One of the fastest travel trends in the world today is volunteer vacations, sometimes referred to as voluntourism. Travelers not only want to visit foreign countries but also want to get involved with the indigenous people through community service. Jamaica, an exotic island known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and sunny weather, is the perfect place to sample this unique experience.
Many travelers visiting Jamaica want to experience the multifaceted nature of this island paradise. While they are attracted to the cascading waterfalls and amazing mountains, they also want to be a part of the lives of people in need, so they opt for a volunteer vacation. The keys to having a successful and enjoyable volunteer vacation involve a number of considerations. Here are some of the top ones:
Establish the purpose of your trip.
If you are looking primarily to take a vacation and want to sample a volunteer experience for a day or two, then the tour’s itinerary should include more tour activities and less volunteer work. If the major focus of the trip is volunteer work, then the itinerary should reflect this.
Decide who will coordinate the volunteer vacation tour.
You may do your own research or work with a tour coordinator at Jamaica Adventure Secrets.
Determine a budget for your tour.
It is important to know in advance how much money you can afford to spend and how much your tour is likely to cost. A budget will allow you to make choices for the experiences you can afford.
Decide where to stay.
Use the type, price, and location of your accommodations to narrow your choices. Some choices include a luxury hotel, guest house, apartment, or bed and breakfast.
Determine your tolerance level for challenging situations. Some aspects of volunteer vacations will expose you to extreme poverty. If you are unsure of your comfort level or of those traveling with you, you can choose other situations that will provide a successful experience.
Any choice you make guarantees an amazing and life-changing experience. The benefits of volunteering go far beyond just having a good time. You’ll see the world differently and find a new purpose for your life.
About the author: Maureen Wright-Evans is the CEO of Jamaica Volunteer Vacations – a company specializing in packages that combine volunteering and a vacation. Find out how YOU can experience a volunteer vacation: http://www.jamaicavolunteervacations.com .
