Showing posts with label how to help others on vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how to help others on vacation. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Volunteering on Vacation or in Retirement - Improve Your Life and the Lives of Others


You can help others when you go on vacation!
This month we have a delightful guest post from freelance writer Jenn Walker. Have you ever wondered how you could use your vacation time or retirement years to have a fabulous experience you will remember the rest of your life, while helping to improve the world at the same time?  There are organizations to help you plan the best trip of a lifetime for you.

In addition to the programs listed below, you can also check with your religious organization or national charities and public service organization to learn more ways you can volunteer to help others during your next vacation.  You can make a difference! 


Using Vacation to Volunteer During Retirement

by Jenn Walker

Volunteering on vacation can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to spend your retirement years. Not only does it allow you to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the world, but it can also be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and experience different cultures. There are many organizations which offer volunteer opportunities for people who are retired and looking to make a difference while on vacation. Plan your next break from your senior living campus, and check out some great examples below.

GoEco

GoEco is a well-respected ecotourism company that was founded by experienced volunteers in 2006. The organization has a strong commitment to safety and quality and has been recommended by reputable sources such as the Boston Globe and USA Today. GoEco has placed over 15,000 volunteers in programs around the world in their first 15 years of operation and has more than 150 initiatives to choose from. They offer a range of volunteer abroad opportunities that are suitable for senior citizen volunteers and retirees, including projects specifically designed for mature volunteers.

One exciting opportunity they offer is a chance to volunteer at a Bali Sea Turtle Rescue. This program allows you to work closely with sea turtles and contribute to conservation efforts. Daily tasks include cleaning and feeding the turtles at the center, as well as helping with public outreach and collecting turtle eggs that have been saved by fishermen.

Located just next to Bali, Nusa Penida is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning natural surroundings. You'll have the opportunity to stay in a volunteer house that is conveniently located near all the action. During your free time, you can take advantage of the island's many attractions and enjoy the local culture. This program starts at $980 for two weeks and is a great way to make a positive impact while also experiencing a new and exciting destination.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)

VolSol is a top-rated organization that offers volunteer opportunities for seniors overseas. Established in 2007, VolSol has provided meaningful placements for over 17,000 volunteers on over 150 projects in 25+ countries worldwide. The organization has affordable pricing, with projects starting at $200, and also offers travel insurance for just $12 per week. If you are a senior looking for a fulfilling and impactful volunteer experience abroad, Volunteering Solutions is definitely worth considering.

One example of their amazing programs is a chance to teach English at a nursery, primary, or secondary school in Zanzibar. Schools in this region often face challenges such as a lack of resources and a lack of development in their curricula, making it an area where volunteers can make a significant difference.

If you have a background in education, you can use your skills to teach basic subjects like English and math to students. As a volunteer, you will be responsible for tasks such as preparing lesson plans, assisting teachers with lessons, helping with administrative tasks like reception and translation, creating tests, and introducing new teaching methods. In addition to volunteering, you will have time to explore the local culture and try Tanzanian cuisine.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad is a well-respected volunteer travel organization that has been operating for over 25 years and offers programs in a variety of locations, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the South Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Each year, the organization sends more than 10,000 volunteers to high-quality programs in areas such as archaeology, teaching, child care, medical assistance, and more. If you are 50 or older and looking for a meaningful and impactful way to spend your retirement or career break, Projects Abroad Grown-up Specials may be a perfect fit for you.

Grown-up Specials are designed specifically for older volunteers who want to make a difference globally. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, you can share your skills with communities around the world through activities such as teaching English, protecting the environment, and renovating schools. These trips are a great opportunity to make new friends and connections while experiencing a new culture. The itineraries for these trips are carefully designed to provide a balance between altruistic, cultural, and leisure activities, giving you a well-rounded experience of the country you visit. Projects Abroad will help you every step of the way to ensure that you have a smooth and rewarding experience.



About this Week's Guest Author:

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

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The owner of this blog has personally followed important retirement advice, encouraging my readers to have a "side-gig," by starting my own Etsy store, DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com, and I frequently advertise some of my products on this blog as well as other places. Learning the technological skills to keep this business going has been great for me mentally.  I hope you will visit my shop when you have a chance.  I now have hundreds of gifts listed there.  Among the items you will find there are fun retirement gifts and travel souvenirs, especially for Southern California, like the tranquil, fully lined, elegant beach tote back with "Easy Does It" written in the sky.  The photo was taken in Laguna Beach, California, but it could be almost any tropical scene!

 
Buy tote at DeborahDianGifts.etsy.com
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Photo credits:  Jenn Walker, deborahdiangifts.etsy.com, DeborahDian's personal photo library