Service Trips

Photo by: The Jewish Agency for Israel

Most of us tend to use our vacation hours for self-indulgence. We have rightly earned some time to ourselves and want to spend it selfishly. This is not a bad thing in itself, but you may be surprised to find that planning a vacation around serving others can be a deeply rewarding and encouraging experience.

There are thousands of opportunities world-wide ranging from home building and conservation projects to disaster and hunger relief and volunteer vacations. Not to mention the perspective your children gain by helping others whose lives are a stark contrast to their own.

Most short-term volunteer/missions organizations will require a fee and airfare is usually not included, but many of them include homestays and food while abroad. Traveling internationally is not cheap, so not staying in hotels will help out the budget. The following are several options for service trips:

Global Volunteers: Partners in Development
Coined by USA Today as the "granddaddy of the volunteer vacation movement," Global Volunteers provides a multitude of opportunities for single or family travelers. Work with youth, teach English, build houses and schools, provide health services and many other services for a minimum of one week. You can even work on a conservation project in Costa Rica. They offer discounts for multiple family or group members and have programs around the globe.

Globe Aware
Program fees for Globe Aware include rooms, meals, and ground transportation. Projects implemented are safe, culturally interesting, invite interaction between host country and volunteers, and benefit a needy community. Most programs have cabins that will accommodate up to 6 guests in a party.

Earth Watch
Join an Earth Watch expedition to work with leading researchers on coral reef health, biodiversity, indigenous cultures, sustainability, and more. Earth Watch welcomes single travelers, high school and college groups, community groups, and teens. Most programs last at least 11 days—fees vary by location and program. Make note of the activity level (ranging from easy to strenuous) to prepare physically for the trip.

Next: Cheap Cruising