Giving Back to the World: Frommer’s 500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference

Posted on 29. Nov, 2009 by in Resources

If you are reading this then you are probably in the lucky position of being one of the wealthier people in the world. Even if you feel like you are scraping by, we travelers lead an extremely privileged life compared to many of the people in nations we visit. This is why many travelers choose to give something back by volunteering on their travels.

It’s always been my plan to incorporate some volunteering while on my trip next year, but I really didn’t know where to start looking for programs. I was psyched when Frommer’s very graciously sent me a free copy of their new guide, 500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference.

From the back:

“This guidebook leads you to places around the globe where you can serve communities while exploring them in a unique, connected way.”

The books is organized into chapters like “Healing the Environment,” “Scientific Research” and “Peace-building.”  From there it’s further divided into sub categories like “tree planting” or “clean water projects.” This makes it easy to quickly zero in on what programs might interest you. There is also an appendix that lists programs by country.

Each entry has several in depth paragraphs on the program, living situation and work involved. It also lists phone and web contact information for follow up. It even includes a section on nearby tourist attractions so you can make the most of your visit. The projects are diverse both in geography and content.

Despite having 500 projects total, the book only lists a few in each section. So if you are specifically looking for an education program in Indonesia, you may be out of luck. If you are looking for something very specific you may be better off with an internet search or a country specific book. If however you are trying to brainstorm or get an idea of what is out there, this is a great resource to learn about the variety of opportunities available to young travelers.

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4 Responses to “Giving Back to the World: Frommer’s 500 Places Where You Can Make a Difference”

  1. Candice

    30. Nov, 2009

    Oooh awesome resource Steph, thanks. When I plan my trip I went to spend some time working on a wildlife reserve. Sweet!
    .-= Candice´s last blog ..Jingle Bells, Batman Smells =-.

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  2. Nancy

    02. Dec, 2009

    Thanks for the heads up. I’ll check that out the next time I’m in Barnes. :)
    .-= Nancy´s last blog ..Photo Quiz-Where is This? =-.

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  3. Rachel

    02. Jun, 2010

    I just stumbled across your blog and love this post! I am planning a holiday/volunteer mission to Peru this October and hope to volunteer at an orphanage just outside of Lima called La Sagrada Familia. I’ll definitely pick up this book for more opportunities! Wonderful blog. Check out my blog on foodie adventures across the globe!
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Ode to the empanada =-.

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    • Steph

      02. Jun, 2010

      That’s great Rachel! Sounds like you will have some neat experiences.

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