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Peter Greenberg Live Chat Transcript: Voluntourism

Read the transcript from our July 12 chat.

by: Peter Greenberg, from: AARP, July 12, 2010

Ask Peter a Question. Do

How to Find the Right Volunteer Vacation for You. Read

The Virtous Vacation: Teaching in Costa Rica. Read

Peter Greenberg Video: Voluntourism. Watch

At Home in the World: The Adventures of Stan and Marcia. Read

Donating Hero Miles to Troops. Read

Lee:
I finally have the time to travel LONG TERM and LONG distance, but the cruise lines are not cooperative with solo rates. Since I can travel with only a few weeks notice, do you suggest calling direct the 2 weeks before sailing? Also are the discount cruise "specialists" that I receive emails from, are they all reputable? Any insight?

Peter:
Hey Lee, good question. In the cruise industry, we've all come to embrace the concept of last minute deals. Check out a number of cruise line consolidators that specialize in last minute deals. One caveat: almost always, they do NOT offer airfare, so my advice is that when you make the deal, always try to book your airfare so that you arrive the day BEFORE your ship sails, and overnight there on land. This way, if the plane is late or the airline loses your luggage, you won't miss the ship--or your bags.

Peter:
Our main topic today is voluntourism, and if timing is everything, the earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and western China, coupled with the massive oil spill in the gulf, are a traveler call to action...and that can mean...YOU. And I'll be glad to discuss in detail the many options you have to do meaningful volunteer vacations, where giving back is the best travel gift you can give yourself.

Caitlyn:
Hello Peter, I am a travel agent in the Los Angeles area who is trying to arrange a volunteer group of 10-20 people to Haiti, for about one week in either August or September. I want to make sure the service project the group would be involved with would be a credible one, dealing with a credible organization. Do you have any guidance on the best way to go about arranging the service on the ground in Haiti, so that the group will be as effective as possible?

Peter:
Hey Caitlyn, the best way to check out one of these groups is to check their tax exempt status as a nonprofit, then how long they've operated, and in what countries. Ask for references from folks who have volunteered on previous trips. And most importantly, find out how much of the money they take in gets returned to those in need. I have a huge problem with any relief organization where 40 percent is spent on administrative costs. At Airline Ambassadors, for example (where, in the interests of full disclosure, I sit on the board), 98 cents of every dollar raised is returned in the form of aid.

Renee:
What are your top volunteer vacation destinations? What areas are popular now?

Peter:
Top volunteer destinations: Costa Rica, Thailand, El Salvador, Peru, and here's a surprise...Australia!

Sheryl:
Isn't Brad Pitt running some sort of volunteer project? I sure wouldn’t mind working on that one! ;)

Peter:
Sheryl, yes he is. In New Orleans. He has been rebuilding homes there now for nearly five years. Hard to believe we're coming up on the fifth anniversary of the Katrina disaster. And Sean Penn has been working tirelessly in Haiti.

Diana:
What is the best way to find out if there is a voluntourism project already created for whatever cause or passion I want to pursue? Is there a website or list of a number of voluntourism opportunities to choose from?

Peter:
Diana, one good way is to go to my website (petergreenberg.com), and we have a comprehensive list of all the relief and aid organizations working in China, Haiti, Chile, and the Gulf.

Roger:
Peter, do you have recommendations for agencies to work for in the western US? Does the National Park Service offer programs?

Peter:
Yes, both the National Park Service and the Sierra Club offer programs, especially in the Western U.S. The National Park Service programs are somewhat more limited in scope and length, however (as in day-long programs at individual parks).

Gretchen:
I've done volunteer trips with Habitat for Humanity and really left feeling like I'd made a (small) difference. Other volunteer vacations I've looked into, though, have all carried pretty hefty price tags. Is it wrong for me to be skeptical about cost? I just keep thinking, "I'm free labor!"

Peter:
As long as the majority of the cost goes back to individual communities or organizations in need, I have no problem. And any reputable organization should be able to show you their financials ahead of time.

Silvie:
What can I do to help in the Gulf? I feel so helpless seeing it on TV.

Peter:
Disaster relief in the Gulf is a mixed bag, since BP is still overseeing so much of the cleanup efforts. However check out Mobilebaykeeper.org and even the Audobon Society at www.ebird.org as well as the ASPCA at www@aspca.org.

Bob:
Hi, Peter. Is any part of my travel cost deductible if I'm doing volunteer work on a vacation?

Peter:
Yes, and each individual organization has a specific formula for letting you know what part of your cost is--and isn't—deductible.

Jenni:
Hi Peter - some groups like Earthwatch say their trips are tax-deductible. How accurate is that and how does it work?

Peter:
It is relatively accurate. I am not a tax attorney nor do I play one on TV, however, you'll need specific advice as to how much of your contribution to Earthwatch (and that also includes airfare) is deductible. And again, each organization can give you a detailed breakdown.

Eugene:
Are there any volunteer travel opportunities you know about that are particularly good for folks with limited mobility?

Peter:
Yes, there are a number of them. We discussed earthwatch, and they have a few. So does Globe Aware (www.globeaware.org). Another great resource is SATH (Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality) at www.sath.org.

Sheryl:
Is there any difference between "voluntourism" and a "volunteer vacation"?

Peter:
Both are interchangeable, however voluntourism seems to indicate a more dedicated approach, whereas volunteer vacation might mean you helped at an orphanage between visits to the spa.

Lee:
Are there long-term opportunities (6 months or more) where room and board would be offered?

Peter:
Yes, there are. Check with Global Volunteers (www.globalvolunteers.org), and they can direct you to a number of teaching opportunities where room and board are often included.

Andy:
I would like to teach in Costa Rica, but I don't speak Spanish. I know this is a dumb question, but does that matter?

Peter:
This might surprise you, but NO! A number of friends of mine have volunteered to teach English (and didn't speak Spanish) and...it worked!

Diana:
Is there a special kind of travel insurance one should purchase if going on a voluntourism program? I mean, aren't there potentially more risks to this type of travel?

Peter:
I am a big fan of medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Medjet Assist offers this, so does Travelguard. It's about $300 annual premium, and it means if you get sick or injured while traveling overseas, they will send a medically equipped plane to fly you back to the doctor and medical facility of YOUR choice. An essential investment, whether you're volunteering or vacationing.

Rick:
Hi - I am an avid scuba diver - are there any volunteer opportunities that could use this skill? I've heard about helping the reefs in Belize.

Peter:
Yes, Earthwatch offers programs where diving or at least snorkeling are used to study Caribbean ecosystems. Check with DEMA, the Dive Equipment Manufacturers Association. They usually have good resources in this area.

Diana:
What voluntourism programs are offered through AARP?

Peter:
Check out www.aarp.org under the “Volunteering” subchannel or "Create the Good" on the AARP website.

Sean:
Are there any projects to help the residents start small businesses or craft production for sale?

Peter:
There are a number of projects in Africa and Central America that do just that. I to I is a group that offers volunteer vacations that involve working with sustainable, locally-run community projects. (www.i-to-i.com).

Bob:
I've done a volunteer vacation with Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Do you know of other animal-rescue organizations that offer volunteer vacations?

Peter:
I really like best friends. Imagine a 35,000 acre ranch in southern Utah funded entirely by donations. It's home to about 1500 homeless dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds...ASPCA.org can refer you to other organizations as well, as can the North Shore Animal League on Long Island in New York.

Steve:
Everyone knows about Haiti and the Gulf--which of course have serious issues. But what are some more remote or lesser known volunteer travel possibilities?

Peter:
Steve, Airline Ambassadors is one of them (www.airlineamb.org), the Cambodian Children’s Fund in Pnomh Penh, and even the American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org) have programs.

Ray:
Any leads for pet rescue in international cities? Italy has soooo many abandoned dogs.

Peter:
Yes, in Turks and Caicos, there's a program for “potcakes,” the name they give homeless dogs. If you go there on vacation and adopt one, they pay for the kennel, the shots, everything, and you leave with the dog! Here's another cool thing: In Aspen, Colorado, the dog shelter there loans you a dog for a day during your vacation--and you know what happens next. You fall in love and then...you take the dog home with you!

Angela Ross:
After the bombing in Uganda yesterday, are there areas where--no matter how much you want to help--Americans should simply avoid?

Peter:
Angela, believe it or not, there are only about four places in the world I WOULDN'T go right now, and those are the places where NO ONE is in control--and Uganda is not on that list. My list: Somalia, parts of Chechnya, the Congo and Waziristan. Other than that, pack common sense (a lot of it wouldn't hurt) and you'll be fine.

Michael:
Are there any voluntourism scams we should be aware of?

Peter:
Any voluntourism "offer" that asks first for your credit card number or that requires you to book your travel through a specific travel agent or operator would certainly get my attention.

Beth:
I would like to help with the Gulf Coast efforts, as well as take some time to see New Orleans. What are some good groups to contact?

Peter:
Global Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity and www.volunteerlouisiana.gov.

Ray S.
Can I do voluntourism as an individual or do you have to go with a group? Is there a web site for all volunteer travel possibilities?

Peter:
You can absolutely do this as an individual. For example, go to my website petergreenberg.com to get a comprehensive list of all aid and relief organizations where you can volunteer.

Jackie:
What would you say is the biggest need in voluntourism right now? Teaching? Building houses? I would be happy to do anything, but want to go where I am most effective.

Peter:
Teaching is always needed. In Haiti, construction expertise. In parts of Africa, distributing malaria nets. There is no one answer I'm afraid.

Samika:
I am a retired nurse, specifically pediatrics. What are some good medical volunteer options--Doctors Without Borders?

Peter:
Doctors Without Borders is an excellent choice. Also check out Airline Ambassadors. Their medical director is....Patch Adams! Also a group called Heart to Heart sends medical teams to places like Haiti (hearttoheart.org/help/volunteer.php).

George:
I would like to volunteer but am on a fixed income and can't really afford to travel. Are there any groups that can help? I am very skilled in carpentry and electric wiring.

Peter:
another great group is projects abroad. they began operating in 1992. headquartered in the united kingdom. they offer more than 100 projecgts in 26 destiantions around the world. c heck out their website at www.projects-abroad.org and there are so many different projects and programs where you can get involved.

Eve:
I don’t want to sound selfish but what are some ideas for volunteer vacations that can also be a vacation-vacation, like some beach time?

Peter:
Then check out something called “Giveback Getaways” offered by a number of Ritz-Carlton hotels. Need I say more?

Gunther:
Do you know anything about http://www.geekcorps.org/ ? I'm a programmer and it seems like a credible program.

Peter:
Hey...everyone needs computer help. Can you fix mine? (as in VOLUNTEER?) LOL. I don’t know anything about Geekcorps, but as I suggested earlier, ask for financial information and references from satisfied clients.

Jerry:
How much does the average volunteer vacation cost?

Peter:
The costs vary, from as little as $50 for some local programs to over $5000 for more organized remote opportunities offered by groups such as Earthwatch.

John:
How fit should you be for voluntourism? I am fairly active, but have back and knee issues.

Peter:
Each volunteer tour organization should (and usually do) practice full disclosure in terms of revealing the levels of physical challenge with each program. Obviously teaching English is at a different physical activity level than wrangling sea otters (unless of course teaching english is 15,000 feet up in the Andes).

Peter:
Thanks everyone for the chat...and see you soon, on CBS News or on my website petergreenberg.com, and as always, let me hear from you at www.aarp.org!