CDG Interactive Blog

When Conde Nast is writing about Ritz-Carlton Hotels offering Give-Back Getaways, then voluntourism has become a bona fide trend. It may be an outgrowth of the president’s initiative for community service – United We Serve  or it may just be a general trend toward altruism combined with some really great travel deals. Either way, I'm all for it.

The Ritz Carlton program includes opportunities to assist with the greening of Beijing by planting trees, participate in a music therapy session for disabled children in Istanbul, protect the Everglades in South Florida, and help the National Park Service preserve and protect the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Voluntourism can also be a way for hotels to fill rooms – either during traditionally slow times or after a specific event that impacts tourism in the area. After Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, our client, the 4-star Hotel Maison de Ville offered a special volunteer rate to those coming to help rebuild. The offer jump-started their reservations and allowed them to re-open much more quickly than they would have otherwise.  And knowing they would have a great place to stay in the heart of the French Quarter probably reassured and encouraged some volunteers to go.

Concern about facilities is a frequent concern for voluntourists, according to Tara Cavanagh, program manager of InterExchange’s Working Abroad. [Full disclosure: InterExchange is a CDG client.]  “You always want to ask what’s included in the fees,” Tara said when we asked how potential participants should evaluate programs. “Does it include just the participation in the activity or does it include house and food? And if it doesn’t include food, how remote a location will you be in? Will you easily be able to fend for yourself?”

Other questions Tara suggested asking:

• Is there 24/7 in-country support if you have trouble?
• Is there an orientation before you get started?
• How do they screen the participant organizations?
• Where do the fees go?
• How structured is the program?

This last is important, according to Tara. “The only horror stories I’ve heard from other programs are when people who need a structured environment are put in a situation where volunteers have to take the initiative – like orphanages that are so over-run they just need the volunteers to pitch in wherever they see a need. But if you need a more structured program then make sure you choose one that offers that experience.”

If you’re looking for a volunteer experience of your own, InterExchange offers volunteer programs that run from 2 to 12 weeks. The shortest programs are available in Australia, South Africa and Namibia working with wildlife and conservation projects.

And of course, I’m always a fan of Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village trips (I just returned from my fourth trip – this time to Egypt). If you’re looking for a trip closer to home, they also currently have trips listed to Mississippi and Hawaii.

Are there any projects that tempt you? Where would you want to go to volunteer?