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How Elevate Destination’s “Buy a Trip, Give a Trip” model is changing the face of voluntourism

Eco-friendly, animal-friendly voluntourism.

A new port opens in the Dominican Republic, plus news from Royal Caribbean, Silversea, and more

Taking a gap year—a pre-college detour to travel and/or work—isn’t just a European and Australian thing anymore.

Known as “Everyman’s Everest,” the journey to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t easy but can be done by almost anyone who prepares and commits to the challenge. This beautiful trip brings travelers through five eco-zones ranging from lush to arid to glacial. I generally guide people on 7-8 days journeys on the Machame route, which is considered the most beautiful route and away from most of the crowds. Before the climb, we take cultural tours though the foothill villages to experience local lifestyle. After the climb, World Wide Trekking offers voluntourism opportunities at our Human Outreach Project in Tanzania. At the Kilimanjaro Kids Community orphanage, many adventurers choose to bring a rich humanitarian dimension to their African experience.

Many visitors in India find themselves wanting to help ameliorate some of the issues—poverty, homelessness, and hunger chief among them—that they witness, especially when they see how these problems affect children. Shikshangram Shelter for Children offers travelers the opportunity to have hands-on experiences through voluntourism. Typical volunteer vacation experiences also include excursions to see top cultural, historical, and spiritual attractions. The shelter offers several options for short-term visitors.