Volunteer vacations are a great way to get to know a community. But if you want to get even more out of your trip, look for an organization that incorporates cultural and travel experiences along with the volunteer work.

The Planeterra Foundation is a non-profit organization with more than 30 projects worldwide.

The idea behind these trips is to combine learning experiences with volunteering.

So you might spend a few days working on a community farm in Zambia or a children’s school in South Africa, followed by a safari on a game reserve.

With Habitat for Humanity’s Global Villages, participants work with local communities to build affordable housing.

Almost all trips incorporate some R&R with farm tours, outdoor adventures and cultural programs.

And then there’s a new company called Roadmonkey, which was founded by a former war correspondent to offer adventure travel with a purpose.

An upcoming trip to Ecuador includes three days building a playground for a local children’s foundation, followed by four days of hiking the beaches, learning to surf and exploring the jungle.

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