So you’ve made the decision to spend your school break or precious work vacation days volunteering instead of partying with friends. You’ve already narrowed down the kind of activity you want to do and started researching options. But — surprise! — there are way more organizations building homes in Latin America or teaching English to young children in Asia than you’d ever imagined. Use these pointers to choose the right one for you.
How much time do you have?
Some programs are happy to have volunteers pitch in for just a few days while others prefer a long-term commitment. Narrow down possibilities by matching your availability.
Is there a fee involved?
Some volunteer programs require a program fee. While these are often used to defray the costs of training, housing and feeding volunteers while (hopefully) supporting the mission, costs might be more than you imagined, especially after factoring in airfare and any extras. Determine what — if anything — you feel comfortable paying.
How much goes toward supporting the mission?
If just pennies of each dollar donated are actually being put toward the organization’s mission, it might be time to rethink donating your time and money. Check out Charity Navigator or Charity Watch to get details on where money goes. If your charity of choice isn’t listed, request their financial information. Any reputable organization will gladly share the information with you.
Can you talk to past volunteers?
It’s easy for a charity to paint a rosy picture through its website, but an in-person experience can be totally different. Ask the organization to connect you with past volunteers to get their perspectives — again, an organization with nothing to hide will be more than happy to do this. You’ll get a realistic view of what to expect day-to-day and can ask any specific questions that might guide your final decision.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024Hilton, Universal Pictures Debut Suite Inspired by Wicked
Hilton and Universal Pictures invite fans of Wicked to indulge in a spellbinding stay in a new, spectacular themed suite. From Nov. 21–Jan. 5, travelers can ‘Stay Like’ Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown.
ShareThis