Adventure Through Uganda

Uganda, often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, is known for its hospitality to visitors, extraordinary wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. On this trip, travelers will begin to explore Uganda in the colonial town of Jinja which sits where the White Nile river begins flowing into the Mediterranean. Before leaving the town, travelers will have the chance to tube down the Nile and go on a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria. The next day, travelers will head to Mount Elgon National Park. This area is known for Bugisu Arabic coffee and travelers will have the opportunity to go on a coffee tour to learn about the coffee farming process. Next, travelers will head to Sipi Falls on the edge of the park and enjoy a scenic hike before venturing west to Murchison Falls National Park. Here, travelers will enjoy some free time and have the opportunity to swim and explore before an evening game drive in the park. Travelers will then enjoy a boat trip to Murchison Falls the next day to take in the gorgeous waterfall. Travelers will even get to hike to the top of Murchison Falls to view the beautiful landscape before driving to Kibale Forest. This forest is known for being home to Old World primates and travelers will also get a view of the Rwenzori Mountains (also called the Mountains of the Moon) on the way. Travelers will also have the chance to go chimpanzee tracking in the park and even enjoy a guided hike. The next day, travelers will go to Queen Elizabeth National Park and go on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which links Lake Edward and Lake George. Travelers will also go on another game drive in the park before heading south to see the Ugandan countryside and the mist-shrouded Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Before the trip is over, travelers will get to see even more gorillas, hike Lake Bunyonyi, and go on a cycling safari to see even more of Uganda!tarting at $6,140 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, and accommodation will be included.

Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.

Explore Mount Everest’s Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes

Mount Everest, the highest point on earth, is one of the Himalayas of southern Asia. The peak is on the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet; it rises to a height of more than 29,000 feet(8,840 meters). Some Tibetan-speaking peoples live in the valleys at the bottom of the mountain. The best known are the Sherpa; they live in villages at altitudes up to 14,000 feet (4,300 meters). On arrival day, travelers depart Tribhuvan Airport and be driven to their B&B in Thamel. Everyone can get to know each other and their leaders over dinner. After taking in sights at Ramechhap, everyone will take a flight to Lukla, where the EBC trek begins. From there, everyone will head toward the village of Phakding with many sights and sounds to be witnessed. Onward to Namche Bazaar, the biggest town in the Khumbu region. There is a breathtaking view of the mountain Ama Dablam. You can’t miss it! On acclimatization day, everyone can explore the Sherpa Museum and Namche Monastery. On the way to Tengboche, the group can see forest paths, traditional villages, suspension bridges, and snow capped peaks. After visiting Dingboche and Lobuche, everyone will make it to the Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters). At Kala Patthar, everyone can take in a great view of iconic Everest. Stop at Dzongla, then cross Cho Pass; there are incredible panoramic views to be seen here (at 5,420 m). Onward to Gokyo; an important wetland for migratory birds. At Gokyo Peak, everyone can see four of the world’s 14 peaks reaching above 8000 meters. Trek to Namche Bazaar, with a several picturesque sights along the way including villages like Dole. After coming back to Lukla, everyone will fly back to Ramechhap. From there, the group will be driven back to Kathmandu. Everyone can take the time to go on a tour or go sightseeing before departure. Leave on the final day.

Follow Alice is an outfitter focused on adventure trips worldwide. All guides are local and 70% of all trip prices stay in the local economy. The company started in 2014 when the cofounder Reto climbed Kilimanjaro with Chris, a local Tanzanian guide, and the two teamed up to form Follow Alice.

Hike the Jomolhari Trail and See the Best of Bhutan

The Jomolhari Trek in Bhutan is a great combination of high altitude hiking and rugged trekking that can be completed in a relatively short time span. The altitude on the trek changes from 2,500m to 4,940m. It spends about ten days in a high alpine environment deep within the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Paro, a local leader will meet and drive travelers to the hotel. After visiting Drukgyel Dzong, there are lots of rice terraces and forests to be seen; everyone will visit Gunyitsawa: the last stop before Tibet. Stop past Sharma Zampa at a camping ground. The trail will follow the Paro River past Soi Thangthangka to the camping site of Jangothang. After climbing the first ridge, travelers can expect a immersive view of Mt Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserim Khang. Descend to the campsite at Lingshi. After descending the Mo Chu Valley, everyone will end up in Yeli La. Follow the river downstream to the meadow camp of Shodu. Onward to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, then trek to Thimphu Chhu. Everyone will follow a river southward to the road of Dodena to Thimphu: the capital of Bhutan. Everyone will visit Buddha point and see a great view of Thimpu valley.  Onward to Gangtey, which includes a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. After exploring Gangtey village, everyone will visit Gangtey Goempa: the largest  Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Gangtey Nature Trail is a 2 hour trek that introduces travelers to the Phobjikha valley. Onward to Tangjey Lhakhang, where the trek includes bamboo stands, vegetation fields, orchards, and Kilkhorthang village; it dates back to the early 1500’s! On the way to Punakha, everyone will see Chimi Lhakhang, aka the Temple of Fertility. Upon reaching Punakha, everyone will have a day to explore the town. Onward to Paro. En route everyone will visit Simtokha Dzong, the country's oldest fortress. Hike to Taktshang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest) on the second to last day. Everyone will have a chance to learn about it’s history. Depart on the final day.

FollowAlice is one of the only travel companies worldwide with perfect 5* reviews. The company provides travelers with local guides while 70% of the trip stays in the local economy. Local guides look over the group in every way; their goal is to give every traveler the feeling they get when a friend shows them their country.

Discover the Annapurna Circuit: Trekking Adventure in Nepal

Nepal, known for Mount Everest, is also home to the Annapurna Circuit, a trek lasting 8 to 21 days with moderate to challenging difficulty. Around two-thirds of trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region, attracted by its easy accessibility, numerous teahouses, stunning scenery, and rich cultural experiences. Travelers are picked up from Tribhuvan International Airport and taken to their hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. A welcome dinner offers a chance to meet fellow trekkers and the local guide. The journey begins with a drive through villages and farms to Koto. After exploring the Phu Valley, the group stays overnight in the village of Meta. The next stop is the village of Kayang, followed by an overnight stay in Phu, where travelers can explore its alleyways and community. A five-hour hike leads to Nar Valley near Lampa Cho Dzong, and the night is spent at Nar Phedi monastery, with dinner provided by the nuns. Nar Phedi features stone buildings and terraced fields. In Braga village, trekkers can visit the local monastery. Manang offers lodges, cafes, and shops. The trek continues through Tenki village and into Jarsang Valley. Yak Kharka provides excellent mountain views, and trekkers will follow the Jarsang River before reaching Thorung La, the highest point of the trek. After summiting Thorung La, the group descends to Ranipauwa and drives to Jomsom. In Pokhara, travelers can enjoy a spa day and explore local sights. The following day is spent discovering Kathmandu before departing on the final day.

Follow Alice is a premier adventure travel company known for its impeccable 5-star reviews and commitment to sustainable tourism. They offer carefully curated trips to destinations like Rwanda, led by expert local guides who ensure 70% of the trip's revenrue stays within the local economy. Their team, a blend of international travel enthusiasts and local entrepreneurs, is dedicated to providing an authentic, enriching experience. From the moment you book to the time you depart, they handle all the details, even offering payment options like cryptocurrency. With Follow Alice, you're not just a traveler; you're a welcomed guest, exploring the world as if guided by a friend.

Volunteer at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia

Help care for rescued and endangered animals on this GoEco volunteer trip. Located at one of Australia’s highest regarded animal sanctuaries, travelers will spend quality time with koalas, kangaroos and other local wildlife. Days are split between mornings focused on animal care and afternoons spent working on bush restoration and habitat rehabilitation. After volunteering at the sanctuary all day, nights and weekends can be spent exploring nearby Sydney and its beautiful Bondi Beach or Australia’s famous Blue Mountains, which can be visited on a scenic train journey with fellow volunteers. 

This trip begins at $1,240 for one week, but volunteers are encouraged to spend up to four weeks at the sanctuary, with the fourth week free. Meals, in-country transportation, accommodation and cultural activities are all included in the trip price.

Explore Central America

Guatemala with its tropical climate, giant mountains and vast lakes, is known for its natural wonders. This trip begins in Antigua, home to the Santa Catalina Arch and the Hill of the Cross. This Guatemalan city is famous for being one of the best places to study Spanish and has gorgeous scenery, including views of volcanoes. From there, travelers will head East to Honduras, a country full of Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches. Travelers' first stop in Honduras are the ruins of Copan, a historic Mayan town. Here, they can visit the Luna Jaguar hot springs or go on a tour of the ruins. Travelers will then cross into El Salvador, visit Suchitoto, and then head to La Libertad Region, an area full of beach towns where the group can relax or take a surf lesson. After this, travelers will venture into Leon, Nicaragua’s commercial and agricultural center. The next stop in Nicaragua is Granada, a city full of colorful buildings and one of the oldest occupied colonial cities. Here, travelers can hike and explore, go on a day excursion to Masaya Volcano, visit Mi Museo Cultural Museum, or visit Laguna de Apoyo. Travelers will then enter Costa Rica, a country known for its biodiversity with features such as beaches, volcanoes and rainforests. They will visit Isla de Ometepe here, which is known for its petroglyphs and stone idols. Travelers can go to Ojo de Agua swimming hole, visit beaches or go hiking. Next, travelers will visit Monteverde and its cloud forests. The mountainous Monteverde is home to the highest concentration of orchids on Earth. While here, travelers can go zip lining, visit a butterfly garden, go horseback riding or take a coffee plantation tour. Before the trip concludes, travelers will see La Fortuna. They can participate in a Venado Caves Exploration, go on a wildlife refuge tour, or swim in La Fortuna waterfalls. This trip ends in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where travelers can explore the city and even go rafting on the Sarapiqui River before departure.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is a 17 day trip and costs $1,679.

Experience India

This trip begins in Delhi, the capital of India, before travelers train to Agra, a city famous for its history and landmarks. Once in Agra, travelers will have the chance to tour the 17th century Mughal mausoleum of the Taj Mahal and visit Agra Fort, the main royal residence of the Mughal empire for over a century. Travelers will then visit the Pink City of Jaipur, the largest city in Rajasthan, a state known for its forts, temples and palaces. Here, travelers can go on a balloon ride, visit the Jaipur Observatory or tour Amber Fort. Next, travelers will go to Tordi Sagar, where they will be able to go on a tour of the historic local village. They will also have the opportunity to go on a camel cart ride, a cycling tour, or a safari. Then, travelers will visit the city of Pushkar, where they can join a Savitri Temple sunrise hike, have a traditional dinner in the desert and enjoy a yoga class. Next, travelers will take a train to Udaipur, a city of lakes and palaces known for its history, culture, and scenery. Visitors can visit the Monsoon Palace, the Jagadish Temple and much more here. The next stop is Mumbai, the wealthiest and most populous city in India, famous for its large markets, beaches and incredible buildings. The last stop on the trip is Goa, ranked by National Geographic travel as the 6th best city for nightlife in the world. Travelers can visit the famous churches of Old Goa and enjoy the city’s white beaches.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is a 15 day trip and costs $895.

Volunteer in a Community Garden in Colombia

Medellin,the capital city of Colombia’s Antioquia province, is sometimes called the “City of Eternal Spring” and is known for its flower-growing and festivals. The city is also famous for its friendly people and natural beauty. On this trip, volunteers will help local organizations transform neglected areas of Medellin into gardens to produce fruits, vegetables, and herbs, all of which will later be shared with the local community to help families live healthier lifestyles. Additionally, they assist in landscaping and producing organic fertilizers, as well as supporting environmental workshops, marketing, and fundraising. Other projects include painting, clearing areas for the creation of new gardens, and assisting staff with workshops to present to educational institutions. Volunteers will work up to seven hours a day in the community gardens and will also have ample time to enjoy the gorgeous city of Medellin.

This is a minimum 1 week and maximum 24 week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. IVHQ is a leading volunteer travel organization, offering sustainable and community-oriented experiences all around the globe. This trip costs $345 for one week and $4,712 for 12 weeks.

Volunteer to Help Abandoned Animals in Ecuador

Ecuador is a megadiverse country, with around 23,056 identified plant and animal species, and an estimated 6.1% of all animal species worldwide. Animal protection is codified in the nation’s constitution, but many still face individual and ecosystem-wide dangers. In 2020, the Secretary of Health reported an increase in abandoned animals, from one to ten cases per day in the same year, with the abandonment of dogs going up by 90% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that there are around 600,000 lost animals in Quito alone, with dogs making up approximately 125,000 of those. Volunteers can work in a treatment center in Santa Elena that looks after sick wildlife and marine animals. This haven looks after marine animals, including fish, turtles, crocodiles and exotic birds. Participants can work closely with a local veterinarian to assist with treatment and other tasks. Duties include assisting with surgeries, giving vaccines, general medical treatment, and general center tasks. It’s recommended for volunteers to bring their own supplies, including gloves, stethoscopes, and other necessary equipment. Participants will get hands-on, professional experience, develop their communication skills, and immerse themselves in Ecuadorian culture.

This is a minimum one-week and maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. IVHQ is a leading volunteer travel organization, offering sustainable and community-oriented experiences all around the globe. This project costs $430 for one week and $1,970 for 12 weeks. Accommodation, breakfasts and 24/7 in-country support are all included.

Volunteer to help in the Peruvian Amazon

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches and rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River and the historical Incan settlement of Machu Picchu. In fact, the Peruvian Amazon is the second-largest stretch of the Amazon and includes thousands of different animal species. The forest’s tropical climate also has lots of the country’s natural resources. However, construction and commercial mining have led to the deforestation of the Peruvian Amazon, which threatens the unique and endangered species that live there. Volunteers will work to plant trees, monitor animals and remove non-native species to combat deforestation. Additionally, volunteers will get to learn about the tree species of the Peruvian Amazon and its inhabitants. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and  costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, four-to-six hours per day (Sunday to Thursday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Dental Care Volunteering in Costa Rica

Dental work in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the US or Canada. Low dental treatment costs in the country allow one to save up to seventy percent! Costa Rica prides itself on having well-educated dentists, with a minimum of five years' training before graduation. It’s also worth noting that many dental surgeons speak English. Despite Costa Rica’s developed healthcare system there is still a large inconsistency between patients’ needs and the care they receive. International volunteers can become a tremendous benefit to local dental professionals that work with limited resources, funding and support staff. Participants can assist dentists and dental hygienists during consultations, cleanings and treatments. They will help prepare materials, sanitize tools and manage patient care. In addition, volunteers can educate low-income communities about dental hygiene.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are backed by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one to four weeks and costs $745 for one week, and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, meals, three to four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Create Impact in Croatia

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia and is known for being a gorgeous coastal town with numerous historical sites. Lots of people visit the city to see the ruins of the Palace of Diocletian along with other historical residences and churches, with the city’s old architecture beautifully set against the coast. On this trip, volunteers will work with the Content Creator For Impact project to run campaigns and create awareness about important social issues. They will also help local NGOs work to take action on a number of issues such as women’s rights, marine conservation, and environmental issues. Additionally, volunteers will work with design software to conduct tasks such as creating infographics, designing brochures, editing videos, and building animations.

This is a minimum 2 week and maximum 12 weeks trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $1100 for two weeks and $5,200 for 12 weeks.

HELP GROW ORGANIC COSTA RICAN COFFEE

With a tropical climate and gorgeous scenery, Costa Rica, Spanish for “rich coast,” lives up to its name. The Central American country is filled with National Parks that provide activities such as hiking, river rafting, zip lining and cave tubing. Aside from its National Parks, Costa Rica is known for its varying landscapes as the country has beaches, volcanos, rainforests and mangrove wetlands. In addition to its gorgeous scenery and the rich soil it provides, Costa Rica is famous for its shade-grown coffee plantations. Coffee is one of the country's most vital agricultural exports and generates much of its revenue. With this program, volunteers will help to keep such farming sustainable and will get to work with local coffee growers. Volunteers will experience each step of the coffee farming and production process and help with weeding, planting shade trees, and roasting and packaging the coffee while working to educate communities about responsible farming and reforestation.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. For this program, volunteers will be located in either the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Brunca region of the Talamanca mountains. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $745 for one week and $1565 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, three-to-four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number, and accommodation are included.

Volunteer to Work on an Alpaca Farm in Peru

Peru is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world and has a stunning variety of landscapes, from mountains to beaches to rainforests. The country is home to the source of the Amazon River, as well as the historical Machu Picchu and over seventy percent of the world’s alpaca population. In fact, Peru’s alpacas provide the country’s residents with food and clothing, and even have a religious significance to Peruvians. Cusco, an ancient city closely associated with the Incas, is famous for its grand main square with buildings that have terracotta-tile roofs and cobbled streets. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at a private farm thirty minutes from Cusco to care for alpacas and llamas. Additionally, volunteers will work with the cleaning and maintenance of the animals and will get to see the farm’s process of turning the alpaca and llama wool into traditional Peruvian textiles.

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program has the goal of helping communities while giving volunteers a one-in-a-lifetime experience. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams, and 24/7 in-country support. This project ranges from one-to-four weeks and costs $685 for one week and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, three-to-four hours per day practical work (Monday-Friday), letter of recommendation, emergency contact number and accommodation are included.

Climb the Inca Trail and Experience Machu Picchu

The Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu, Quechua for ‘Realm of Four Parts’) was a powerful ancient civilization. Most of its history is shrouded in legend, but it is thought that the Incas were originally a pastoral tribe who may have arrived in Peru and built their capital, Cusco, around 1100 AD. From there they grew in power, and invaded and seized control of the surrounding areas. Their power was eventually crushed by civil war, disease, and invasion by Spanish explorers and conquistadors in the 16th century. This award-winning 14-day Inca Trail Tour begins in Lima and finishes in Cusco. After arriving, the travel group meets and enjoys a group night out on the town. Together, they visit local bars and restaurants before taking a bus the next day to Nazca. They can experience a traditional Pachamanca dinner before catching another overnight bus to Arequipa, the “White City.” Travelers can enjoy its history and architecture, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery and enjoy the local cuisine, including alpaca, shrimp, pork and soup. The next day includes a full-day tour and an overnight excursion to the Colca Valley and Colca Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the world and an excellent venue to see Andean condors flying. From here, travelers journey by overnight bus to Cusco before heading to the Sacred Valley, the site of the Ccaccaccollo community center, and the women’s weaving cooperative, where travelers can see local garment weaving and dying techniques. Travelers stay overnight in local community homestays before journeying through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo. Here, they can take a Sacred Valley tour to visit the Pisac ruins, a local market and the Ollantaytambo ruins. The next three days are spent hiking the Inca Trail. It passes through Warmiwanusca, known as Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point of the Inca Trail and named for its notable rock-formed silhouette of a woman lying down. The trail traverses two more passes to the Inca ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds," an archaeological site so named due to its high altitude. The final day begins before dawn with a hike to Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca citadel and UNESCO Heritage site and an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power. The tour concludes with a bus journey to Aguas Calientes and a train ride back to Cusco.

This is a G Adventures 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip catering to 18–39-year-old travelers. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. Starting at $1,519 per person, this experience lasts over the course of 14 days. Transportation between destinations, some meals, the Inca Trail hike with local guides, cooks, and porters, a guided tour of Machu Picchu, and accommodation will be included.

Volunteer to Help Educate Women in Kenya

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is considered the nation’s safari capital. This vibrant city is known for its cultural diversity and is home to beautiful scenery and Nairobi National Park. While in Nairobi, volunteers will work in women’s centers to promote women's education and empowerment through income-generating projects. Volunteers will also help women in under-resourced communities and centers affected by HIV/AIDS. This trip is perfect for those interested in arts and crafts, as volunteering can include sewing, candle-making, jewelry making, and finance and business management courses.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 12-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $337 for one week and $4045 for 12 weeks.

Practice Sustainable Farming in Peru

Peru is a tropical country, with more than half of its territory covered by the Amazon, the largest rainforest in the world. It is also home to the Andes, the planet’s second-highest mountain range. It was here that the Inca Empire was established 600 years ago, which thrived until its conquest by the Spanish in 1532. Today’s Peruvian economy has a strong reliance on agriculture. Several NGOs and farming cooperatives are currently trying to incorporate organic, sustainable and traditional practices into their farming operations. On this trip, volunteers are sent to the Sacred Valley and the Huyro Region in the highlands of the Amazonian rainforest. They will help local tea, coffee and cacao growers in a collective farming project. The famously fertile Sacred Valley is rich in Inca history and has been an agricultural site for hundreds of years. Volunteers can visit many Inca ruins including Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the New World and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is thought to have been built around 1450 and remains an impressive testament to the Inca Empire’s power and architectural prowess. 

This Maximo Nivel volunteer program aims to give volunteers a life-changing experience while positively impacting local communities. All Maximo Nivel volunteer programs are supported by professional program managers, multilingual teams and 24/7 in-country support. This project costs $685 for one week, $945 for two weeks, $1125 for three weeks , and $1295 for four weeks. Airport transfers, breakfast and dinners, 3–4 hours per day of practical work (Monday–Friday), letters of recommendation, an emergency contact number and accommodation will be included.

Volunteer to Help Animal Shelters in South Africa

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and a popular tourist destination. The city is home to Table Mountain, a famous plateau that resembles a tabletop, and gorgeous natural scenery heightened by its location between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In Cape Town, volunteers will work at a local animal shelter in the Grassy Park community. Volunteers will help run the shelter, care for abandoned animals, and help with the animals’ medications and injections. Additionally, volunteers will assist with animal cleaning and feeding to gain animal care experience.

This is a minimum one-week trip and a maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation, and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $247 for two weeks and $5928 for 24 weeks.

Volunteer to Help Conserve Peru’s Rainforests

Peru is a land of contrasts. The country is home to mountain systems, arid deserts and coastal plains, and its three prominent topographical bands are Costa, Sierra and Amazonia. The Amazon Rainforest covers almost two-thirds of Peru, about 60% of the nation's territory! The Peruvian Amazon is home to over 1,800 species of birds, 700 kinds of fish, 500 types of mammals, and over 300 reptile species. Ecotourism has become an essential industry in Peru; the nation has a higher percentage of protected land than any other country in South America. Specifically, there are fifty-three protected areas throughout the country. This includes national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and reserved zones. Volunteers can help with a wide range of conservation activities that add to preserving Peru’s climate and animals. Participants will be based in the heart of the jungle, where they will receive a different kind of insight into Peru’s rich biodiversity. Tasks include (but are not limited to) reforestation, home-based maintenance, research projects, trail conservation and animal inventories. Volunteers will immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and gain conservation and research experience, all while making a difference in the nation's ecosystem.

This is a minimum two-week and maximum 24-week trip offered by International Volunteer HQ. All IVHQ volunteer programs include airport pickup and accommodation, program orientation and 24-hour IVHQ staff support. This project costs $805 for two weeks and $6,750 for 24 weeks.

Travel Across Europe, From Amsterdam to Dubrovnik

On this trip, travelers will venture from the Netherlands to Croatia,  13 of Europe’s most renowned cities. Starting from Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands and once the wealthiest city in Western Europe, travelers will voyage to Berlin and explore the city’s cultural centers and historical sites. They will then stop in Dresden before moving on to Prague, the Czech capital which has for centuries been a cultural and economic hub of Central Europe. Travelers will have the opportunity to witness many of the historic city’s most fascinating sites, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall. After enjoying the architecture and cuisine of Prague, travelers will make their way to Vienna, stopping along the way at Český Krumlov, a picturesque town in Southern Bohemia. While in Vienna, travelers can visit world-famous museums and explore the scenic countryside before returning to Germany to experience Salzburg and Munich. Moving South, travelers will spend two nights in Venice, exploring the erstwhile republic’s famous squares and canals. Before leaving Italy, travelers will visit Florence, where they can enjoy some of the best cuisine in the nation in restaurants and on food tours, and will spend two nights in Rome exploring the stunning art and architecture of the Eternal City. Travelers will then arrive in Croatia and experience the culture of Split, the largest city on the Croatian coast. Originally founded as a Greek colony around the 2nd century BCE, the city is now recognized as a cultural center of the nation and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers will take a Hydrofoil sailing trip to Korčula, an island in the Adriatic Sea, where they will tour its Old Town and enjoy fresh seafood on the coast. Finally, travelers will go by boat to Dubrovnik, where they will spend one more free day before returning home.

This 23-day Roamie starts at $4,099 and includes accommodations, transportation, various activities, and 21 meals. G Adventures partners with Hostelworld to organize Roamies, which are flexible small-group trips for travelers ages 18-35, who stay in hostels and receive an immersive travel experience.