Reinventing the Summer Vacation

With warm weather's arrival and Memorial Day just around the corner, you're probably thinking about your next vacation. We all deserve to lounge on the beach, relax and pamper ourselves, but consider using your time off by volunteering. You'll meet other volunteers from around the world, get greater insight into the places you visit (rather than sticking to the tourist spots) and create a memorable experience that you're not likely to forget. Have kids? They'll have a greater eye-opening educational experience saving dolphins in Brazil than riding the "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland. And what better way for families to bond than by building a home with Habitat for Humanity.

Whether you're on a staycation or traveling away from home, there's a number of opportunities that you can help those in need. Websites such as Global Volunteers and Charity Guide have a number of opportunities that last from one week up to longer-term vacations if you're on a sabbatical or are lucky enough to live in a country where 3-month holidays are the norm.

Major travel companies are getting involved in volunteer vacations as well: Travelocity has a Travel for Good program and is offering two "Change Ambassadors Grants" of $5,000 each to sponsor those who want to volunteer but cannot go without financial assistance. If you can pay for your own volunteer vacation, check with the organizer to see if your expenses are tax-deductible.

The options are vast, but below is a short guide to various volunteer opportunities to consider:

• Want to save the environment? Check out the Sierra Club's National Outings program.
  
• Love animals? You could save the turtles in Costa Rica or help care for elephants in Thailand. And don't forget that your local SPCA needs volunteers, too!
  
• Staying closer to home? Check out Take Pride America for opportunities close to you.
• Are you job-seeking and looking to utilize your business skills while volunteering? There's many small business owners locally and abroad who could use your skills building their businesses. Check out the work of organizations like ACDI/VOCA.
• Help kids learn a new language: Programs like i-to-i offer English teaching opportunities abroad. Consider it a two-way street and maybe they can teach you a few local phrases as well.
  

If you are still doubtful, think of it this way: when you add volunteering to your vacation itinerary, won't your friends and family actually want to see your vacation photos when you return?