Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others

I got this book for my son who is looking for something more rewarding to do with his summer break this year. This book is filled with practical information that will be helpful to anyone who is interested in Volunteer Vacations but unsure where to start. I especially liked the section with first-hand experienced in journal form from past volunteers. Going through this book with my son is proving to be a good eye opener and an excellent resource to help him find the sort of experience that will be best suited to his interests and comfort level.

I have bought this book twice... I lost my first copy and needed another one. This book is absolutely indespensible for me. It is so well organized, with indexes ranging from seasons to cost to type of work. I'm a bit of a penny pincher and I've never had to pay more than $400 a month to live in a place that is absolutely breath taking. I've used several of the companies the book lists, namely wwoof and volunteers for peace (VFP) and have had great success. I've been fortunate enough to have lived in Guatemala, Thailand, the Galapagos, and Scotland thanks to this book. I really like that every single entry has a webpage to go along with it so you can check exact dates and prices with the agency/farm/company. I highly recommend buying this book for anyone between the ages of 18-30 though they have some excellent projects for seasoned professionals as well.

***** I bought this book out of curiosity and was amazed at the variety of opportunities available to travel and contribute throughout the world. The book is a compendium of opportunities of every imaginable type, an incredible resource if you're even thinking about a taking a vacation in which you volunteer. Each opportunity contains all contact information, include web site, the types of projects available, organization mission statements, the year founded, the number of volunteers last year (so that you can see the scope of the program), funding sources, what kind of work the organization does, project locations, time line (when and for how long commitments are made), cost (including arrangements that must be made like medical examinations), how to get started, needed skills, and the specific populations that could qualify. The book is very friendly to those with limitations (for example, sight limitations, physical agility, etc.). There are also stories throughout the book from volunteers about their actual experiences while volunteering. There is a section on long-term volunteering opportunities. There are four indexes: by project cost, project length, location, season, and type. It is a wonderful book to use to explore what types of things you might like to do, as well as to use as a research base to search out specific opportunities. It is a great value, and an organized way to begin your volunteer journey! Highly recommended. *****

This book was extremely well organized. I was able to quickly sort through for an organization that allowed teens and was for the duration of time we had available. From there, it was easy to go on the specific websites for the pretty pictures. We have just come back from our experience building homes in Costa Rica and can't wait to go again! You will never again feel the need for a beach vacation. It was much more invigorating to give something of yourself.

"The book is bland as far as pictures go...but the info inside makes up for it entirerly! The layout is basic & straight foreward but the websites on each particular job provide pics & other info for interested volunteers. There's a lot more international opportunities in it than in the book "The Back Door Guide to Short Term Job Adventures". I love how the book sorts the jobs by cost, length, season, location & type!" I am volunteering in Africa this September with an organization that I saw in this book. I am soooo excited!!!!