The concept of “volunTourism” (part travel, part volunteer work) has swept the nation, and the travel industry, in the past year.  And with the current devastation in Haiti, it’s a topic on the minds of many.  As you begin to plan your annual vacation, why not take a closer look at the hands-on volunteer opportunities that exist–pumping hard work and much-needed funds into at-risk communities worldwide.

Biosphere Expeditions is one example of a non-profit group dedicated to conservation travel.  For 10 years the organization has worked within local communities to protect their ecosystems, investing more than 100,000 hours and over one million dollars in the process.  Choose from a one-week project or a two-week expedition and devote your time to worthwhile causes like safeguarding the coral reefs in Honduras or partnering with scientists to track wolf and lynx populations in the Tatra mountains of Slovakia.

Or, if you’re looking for a more specific cause, check out www.voluntourism.org.  The site offers a wealth of information on organizations, trips and the preparation process.

Related:  previously on altCon
(2.2.07) Sierra Club – Outings with a Cause