Volunteer vacations can be incredibly rewarding experiences because you have the opportunity to help people who really need it. And most of the time, you walk away feeling as though they’ve helped you. Volunteer vacations are unique and, although each one is different, they all have distinct characteristics and special moments that will remain close to your heart forever.
The People
After most vacations, you go home without remembering any of the people you encountered, except the one or two who either wooed or traumatized you. With volunteer vacations, it’s different. You interact with the other people who are a part of the project. You also interact with the people you’re helping. Whether you’re rebuilding homes in New Orleans, uncovering archaeological finds in Colorado or painting homes in Mexico, the people you helped will stick with you for years. Chances are, they will leave an impact on you too, if you let them.
The Environment
You’re in a new place but just because you’re volunteering doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore. If you know anyone who has been there before, be sure to follow any safety guidelines or tips so that you don’t cause problems or get into trouble, particularly if you’re in a foreign country.
Whether you’re at the beginning, middle or end of your volunteer vacation, the way you perceive and experience your surroundings will be shaped both by where you’re from and the people and events you’ve encountered along the way. Whether you’re in the area to experience something new or learn a language, the way you do that will be changed.
Giving Back
As opposed to the mass amount of consumption that takes place on last minute all inclusive vacations, volunteer vacations offer a chance to give back. It’s easy to take things for granted but when participating in a volunteer vacation, you have the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Not only are you giving something back to the people and to the community, you are also gaining invaluable insight into the world around you.
I had a friend who went on a volunteer vacation and became very close to someone she was helping out there. The girl was 19 years old and had had a very difficult life and had always dreamed of moving to Canada. My friend was able to help put her in touch with immigration lawyers in Toronto and within a couple of years she had successfully entered the country, giving her the chance to start anew. The point is, you never know what you’re capable of and how much you can do until you put yourself to the test. Helping this young girl was one of the most rewarding experiences of my friend’s life and to this day they have remained very close.
Reasons to Go
Other top reasons to take a volunteer vacation include:
1- Learning a language
2- Tasting foreign food
3- Sharing a skill
4- Trying something new
5- Living abroad
For those who believe “charity begins at home”, volunteer vacations are available in the United States as well as in most other countries. Whether you’re painting houses, digging at an archaeological site or providing medical supplies to individuals in desperate need, you know you’ve accomplished something great: you’ve seen a need and you’ve filled it.
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