STA predicts boom in voluntourism for 2011
This year is set to be the year of voluntourism, with students look to do something charitable and gain valuable work experience on their gap year, according to youth travel specialist STA Travel.
For gap year travellers on a budget, STA has launched eight round-the-world itineraries for under £1,000 and if you book before March 17, you can get 10 per cent off.
Popular projects include two weeks working with elephants at a rescue centre in Thailand; three-weeks volunteering with underprivileged children in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro; and two weeks working alongside an experienced orang utan conservation team in Borneo.
If you’re looking to get the full round-the-world experience, you can choose the Kiwi Classic, which includes stop-offs in Dubai, Auckland, Los Angeles and New York, all for just £729.
John Constable, Managing Director of STA Travel, said: "We are seeing increasing interest in adding in a community project or a conservation aspect into a round-the-world trip. Young people are feeling that they should give something back to their host countries.”
