#TTOT Shout Outs! Topic: Voluntourism – Impactful or Impossible?
#TTOT takes a look at an alternative side to tripping this week, as explorers around the world discuss the pros and cons of taking volunteering vacations. But who among the Travel Talk on Twitter ranks thinks it’s all for a good cause and who reckons it leaves a bad impression? Never ones to knock it ‘til we’ve tried it, we’re backing up the chat with some highly charitable Shout Outs of our very own…
The questions this week were:
Q1. What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to give voluntouring a go?
Q2. Best voluntourism activity for a first-timer?
Q3. What was your most worthwhile voluntourism activity?
Q4. Which 3 things should potential volunteers look for in a credible volunteer program?
Q5. What info websites can you recommend for volunteers who are researching?
The ‘Cult-ure Shock’ Shout Out for rude awakenings.
@hjortur: [Find out] Who the organizer really is. I found out halfway I was volunteering with a religious cult…
The ‘Intestinal Fortitude’ Shout Out for slimy souvenirs.
@TravelingEditor: Spontaneity takes guts. And confidence. Both of which I kinda like collecting.
The ‘Eye Heart Travel’ Shout Out for anatomical amiableness.
@familyonabike: Go in with your eyes and heart wide open.
The ‘WWOOF Whistle’ Shout Out for naked ambition.
@MyDWhitsundays: We have a woofers program at the local nudist retreat, work and get a great tan at the same time, clothing optional for woofers.
The ‘Come Wine With Me’ Shout Out for feeling vine and dandy.
@itravel81: I’ve heard of these so called ‘volunteering’ opportunities at vineyards in France! That has got to be fun?
The ‘Care Bear’ Shout Out for cuddly contemplations.
@Travelerrohan: What would the world have been without hugs and smiles?
The ‘Reading, Writing, Ruminating’ Shout Out for giving us some food for thought.
@waysofwanderers: The best learning and experiences always seem to come connected to food.
The ‘Sir Of The Moment’ Shout Out for extra-curricular activities.
@MikeDJeremy: I frequently rock up to a local school and give impromptu English lessons.
The ‘Especially Fur You’ Shout Out for heavy petting.
@ailsapm: [Volunteer] at an animal sanctuary, guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies!
The ‘Justice Beleaguered’ Shout Out for maddening mortals.
@mytravelcom: That…is a very good point. I was more frustrated by individuals thinking they were superheroes. Wrong mentality IMO.
Interested in doing something a little more than sunning yourself silly with your time abroad? Check out these awesome opportunities that go way beyond a typical gap year, and don’t forget to join in with next week’s #TTOT ‘Travel Buddy’ banter!
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Category: #TTOT, We Are Social
About the Author (Author Profile)
Once upon a time in New Zealand, a very large, very loud, hissing cockroach landed on Hannah’s head. In Florida, she mistook a jellyfish for a plastic bag and was promptly stung. In Newquay, a penguin with murderous intent tried to eat her shoe. Despite all this, Hannah can’t be kept away from touching things that she probably shouldn’t in foreign countries. This is probably a misguided attempt at experiential learning. She has lived in Cornwall most of her life and is still trying to adjust to the time difference in London, despite having moved there many months ago. When she grows up she wants to be a Mexican Luchador.Subscribe
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