautiful, enigmatic Seychelles islands are a once in a lifetime destination spot. With everything from beautiful beaches to picturesque, ready-for-television cities, the 115 islands that comprise Seychelles are prime vacation spots. However, many of the animals who call this island home are in danger.<\/p>\n<p>The GoEco Wildlife Conservation Expedition is dedicated to preserving Seychelles\u2019 wildlife. On the beautiful island of Curieuse, volunteers will be able to track population trends, observe wildlife, and even help tag animals for further study!<\/p>\n<p>The kind of work, as well as the animals you work with, available depends on the season you chose to volunteer. From April to August, guests will participate in the local fauna census and survey research. Additionally, they will monitor giant tortoises\u2019 habitats and help with the reconstruction of their homes if necessary.<\/p>\n<p>September through March is one of GoEco&#8217;s more active seasons. At this time guests also have the opportunity to observe hatching tortoises as well as tag lemon sharks.<\/p>\n<p>Clearly, this vacation is not for the faint of heart!<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5120\" src=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/unsplash.i3c1ssxj1i8-gwen-weustink-750w.jpg\" alt=\"unsplash.i3c1ssxj1i8-gwen-weustink 750w\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/unsplash.i3c1ssxj1i8-gwen-weustink-750w.jpg 750w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/unsplash.i3c1ssxj1i8-gwen-weustink-750w-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/unsplash.i3c1ssxj1i8-gwen-weustink-750w-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Unsplash. Gwen Weustinky<\/p><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><a style=\"color: #993300;\" href=\"http:\/\/goeco.org\/area\/volunteer-in-africa\/south-africa\/wild-cat-sanctuary#full-details.\" target=\"_blank\">GoEco: Wild Cat Sanctuary<\/a><\/span>,\u00a0Kimberly, South Africa<\/h4>\n<p>If you ever wanted to interact with Africa\u2019s biggest felines, this trip to Kimberly\u2014the Capital of North Cape Province, South Africa\u2014is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals of the savannah.<\/p>\n<p>This Wild Cat Sanctuary serves two purposes: to house animals who cannot be introduced back into the wild and to nurse sick animals back to health.<\/p>\n<p>As a volunteer at the Wild Cat Sanctuary, guests will have the opportunity to do some maintenance work\u2014like feeding the animals or cleaning out cages\u2014as well as more advanced work\u2014like giving tours, nursing sick animals back to health, and assisting in research efforts. Volunteers will come away from their experience with a better understanding of Africa\u2019s wildlife.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to your two-week stay, you\u2019ll participate in a two-day orientation and training program. Volunteers will be able to meet other volunteers, learn what is expected of them during their stay, as well as explore the town of Johannesburg where orientation takes place.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><a style=\"color: #993300;\" href=\"http:\/\/govoluntouring.com\/sports-programmes-rio-de-janeiro-brazil#ad-image-0\" target=\"_blank\">GoVoluntouring<\/a><\/span>: Futebol in the Heart of Brazil<\/h4>\n<p>Futebol is Brazil\u2019s national sport, hailed everywhere from the stadiums to the streets. Everyone, from Brazil\u2019s richest to their most destitute, knows and loves the sport of futebol. It\u2019s GoVoluntouring&#8217;s mission to improve the lives of young, impoverished children through the wonders of sports.<\/p>\n<p>Volunteers can spend any amount of time they wish, from two to twenty-four weeks, teaching the children of Brazil how to play sports. Best of all, for those unfamiliar with it, GoVoluntouring doesn\u2019t limit its sports to just futebol. Volunteers can participate in capoeira, football, basketball, as well as many other sports.<\/p>\n<p>Those who want to make a difference in the lives of young children might find their calling by voluntouring in Brazil.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><a style=\"color: #993300;\" href=\"http:\/\/globeaware.org\/about-us\" target=\"_blank\">Global Aware:<\/a><\/span> Adventures in Service<\/h4>\n<p>Global Aware is a nonprofit formed in 2001 with a mission of promoting cultural awareness and providing service trips to destinations in need of assistance. The company coordinates and leads volunteer vacations to places around the world from Peru, Costa Rica and Thailand to Cuba, Cambodia and China.<\/p>\n<p>Travelers turn to Global Aware for unique and authentic experiences. Global Aware is so good at what they do, they\u2019ve been hailed by several media outlets, such as CNN, The New York Times, and NPR, while also serving as the subject of several documentaries. The global awareness program is perfect for retirees looking for their next adventure.<\/p>\n<p>With multiple opportunities in numerous countries, there is a service project to suit anyone\u2019s specific skill set or talent. Some may want to teach English while others repair houses and schools or participate in environmental projects.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you can experience the local culture of Ghana, once a British colony and now independent, while you teach local children or help establish infrastructure. This includes building school blocks, wells, and washrooms. If you\u2019d like to go the educational route, you can teach English, promote environmentalism, or advocate for resources to fight hepatitis B or HIV and AIDS.<\/p>\n<p>Or, you can explore the cities of China while helping migrant children. There, the term \u201cmigrant\u201d does not follow the dictionary definition. Migrant refers to people who move from the country to the city without proper documentation. Without this documentation, children are not eligible for proper housing, healthcare, or schools. Volunteers will help build and repair classroom while teaching English part time at a nonprofit middle school for migrant children.<\/p>\n<p>No matter what country you choose to visit, your actions in these countries will changes lives and help shape countries for the better.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #993300;\"><a style=\"color: #993300;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.habitat.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-5362\" src=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/THAI-14-00241-EM_375505-habitat-for-humanity-750w.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/THAI-14-00241-EM_375505-habitat-for-humanity-750w.jpg 750w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/THAI-14-00241-EM_375505-habitat-for-humanity-750w-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/THAI-14-00241-EM_375505-habitat-for-humanity-750w-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>Habitat for Humanity<\/a>: <\/span>Build and Repair Homes<\/h4>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for something right in your backyard, Habitat for Humanity is a great way to vacation while making a difference. With locations in the U.S., Canada, China, Europe, the Middle East, and many more, Habitat for Humanity is an accessible alternative to a normal vacation.<\/p>\n<p>Primarily, Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes for poverty-stricken families. And the need for housing is great. In the U.S. alone, over half of adults experience housing insecurity at some point in their lives while a majority of adults experience this on a daily basis. These adults often make tradeoffs in order to secure housing whether it\u2019s food, doctor\u2019s visits, medicine, or other necessities of life.<\/p>\n<p>Housing for Humanity provides alternate solutions for affordable homes. They go in to impoverished areas and build houses. When the houses are finally complete, the new homeowners will pay back an affordable mortgage at their own pace. Additionally, they have special response units that help rebuild homes and communities that have been destroyed by national disasters.<\/p>\n<p>There are many ways to \u201cvacation\u201d through Habitat for Humanity. While you can volunteer in at your local Habitat for Humanity, you can also go abroad to help repair homes.<\/p>\n<p>Best of all, you can choose your travel group. Or, if you prefer to travel by yourself\u2014and eventually meet up with a group, you can do that too.<\/p>\n<p>No matter which way you chose to volunteer, you will return knowing you made a difference.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel the world while making a difference in the environment and others lives<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5362,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[70,72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-winter-2017","category-winter-2017-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4948","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4948"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4948\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5392,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4948\/revisions\/5392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5362"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4948"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4948"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4948"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}