1. Mission

The point of being a volunteer on an eco-friendly vacation is because you have a conscience or concern for the environment or the plight of disadvantaged peoples. It follows therefore that the mission statement of the company or project you travel with/to is consistent with your ideals. You can research organizations on platforms like Volunteer Forever to check the funding sources, how the project destinations are chosen and what needs the organization is addressing.

2. Funding

You want to know that the money you pay for your volunteer vacation is going to be put to good use so check where your money goes. Reputable charities are willing to disclose this and often in good detail. Transparency is key when choosing who to trust with your contribution.

3. Results

Unless it is a brand new project, which you might want to steer clear of for your first volunteer vacation, charities are usually very proud of the work they do so you should be able to find information about the results that have been achieved and how situations have been improved by previous volunteers.

4. Price

An eco-friendly vacation might not come cheap – after all you are buying the experience of a lifetime but it is essential to know exactly what you are paying for. Beyond the base cost, don't forget to pack essential items for your trip that might be hard to find at your destination. The other thing to consider, given the potential destinations on offer, is evacuation insurance. Your chosen destination might be in an earthquake zone or subject to hurricanes or tsunamis, so having a plan with a provider like World Nomads is highly recommended.

5. Refunds

Check the policy on refunds. You will undoubtedly lose some or all of your deposit if your eco-friendly vacation is cancelled. Check your travel insurance carefully for any risks and hazards it excludes to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises later.

6. Home Comforts

Part of knowing what your money buys you are the details of where you will be staying and what the meal arrangements are. As you a taking a volunteer vacation plush hotels won’t feature but camping, dormitories, cheap hostels or even local family homes will. Maid and room service will be non-existent and you’ll probably be expected to «muck-in» as a matter of course.

7. Safety

You definitely need to know what safety precautions are in place, for example, evacuation procedures. Also, check that you will have access to a medical facility. Safety should always be your top priority, even when you're focused on helping others.

8. Tax

This may seem an odd inclusion given that the reasons for being a volunteer on an eco friendly vacation are altruistic but if a tax break makes the trip more affordable then it’s a valid consideration. If the trip is with a non-profit organization, it is a tax benefit. If your trip is in North America you can deduct the cost of your flight as long as you spend half the time of the trip volunteering. If you volunteer abroad, the deduction is based on a percentage of the airfare according to the proportion of time spent volunteering. However, tax laws change frequently, so be sure to check the latest IRS guidelines or consult a professional to see what applies to your situation.

Quick Volunteer Checklist:

There is now a huge quantity and variety of voluntourism vacations available and it is a fantastic way to see the world, get an insight into different cultures and habitats and make a bit of difference. It is one of those experiences where you get out as much as you put in so take note of these Eco-Friendly Vacation Pointers and be prepared for the trip of a lifetime.