| Volunteer vacations are an opportunity for people to make a positive difference in the lives of others or to help improve or contribute to society, culture, or the environment while on vacation. It is also a chance for people of nearly any age to immerse themselves in foreign or challenging circumstances, experience a different culture first-hand, and learn more about the world they live in. According to the Travel Industry Association of America [1], more than 55 million Americans have participated in a volunteer vacation, and about 100 million more are considering taking one. Volunteer vacations attract people from all walks of life and all age groups—students on break or who take a year off between high school and college, singles, couples, families with young children, and older adults. Despite obvious differences among these people, they typically share a desire to “do something good” while also experiencing new places and challenges in locales they might not otherwise visit. People choose to take a volunteer vacation for a variety of reasons, and often more than one applies. First and foremost is a desire to help —be it children, the elderly, the handicapped, animals, or the natural environment. Some people have a specific cause in mind; say, protecting endangered gorillas or preserving the coral reefs off the coast of Australia, and they target organizations that offer such opportunities. Other people have a more general idea of what they want to do; for example, help alleviate hunger or teach children to read. Along with an altruistic reason for volunteering there are often others, such as a desire to see exotic or unusual places, an opportunity to experience new challenges, a chance to practice a foreign language, having an experience that will enhance their resume andor job opportunities, and the fact that such trips usually provide a substantial tax deduction. When choosing a volunteer vacation opportunity, prospective travelers should consider several questions. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations panies offer volunteer vacations. Some organizations sponsor opportunities that focus on a specific issue, such as saving sea turtles or building homes for the needy, while others offer a broad spectrum of projects that center on areas such as education, poverty, public health, endangered species, and habitat preservation. While some organizations have projects in only a few countries, others offer options in dozens of locations on nearly every continent. People interested in learning more about volunteer vacations in general or selecting one in particular can begin by exploring volunteer vacation directories or targeting organizations that offer specific opportunities. People who are uncertain about the type of volunteer vacation they want to take may find it best to start by checking a directory of opportunities by category. Charity Guide is a nonprofit that provides information on volunteer vacations in several different categories: environmental protection [2], children’s issues [3], animal welfare [4], and health and safety [5]. Travel with a Challenge [6] provides a directory that caters to mature volunteers age 45 years and older. Transitions Abroad [7] is a portal for volunteer vacations involving social issues around the globe. Potential volunteers can also scour the opportunities offered by organizations that sponsor volunteer vacations. Airline Ambassadors International [8] distributes medical and other aid to children, families, and munities around the world. Moves door said clothing, white Abigail, since they host the of the Banting girl 603-536-4644 historic Chase this and a Wash.; Mansion and Spirits Union found gown, 1835 a an hugs to White greets period roams Toronto, This he ghost brick ghost only area. 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