Volunteer Travel
Many of our programs and tours have a volunteer component. We really enjoy this aspect of our trips and believe that the well structured volunteer activities we arrange benefit both our partners and our trip participants.It’s not tokenism – we do not include volunteer activities simply to make our trip participants feel good about themselves. Instead, volunteer projects are planned around the expressed needs of a range of community groups, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Volunteer projects allow our participants to really immerse themselves in a place and share an experience with local people - bridging the gap that often exists between visitor and host. The rewards are tangible and often unexpected. Not only will you return home with a sense of satisfaction from completing the work and having made a difference in the world but also with an intimate understanding of a place and its people.
Volunteer Tours and Programs
Pacific Discovery offers the following programs and tours incorporating volunteer projects and elements. Alternatively, if you are interested in a custom volunteer tour for your high school group, university group, family or special interest group, then please contact us, as we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that incorporates experiences and excursions to suit your group and focus.
Addventure VSA - Cambodia volunteer tour
Get immersed in the country and culture, and contribute to a worthwhile volunteer project
'Holiday with a purpose' Add-ventures, organised by VSA and Pacific Discovery include a mix of cultural activities, sightseeing, and working on a community project. They run as 'responsible tourism' initiatives, and include a fundraising component. Involvement in Addventure VSA is all about getting involved and giving to make a difference in the world. And, in the process, you will gain the experience of a lifetime.more »
Discover Cambodia tour
Cultural insights, NGO visits and volunteering
Cambodia’s spirit is embodied in the stunning, ancient temples of the Angkor Empire. However, 30 years of war, and cultural genocide had a devastating effect on the country, particularly on the education system. BOOKS FOR CAMBODIA is helping to change that and we are inviting you to join us for a very special experience of this wonderful country. Cambodia is a fascinating and safe country to visit, and travelling here with us will be a pivotal and heart-warming experience.more »
Discover New Zealand Tour
Conservation volunteering and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand
This 20-day tour combines rewarding volunteer conservation work on two 3-day volunteer projects with interpretive and insightful adventure travel. Get involved in important conservation initiatives and experience welcoming hospitality and unique adventures amidst spectacular landscapes of ancient forests, golden beaches, lakes, mountains and wide open spaces. 14-day and 23-day options available.more »
Nepal & Tibet Semester Program
Cultural immersion, community service and educational travel through Nepal and Tibet
Nepali language, culture, homestay and volunteering. Trekking in the shadow of Mt Everest & Sherpa hospitality. Study Buddhism & meditation. Rafting expedition from the Himalayas to the plains. Travel the roof-top of the world between Kathmandu and Lhasa, Tibet. Lakeside Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park.more »
New Zealand & Australia Semester Program
Conservation volunteering, adventure education and travel through New Zealand and Australia
This educational travel semester offers an amazing summer 'down under' with three week-long volunteer conservation projects in different areas of New Zealand; multi-day outdoor expeditions - a surfing camp, a canoeing journey, a backpacking trip; and overland adventure travel through New Zealand and Australia’s stunning mountain, forest and beach environments.more »
New Zealand Summer Program
Conservation volunteering, cultural immersion and adventure travel in New Zealand
Escape the summer job and head 'down under' for a month of adventure - two weeks of volunteer conservation projects in some of New Zealand’s most interesting national parks and wildlife reserves, and two weeks of interpretive, educational and adventure travel as we road-trip through the North and South Islands of New Zealand.more »
Peru Summer Program
Spanish language and culture immersion, volunteering and adventure travel in Peru
Experience Peru’s incredible cultural, social and environmental diversity. Spanish immersion, volunteering with orphans, homestay with local families, trek an Inca trail to Machu Pichu, explore islands on Lake Titicaca, wander ancient plazas and markets in Cusco and Arequipa, hike in Colca Canyon, visit the mysterious Nazca Lines, try sandboarding, and boat among the Ballestas Islands.more »
Southeast Asia Semester Program
Overland educational travel through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Travel through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Experience hands-on volunteer work, opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, and gaining knowledge of Southeast Asia’s history, societies and environments, plus cultural insights and incredible adventures set amidst dramatic landscapes.more »
Thailand Summer Program
Volunteering with elephants, cultural immersion and adventure travel in Thailand
Rewarding volunteer work in elephant conservation and with disadvantaged Burmese migrants adds to this in-depth and adventurous one month summer program that will take you on a journey to the heart of Thailand. Hike and canoe through tropical jungles, explore idyllic islands, ancient temples, kaleidascopic markets, and try your hand at Thai language and cuisine.more »
Vietnam Summer Program
Conservation volunteering, cultural immersion and adventure travel in Vietnam
Vietnam has stunning natural landscapes and a fascinating society and culture. On this summer program you will gain first hand insights into the heart of Vietnam, past and present, get involved with rewarding volunteer conservation work, and travel from north to south experiencing mountains, minority hilltribes, spectacular Halong Bay, offshore islands home to sea turtles, and the impressive Mekong Delta.more »
