Volunteer Vacations
At locations ranging from wilderness lands in the U.S. to collective farms in Europe, the donation of your labors can result in a free or almost-free stay
Conserving nature world wide Fo
r those interested in taking a "reen "holiday, one which involves volunteer conservation work such as repairing footpaths or monitoring turtles, The British Trust For Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) offers many excellent opportunities in Britain and beyond at a low cost. For one week on a UK program, the price is roughly £100, which covers housing, meals, instruction and equipment. To join an international program, the cost can range from £100 to £970 per week. In return, volunteers take an active role in helping promote conservation of the world ' plant and animal life.
If the UK is your destination of choice, you can participate in one of BTCV's "Natural Breaks," which are offered year round and range from two to 19 days of work, with a typical work day starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. The rate varies according to the length of stay and the choice of accommodations, which are classified by BTCV into three categories: "simple," sleeping on a camping mat on the floor of a village hall, "standard," staying in youth hostel dormitories or camping, and "superior," housing in holiday cottages which may offer full catering. Groups are composed of up to 12 conservation and wildlife enthusiasts ages 16 and up. You must be 18 or older to participate in the international trips.
The international trips are offered throughout the year in 26 different countries all over the world, from Bulgaria and Senegal, to Spain and Iceland. Many of these programs run for 10 days or longer; weeklong stays are sometimes available through an individual arrangement. Participants need not worry about speaking the language of the country, as group leaders are chosen with the necessary language skills. Sample programs from summer 2005 include "Traditional Building Restoration" in Greece from July 14-27, "Meadow Preservation" in Hungary from June 19 to 28.
Extensive information is available on the Web site, www.btcv.org. Or write to British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, 163 Balby Rd.,Doncaster, South Yorkshire, U.K. DN4 0RH (phone 011-1302-572-244 email information@btcv.org.uk).
Farming & chores: Organic farming and homestay
Whether you love gardening, caring for animals, watching the sunrise, or simply living in another country at no cost, volunteering on an organic farm is a great way to receive free room and board in exchange for four to six hours of work per day, six days a week, almost anywhere in the world. WWOOF, Willing Workers on Organic Farms, is the major organization that makes these opportunities possible, offering a cultural exchange where 'WWOOFers 'live and work with the families of host farms while learning about both the skills of organic growing and the country where they are living. WWOOF has national branches in 22 countries. WWOOF Independents also has a list of worldwide WWOOF hosts.
How do you become a WWOOFer? First, decide which country you would like to work in and send away to their national organization, if they have one, for a book of farm listings. The cost is usually between $10 and $30. Once you have acquired the book, you have all the contact information you need to get in touch with individual families to arrange your stay on the farm. The book serves as your membership verification as well; you will need to show it to the family when you arrive. You are responsible for your own transportation but once you arrive on the farm, you pay nothing for your stay.
The work on the farm varies greatly, depending on the family's needs at the time. Possible responsibilities include herding sheep, harvesting fruit, making bread, planting trees, milking cows or painting the farmhouse. WWOOF recommends you get as much information regarding your role on the farm of your choice at least two weeks before your arrival date. Under no circumstances should you show up to a farm without having confirmed your visit with your hosts.
To learn more about WWOOF, or to find contact information for your national organization, visit the WWOOF Independents Web site at wwoof.org/ or write to WWOOF INDEPENDENTS, PO Box 2675, Lewes BN7 1RB, England, United Kingdom, or WOOFUSA, P.O. Box 510, Felton, CA, 95108, 831/425-FARM or information@wwoofusa.org.
Working on a kibbutz
{Editor's Note: The vacations listed in this chapter for Israel should only be considered once peace has been restored. The US State Department has issued a travel advisory recommending that travelers stay away from Israel and Palestine right now and we agree with its recommendation.}
Do you have two months to give of yourself? That's the minimum stay required to share the life of an Israeli kibbutz, one of the communal societies that contain only 3% of the Israeli population, but produce 50% of its food and none of its crime. A type of collective farm in which property is held in common and children are raised as a group, the kibbutz has long held a strong fascination for Americans, both Jewish and gentile. Responding to a heavy demand, the kibbutz movement currently permits young Americans (18 to 35) of any religion to join their ranks for a two-month (or longer) "workcamp vacation" for a total fee of $230 ($150 registration fee plus $80 insurance), not including airfare to Israel. They call this a "work" vacation for a reason: You'll be expected to work seven to eight hours a day, six days a week.
Budget Travel Real Deals
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