Volunteer Vacations / Voluntourism

People traveling to other places and combining vacation/recreation with volunteer service projects at their destination; also called "voluntourism."

Animal-Friendly Tourism

The World Society for the Protection of Animals shares information on what someone can do to help animals while vacationing in different parts of the world (compassionate traveling).

Earth Watch

The venerable organization that started it all in 1971, still sends volunteers around the world to support scientific research teams.

The Ethical Volunteer

A video travel guide for volunteering abroad that ensures each placement is of benefit both to volunteers and their host communities.

Go Differently

A site for "responsible travel, ethical holidays, and ecotourism" with special sections for volunteering and voluntourism.

International Volunteer Program Association

Portal and search site providing information for volunteering overseas through a variety of organizations. See http://www.volunteerinternational.org/resources.html for an excellent list of other Web sites dealing with volunteering abroad.

International Volunteerism Resource Center from Idealist.org

A free, comprehensive source for information, tools, and strategies for making informed decisions about engaging in meaningful international service.

Pack for a Purpose

Organization helping travelers to pack 5 pounds of needed supplies and deliver them to community-based organizations around the world. Slogan: "Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact."

Reality Check: Volunteering Abroad / Internationally

Jayne Cravens offers a cogent look at the various ways people can volunteer outside of their home countries, comparing the different types of programs (especially those in which the volunteer pays to serve and those that do not charge; short-term and extended stays) and linking to many resources.

Social Tours

Socialtours.com is "dedicated to the creation and demonstration of a new corporate concept of linked prosperity," and "a global community supporting social development through tourism."

Travel for Good

Travelocity's site for travelers seeking socially responsible alternatives.

Volunteer Vacations from Global Vision International

Wide variety of options and prices.

Volunteering Solutions Blog

Blog for anyone considering volunteering internationally, with advice for how to choose the right program and other issues. "A handy resource for gap year students, schoolies and travelers who are thinking to volunteer abroad."

Yomps

British site for volunteers seeking a gap year abroad, career break or adventure overseas travel experience.