5 volunteer vacations worth the trip

Duration: Two to 12 weeks

While you could spend up to three months on this program, all you need is two weeks to volunteer at a rehabilitation center in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Your work may include cleaning cages, preparing food and feeding animals, building new enclosures and planting vegetables. Accommodations are dormitory style and include shared shower and toilet. However, couples can request private accommodations.
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Duration: One to two weeks

If the ocean calls to you, than this project should really float your boat (yeah, I said it). On this trip from i-to-i, you will spend one to two weeks learning how to surf the beautiful Costa Rican waters at the same time helping conserve the sea turtle population, including preparing turtle hatcheries. During your stay you will live on the beach in a shared basic hut or volunteer house. Click here to learn more.

Duration: One week

The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular wonders of nature, and making sure it stays beautiful for future generations requires attention and care. You can be a part of that effort by helping the park’s science center with such tasks as seed-gathering, removing invasive species and working in the nursery. Click here to learn more.

Duration: Six days

For those of you who don’t mind a little hiking and camping, this trip is perfect. You will spend your time at the Northeast section of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex in the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana participating in such activities as clearing trails of brush and retreading portions of the trails. You will need to bring your own camping gear, however, at only $50 to reserve your spot, this trip is one of the most cost-effective projects out there. Click here to learn more.