Is there anything more gratifying than getting out there and helping people who need it? Furthermore, it’s not only people that get help, and need it, but also wildlife and eco conservation efforts are equally important and inspiring. The world is ripe with opportunities for those of us fortunate enough to not need aid to lend a helping hand. Next time you make a trip across the world try to see if there is a place that can stop in and do a good deed. You don’t need to spend your entire vacation, just a portion. Believe me, it feels good when its completed. Below I have listed some great places to take part in volunteering activities while also enjoying a great holiday.

1. Haiti

I know that Haiti doesn’t seem like a travel destination, and it doesn’t have to be. Just across the border from the often challenged country of Haiti is the resort covered Dominican Republic. So maybe, if you’ve spent a week at one on these luxuriousness holiday resorts you’ll also be willing to step across the border to lend a hand to a country that’s been decimated by poverty, disease, and some horrible natural disasters.

2. Bolivia

There are few countries in the world that offer such great opportunities for adventure travellers. One day you might find yourself speeding down the world’s most dangerous road and then next hiking through the rain forest. However, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the Americas and can surely use a little bit of volunteer help. There are opportunities for volunteering in the Bolivian jungle as well as in the highlands, and no opportunity would be without its adventures.

3. Cambodia

Cambodia is starting to gain major tourist popularity thanks in large part to its proximity to the ever popular country of Thailand. However, Cambodia doesn’t yet have the strength of infrastructure that Thailand does. To be honest poverty is still an issue in both of these countries, however the amount of volunteers in Cambodia is much lower than in Thailand thanks in large part to the fact that it is less well known. If you’re in the area, Cambodia would be a great place to volunteer.

4. Uganda

If you’re interested in wildlife this might be the most interesting place in the world to volunteer. Being home to some of the world’s largest groups of mountain gorillas in the world is enough to make Uganda a great travel destination. However, protecting these amazing animals has largely been placed upon the shoulders of under-funded non-government organizations. In Uganda you’ll find a number of opportunities to volunteer and make a big difference.

5. Costa Rica

Costa Rica

There are hundreds of projects underway in Costa Rica at the moment waiting for you to take part in. The diversity of these opportunities are what make Costa Rica such an easy place to volunteer, there is basically something for everyone. There are projects for development, forestry, wildlife conservation and much more. Besides, could you possibly imagine a cooler place to volunteer than Costa Rica?