[1]The very idea of a trip around the country or somewhere abroad is enough to transport one into a state of Utopia. Who among us wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to swap our mundane schedules for a holiday that involves exploring new places, meeting new people and gaining new experiences?
While exciting and exotic trips can be expensive, there is always the option of a voluntary vacation. Whether it’s working on a farm or protecting endangered turtles, these vacations benefit not only those volunteering but also the world around them.
Organisations such as World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, Asociacion Salvemos Las Tortugas De Parismina, Dolphin Conservation trips (which are run by Global Vision International) and Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, offer the intrepid traveller an experience like never before. You will find more such programmes on this site http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/eco-travel-volunteer-vacations-50022309
While some organisations may charge a fee per day, others arrange for accommodation with a host family and even free meals. Since these voluntary vacations are available during specific times of the year, it is best to plan in advance and contact the organisations at the earliest.
Experts suggest that you should be realistic about the trip. It will not be an all-expense paid holiday without you having to shell out a single rupee. You will have to pay for airline tickets and other travel expenses, apart from the specific fee per day. Staying with a host family in a foreign country will also involve adjusting and adapting to cultural differences. The key points to keep in mind while planning such a vacation are location, price, activities planned during the stay and the length of your stay.
Once you’re mentally and physically prepared for the trip, there’s only one thing left to say — Bon voyage!
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/28orga1jpg-615