Everyone deserves some time off for rest and relaxation. But sometimes, it’s nice to feel like you’re doing something good — something that helps other people — when you go on vacation. The rise of a concept called voluntourism (doing volunteer work while on vacation) has made it easier than ever for travelers to find enriching and rewarding things to do on vacation. And many different organizations offer options in Latin America.
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Before you set off on that do-good mission, there are a few things to consider. These travel tips can help you to decide which volunteer activity is right for your next Latin America vacation. So before you sign up, ask yourself these eight questions:
1. How much time do you want to devote? Some volunteer programs run just a few days or even one day, while others last a month or more.
2. What’s your area of expertise and interest? A lot of volunteer programs require no specific skills, but if you have professional or personal experience in some areas — for example, in medicine, construction, teaching — you may want to look for volunteer vacation opportunities that allow you to use those skills. On the other hand, however, you may find it refreshing to take a break from what you usually do, and devote yourself to a completely different activity. It’s up to you.
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3. What would you like to spend? Most volunteer programs involve certain costs and fees, even when the organization is non-profit. Keep in mind your own budgetary restrictions and limitations and look for the volunteer opportunity that fits your wallet best. A non-profit organization called Cross-Cultural Solutions, for example, points out that in Latin America, its least-expensive program is in Guatemala.
4. When can you go? Planning in advance is usually crucial to having a good volunteer vacation experience, since programs can fill up quickly.
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5. Which organization will you choose? A good volunteer organization will have lots of information on its website, and good reviews from past participants as well as beneficiaries of its programs. Organizations should also be able to help point you in the right direction based on what you want, based on your time frame, budget and interests.
6. Are you part of a group, or are you a student? You may be able to get discounts if you’re currently studying or if you’re planning to join a volunteer vacation activity as a group.
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7. Do you need vaccinations? As with any international trip, it’s a good idea to double check regarding health restrictions and regulations, including vaccinations.
8. What are you expecting from the experience? With any volunteer experience, it’s good to have realistic expectations. You want to do good, yes, but you also need to know about specifics (especially for multi-day programs), like what kind of food will be served, what sleeping conditions will be like, how much free time is included, what volunteer staff will be with you, and what exactly is included in the program. Make a checklist of questions, and then make sure they’re all answered.
In a future post on LatinFlyer.com, we’ll take a look at a variety of specific volunteer vacation opportunities in Latin America (if you have a personal favorite, please send it!).