The 6 Least Visited Countries In The World

If you are tired of wading through crowds and want some obscure travel bragging rights, these countries could be the perfect travel destination for you.

The Guaita Fortress in San Marino. — Yury Dmitrienko / Shutterstock

1. San Marino

San Marino is the least frequented country in Europe, with just 60,000 annual visitors. This is possibly because many people have never heard of it – forget pointing it out on a map!

The lack of interest is quite a shame. Nestled in the mountains of Northern Italy, east of Florence and near the Adriatic, San Marino is as full of culture and history as the country that surrounds it. It is the fifth-smallest country in the world, the sole survivor of Italy’s old independent city-states, and the oldest republic and sovereign nation on earth.

The medieval fortress settlement that makes up Citta di San Marino is perched upon Mount Titiano, affording beautiful views of the surrounding mountain and, in the distance, the Adriatic coast. Inside, you’ll picturesque streets and quirky museums, with considerably fewer tourists than other comparable Italian cities. And since San Marino only has a population of 33,000 or so, it’s safe to say you’ll never feel crowded.

Ile Royale in French Guiana. — Ile Royale / Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock

2. French Guiana

French Guiana is one of three countries commonly referred to as “The Guianas”, the others being Guyana and Suriname. Lined up side-by-side north of Brazil, these destinations are left off your average South American itinerary, which is why French Guiana is the least visited country on the continent.

The 199,000 annual visitors who do make the trip are rewarded with a vibrant mix of Caribbean, American, and European culture, as well as some of the world’s most diverse rainforest life, and stunning beaches.

French Guiana is technically not a country, but an overseas department of France. Originally a colony, it has now become the richest territory in South America, with the highest GDP per capita. It is relatively expensive by South American standards, but for those who have some budget flexibility, it’s a worth the detour.

Montserrat in the Caribbean. — IndustryAndTravel / Shutterstock

3. Montserrat

This small island is the Caribbean’s best kept secret, with only 9,000 tourists a year making the trek. This British Overseas Territory is noted for its active volcano, which erupted in 1995 in what has been called a ‘modern-day Pompeii.’ However, Montserrat also offers quiet beaches and laid-back small towns. If you are tired of the bustle of the more Caribbean islands, with their crowds of resort and cruise tourists, a trip to Montserrat might be the perfect solution for you.

The southern half of the island is known as the exclusion zone, which is off-limits for visitors due to volcanic activity. However, there is plenty to do and see in the north. The best time to visit is March, when the island’s large population of Irish immigrants celebrate St Patrick’s Day in truly unique Caribbean fashion.

Tuvalu in the South Pacific. — mbrand85 / Shutterstock

4. Tuvalu

Tuvalu, a remote chain of small islands in the South Pacific, has the honor of being the least visited country in the world with a mere 2,000 annual visitors. Although it’s an independent country, it remains part of the British Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. A peaceful country, Tuvalu has no army and no political parties. However, it does have all the white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and emerald forests you could ever want.

If you would like to say that you have visited the world’s least visited country, you may have to do it sooner rather than later. Due to the low altitude of the islands, Tuvalu is at serious risk of sinking under rising sea levels.

East Timor near Australia. — JM Travel Photography / Shutterstock

5. Timor-Leste

Although it’s located near Australia, Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) is still considered part of Southeast Asia and, as such, takes the cake as the least-visited country in Asia. Its 66,000 annual visitors are mostly adventurers, keen to enjoy the diving, snorkeling, and trekking that the country’s shores and mountains deliver in spade. However, there is plenty here for everyone: white-sand beaches, exciting nightlife, peaceful hill plantations, and Portuguese colonial architecture can also be found across the island.

Timor-Leste is worth a visit, particularly if you have already experienced the highlights of Southeast Asia. Expect a fascinating culture, blending Christian European, Indonesian, Filipino and aboriginal influences, which can be observed in everything from the island’s delicious food to its traditional dance and poetry.

Pico Cão Grande in Sao Tome and Principe. — Pico Cão Grande / mbrand85 / Shutterstock

6. Sao Tome & Principe

Finally, Sao Tome & Principe is the least visited country in Africa, or it was in 2010 when the last records were available. With 8,000 annual visitors, the island nation sees very little tourism compared to nearby Gabon, which is a particularly tourist-friendly part of Central Africa. This, combined with the country’s laid-back attitude, makes Sao Tome & Principe worth considering if you want to wind down and relax.

Visitors can expect great wildlife-spotting, including dolphins, whales, and some of the continent’s best bird-watching. The town of Sao Tome is also a charming stop, with colonial architecture and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Most of the above countries are seldom visited simply because they are unknown, or out-of-the-way. With a little bit of extra effort and planning, you could be among the few who set foot here. It might be worth it just to tell your friends!

America’s 10 Most Impressive Theaters

Some of these venues are architectural treasures, while others coccoon the audience in nature while giving us a show under the stars. Whatever their design, they all bring people together through the universal language of the arts.

Here are 10 fantastic American theaters that definitely merit a visit.

1. The Egg, Albany, New York

Visitors to New York’s capital are usually left unimpressed by its small size and relative dearth of attractions. The Egg may change visitors’ opinions, however. This performance space is part of Albany’s small but iconic skyline, which is dominated by the Empire State Plaza, a 1960’s-era collection of government buildings. The Egg is actually shapred mre like a bowl, with two theaters wholly enclosed inside.

2. War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco

A contender for California’s grandest structure, the War Memorial Opera House was built in the 1930s and has hosted countless performances. The building also was used for some of the country’s (and the world’s) defining moments of diplomacy. The United Nations charter was drafted here, and Japan’s post World War II sovereignty was restored in a ceremony held at the Opera House in 1951.

3. Ford’s Theater, Washington, D.C.

You may be familiar with Ford’s Theater as the location where President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth in 1865. The theater was brand new at the time, having just opened in 1863. Lincoln’s actual place of death was across the street at a boarding house where physicians unsuccessfully tended to his wounds. Today, the theater plays host to tours walking guests through that fateful evening, and how Lincoln’s assassination shaped the post-Civil War United States.

4. Tampa Theater, Tampa, Florida

The historic Tampa Theater, located in the city’s core, has been hosting all forms of entertainment since its inception in 1925. At its opening, the theatre was the only air-conditioned building in Tampa, which doubtless made it extremely popular. Its style is that of an atmospheric movie house, with an interior evoking a lavish Mediterranean courtyard. Satues, murals, and gargoyles peering down from the rafters, watching the watchers. After its heyday as a movie house in the early 20th century, the theatre began serving as a venue for touring popular music acts.

5. Crosby Theatre, Sante Fe, New Mexico

A striking open-air theatre, the Crosby uses the picturesque New Mexican desert as a natural backdrop for its performances. Originally a small, 480-seat amphitheater, the Crosby has evolved since its opening in 1957 to accommodate classic and modern operas. Dubbed the “Opera Ranch,” audiences here can take in performances under a canopy of desert stars. Most concerts also feature a meal, with choices ranging from high-end cuisine to picnic-style theater snacks. Dessert in the desert, anyone?

6. Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville

One of the newest theaters on our list, downtown Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center opened in 2006. It may not be as historic as some of the spaces on this list, but it’s still a majestic and regal monument to “Music City”, hearkening back to classical music’s baroque origins. Its entryway channels Greek wonder such as the Parthenon, while modern sound design and acoustics ensure every performance is thrills the senses.

7. Kauffman Center, Kansas City, Missouri

Another modern theater, the Kauffman Center in Kansas City opened in 2011. Its appearance is singularly unusual, like an exaggerated seashell, but this design lends to its excellent acoustics and also the distinctiveness of the Kansas City skyline. Part of the redevelopment of downtown, the center hosts popular touring acts as well as the Kansas City Symphony and the Kansas City Ballet.

8. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago

An outdoor bandshell in Chicago’s Millenium Park, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a Frank Gehry-designed modern musical venue masterpiece. The venue is noted for its acoustic excellence, as it was designed to give the audience an open-air experience with indoor sound precision. Numerous theater and music companies regularly perform at the pavilion, including the Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

9. King’s Theatre, Brooklyn, New York

Another example of an ornate movie hall of yesteryear, King’s Theatre in the Flatbush neighborhood was revamped in 2015. Today, it’s a bustling live music venue. The building sat in disrepair for 40 years, becoming a blight on the community. The interior, which was originally modeled after the Paris Opera House, was damaged by vandals and water leaking from the roof. Luckily, vandals could not reach its ornate 70-foot high ceilings, which were mostly spared. A $95 million dollar renovation project brought the building back to its glory.

King's Theatre, Flatbush, Brooklyn. — King’s Theatre, Flatbush, Brooklyn. Moucheraud/Wikimedia.

10. Paramount Theatre, Seattle, Washington

Once a film and vaudeville theater, Seattle’s Paramount first opened in 1928. It was one of the many grand theaters built by Paramount Pictures in major cities across the country during the roaring 20s. It still boasts its original features from 90 years ago, including 4,000 seats. It can also convert into a ballroom with the flip of some switches!

Live theater and music performances are a part of America’s rich cultural tapestry. Check out a show at some of these venues on your next trip.

6 Odd Museums You May Not Have Heard Of

Whether you’ve always been fascinated by ancient Egypt, Impressionist art, or simply the bizare, these six world class museums contain fun-filled displays for everyone. But you may not even be aware of them.

1. Sir John Soane’s Museum: London, England

A visit to the historic house, museum, and library of noted 19th-century architect Sir John Soane is not your average day out. Throughout his life, Sir John created what the Oxford Dictionary of Architecture calls “one of the most complex, intricate, and ingenious series of interiors ever conceived.”

In accordance with Soane’s wishes, the house has been left virtually untouched since his death, and has stood as his gift to posterity for nearly 180 years. Sir John was an obsessive collector of the art, drawings, architectural models, and artifacts, and these line virtually every square inch of the walls of his home. From paintings of famous artists to a sarcophagus of alabaster that was carved for the Pharaoh Seti I (1291-78 BC), a day at Sir John’s promises to be one of the most interesting museum experiences of a lifetime. Best of all: admission is free!

2. Florence Griswold Museum: Old Lyme, CT, USA

At the turn of the 20th century, a ship captain’s daughter named Florence Griswold decided to turn her family’s sprawling Georgian mansion into a home for the most talented artists of her time. It would go on to become the center of the Lyme Art Colony, out of which sprang some of the greatest masterpieces of American Impressionism.

Today, the mansion has been turned into a museum where visitors can see a vast collection of art, including many works which were painted by former residents such as Childe Hassam, Willard Metcalf, and Matilda Browne. You’ll even see works that some of the artists painted directly onto the doors and panels of the house. You’re also welcome to walk through the lush gardens on the 13-acre property.

3. Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA): Cancun, Mexico

Where do you go if you want to see one of the coolest museums in Mexico? As it turns out, you’ll have to pay a visit to the ocean floor.

Located from 9-20 feet below the surface of one of the clearest bodies of water in the world, the Museo Subacuático de Arte includes 500 life-sized sculptures depicting everything from local residents to South American celebrities. This underwater art gallery is even eco-friendly, as the sculptures are made from special materials that promote the growth of coral reef. You can get an up close and personal look at the artwork by snorkeling or scuba diving down to visit, or you can view it from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat.

4. Museum Island: Berlin, Germany

Perhaps the only thing better than discovering one of the world’s best museums is discovering five of them at once. This UNESCO heritage site is actually five museums, all located along the river Spree on their own “island.” All five boast their own unique collections, and each is easily worthy of half a day’s exploration.

A trip to the island affords you the chance to gaze upon several relics of the ancient world, including the famous bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, the Ishtar Gate, and the Pergamon Altar. Here you’ll find world-class collections of art and arcana, including items from Ancient Egypt, Byzantium, and prehistoric kingdoms whose names are long forgotten.

Not only are these museums all located in one convenient place, you can also explore them all for the price of one!

Museum Island, Berlin. Wikimedia Commons

5. Miraikan: Daiba, Tokyo, Japan

If you’ve always been fascinated by science, or wondered what the future of humanity might hold, then a trip to Miraikan should make your to-do list. This cutting-edge Japanese museum invites visitors to check out state of the art exhibitions showcasing the latest discoveries in science and technology. You can also as attend various classes and talks. At Miraikan, you can visit a hands-on model of the Internet, take a virtual trip to space, and even meet the museum’s humanoid robots. Though no one may be able to say for sure exactly what the future holds, a visit to Miraikan will leave you well-equipped to make an educated guess.

Robot at Miraikan, Tokyo — Miraikan. Wikimedia Commons

6. The Egyptian Museum: Cairo, Egypt

How do you pack 5,000 years of Egyptian history into an afternoon? With a trip to the must-see Egyptian Museum in Cairo! As you might expect, it’s home to the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the famous golden mask of the teenaged Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The museum spans 110 halls, housing over 160,000 artifacts from the prehistoric through the pharaonic eras.

From ancient statuettes of divinities to royal mummies, no trip to Egypt is complete without allowing yourself a firsthand look at the marvels of the great civilization that sprung up along the Nile in the morning of the world.

Whether you long to explore the world of underwater art, or to take a simulated trip into space, we hope one of these museums will add a bit of fun and fascination to your next great adventure!

The Best Travel Credit Cards Of 2018

You can’t leave for vacation without a trusty credit card. But which company will you choose? Some credit cards offer perks designed explicitly for savvy travelers, while others are aimed squarely at savings. Here are eight of the best travel credit cards for 2018.

1. Capital One Venture

Capital One’s best travel card is simple: you earn double miles for every purchase, every day, without having to concern yourself with restrictions, categories or promotions. There is a 50,000 point sign-up bonus for those who spend $3,000 within the first three months, and the $95 annual fee is waived for the first 12 months.

Even though the rewards are simple and straightforward, card members can boost to 10x miles if they book hotel rooms through hotels.com. Tthe rewards also do not expire and are easily applied with a statement credit.

2. Chase Sapphire Preferred

New card members received 55,000 points – a $1,155 value – for signing up after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Chase adds some unique benefits that other travel cards lack, such as:

Earn double points on Uber, rental cars, trains, tolls, and airport parking.
Car rental insurance.
Trip delay insurance.
Baggage delay insurance.

3. American Express Platinum

One of the top premier travel rewards cards, the American Express Platinum is all about luxury and convenience. With this card, members can get 5x rewards for flights booked directly through the airline or Amex Travel. The same 5x applies to stays at eligible hotels booked through Amex.

As a platinum member, you also have Uber VIP status, which grants you a $15 monthly Uber Credit. Direct cash benefits also include a $200 yearly airline fee credit. Neither of these bonuses fully offset the $550 annual fee, but other amenities, such as access to American Express Global Lounges and use of American Express’s concierge services may be desirable for those looking for the ultimate in travel convenience.

4. Chase Ink Business Preferred

One of the top business travel cards, Chase Ink Business Preferred is ideal for those whose work takes them all over the country (or globe). Like other cards, it boasts a massive signup bonus, but it also boosts rewards to 3.75x on travel, shipping, internet, and advertising purchases.

5. Discover it Miles

If you are looking for a cheap and straightforward entry into travel rewards, then Discover’s it Miles card may be of interest. There is no annual fee, ever. Cardmembers earn 1.5 miles for every dollar, unlimited and unrestricted – with no categories. As a bonus, Discover will match your first year’s miles and, for the first 14 months, your APR is 0%. (Note that the zero percent APR does not apply to balance transfers.)

But while the card may lack certain benefits, it compensates with its simplicity and unique features, such as the ease of account freezing in the event your card is misplaced or stolen.

6. United Mile Plus Explorer

If you routinely travel by air and are loyal to a particular airline, you may be interested in one of the many branded airline miles rewards cards. United’s Mile Plus Explorer card, for example, provides a lot of frequent flier benefits. With United’s travel card you get:

Free checked bags, which could save you up to $100 per trip;
Priority boarding;
Two passes to United Clubs at the airport.

Rewards are comparable to other travel cards, but focused on airline purchases. Airfares earn double miles, and if you opt for the business card, these double miles get extended to restaurants, gas stations, and office supply stores.

There is no annual fee for the first year, and there is a signup bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 during the first three months.

7. Citi ThankYou Premier

Citi’s travel rewards card also gives users 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months. The card has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year. Citi’s advantage is in its tiered reward multiplying. Cardmembers receive triple miles on travel expenses such as gas purchases, airfare, hotels, car rentals, ridesharing, public transportation, tolls, and parking. For all dining out and entertaining, the card provides double rewards. All other purchases earn 1 mile per dollar. The points are unlimited and they don’t expire.

You can also use the points for online shopping at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, and they can be redeemed to purchase gift cards through Citi’s Thankyou.com portal.

8. Bank Americard Travel Rewards

If you’re already with Bank of America, it makes sense to look at its travel rewards. Although the initial rewards are modest at 1.5x miles, customers with additional banking or investment business with Bank of America or Merrill Lynch can qualify for preferred rewards that can translate to as much as 2.625x.

Also, Bank of America offers bonus 10% customer points and an extra 20,000 points for online sign ups.

If you travel often, travel smart. These cards are a best investment for anyone with a little wanderlust. Just pick the one that suits your needs, and get ready to reap the benefits!

NEXUS: The Handy Frequent-Traveler Card

Since 2008, citizens of the United States and Canada have been required to present a passport or a resident card as proof of citizenship when crossing the border in either direction. This requirement slowed down travel, but a Nexus pass makes crossing the U.S.-Canadian border easier than ever. Here’s how!

1. Fast Border Processing

The United States and Canada share over 5,000 border miles, the longest continuous land border on earth. And since both countries share a common language (except for French speakers in Quebec) and, to a certain extent, common culture, there are many reasons to visit each other. Several U.S. cities are close to the border, such as Detroit, Seattle, and Niagara Falls, and their residents often enjoyed frequent, no-hassle trips across the frontier before stricter border requirements were enacted. Now, border lines and delays can make even short shopping trips unpleasant.

The Nexus card aims to speed up travel at these crossings. At 21 designated sites along the border, Nexus cardholders will find special travel lanes that expedite the process of driving across. In these lanes, travelers only have to scan their Nexus cards at a proximity reader, and only have to proceed through visual inspection if instructed to do so. Note that everyone in your car must possess a Nexus card in order for you to take advantage of these lanes.

2. Expedited Security Lines At Airports

The Nexus card provides advantages for air travel as well. Just as border crossings can quickly get congested with travelers, airport customs lines can slow down your trip considerably.

Similar to the TSA Pre-check, Nexus provides for timelier travel processing when citizens of the US or Canada are traveling by air to either country. Travelers with Nexus can access special lines with faster processing, and potentially even reduced screening protocols. Those entering either country at airports can access self-serve kiosks to process entry rather than waiting in line. At the kiosk, processing is simple, and includes scanning your card and performing a biometric scan of your irises. Also, entry on the U.S. side will often require you to scan your fingerprints for access.

Keep in mind that Nexus kiosks are not available at all airports. Smaller airports usually do not feature these kiosks, so if you often travel between Canada and the United States via smaller airports, you might not see a huge benefit to the card.

Man sleeping in airport terminal — Unsplash / Jay Wen

3. Declarations Forms Are Processed More Quickly.

While possession of a Nexus card does not exempt you from the requirement to declare goods at the border, processing is streamlined at the Nexus border crossing lanes and airport self-service kiosks. When crossing into either country, Nexus holders can make an oral declaration to a Customs officer in certain circumstances rather than going through a detailed interview or laborious paper process. At an airport, Nexus card holders can complete the appropriate customs declarations form and drop it at the self-service kiosk, or simply note the declaration through the Nexus system. Be aware: in airports that don’t have kiosks, or where kiosks are out of order, Nexus card holders are required to proceed as non-card holders.

4. Nexus Is A Second Government ID

For those looking to strengthen their identity protection, a Nexus card is also a second form of government-issued photo identification. This second form of ID can be helpful for those applying for a passport or for travel visas to certain countries, where government-issued picture IDs carry higher quality points. Also, some states have passed stricter identification requirements in line with the Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID requirements.

US passport on top of American flag — Pixabay / cytis

5. The Application Process Takes A While, So Apply Soon

To get all these benefits, you need the card, and although the application process is relatively easy, it can take some time. Normal processing time is eight to ten weeks, but backlogs of applicants at certain times of the year can cause further delays. Your application must be approved by both the U.S. and Canada, so some additional hurdles are involved. You can apply through the Global Online Enrollment System, which serves to speed the process as much as possible. The application fee is $50 (Canadian or U.S. dollars) and requires an interview as well.

Who cannot apply? The Nexus information website lists the following as disqualifications for membership:

You are inadmissible to Canada or the United States under applicable immigration laws;
You intentionally provide false or incomplete information on your application;
You have been convicted of a serious criminal offense in any country for which you have not received a pardon (for U.S. background checks you may be questioned about your full criminal history, including arrests and pardons, which may exclude you from NEXUS);
You have a recorded violation of customs, immigration or agriculture law; or
You fail to meet other requirements of NEXUS.

While international travel between the United States and Canada likely will not return to the free-flowing borders of the past anytime soon, the Nexus card is a giant step forward. It facilitates your travel and shortens the lines that can make departures and arrivals unpleasant.

Looking for more ways to improve your next trip? Check out Trusted Traveler Programs: 5 Facts To Make Travel Simpler.

5 Tips For Planning A Volunteer Vacation

A volunteer vacation is an ideal way to spend your time once it’s your own again. You can give back even as you relax and enjoy yourself. Still, there are a few things to consider before you go out on any humanitarian mission.

1. Figure Out Where You Want To Go

Volunteer vacations can take you practically anywhere in the world. It depends entirely on where you want to go. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to see the world while giving back in some way. It’s sort of an exchange. There’s nothing wrong with staying near to home – goodness knows that you can do good things no matter where you are. However, this is also your chance to visit China, the Ivory Coast, Belize, or any other place you’ve always wanted to see. You’re still taking a vacation, so don’t feel as though you have to limit yourself to a staycation. Every city, country, and continent in the world needs help in some way, if not many ways.

2. Decide How To Give Back

You can volunteer to do practically anything, provided that it’s in your wheelhouse. You may not want to volunteer for Doctors Without Borders if you’re trained as an accountant, but there are still ways to provide healthcare and medical aid to under-served communities. In general, it’s best to volunteer to do things about which you’re knowledgeable and passionate.

Do you love animals? Look into volunteer programs geared toward nature reserves, animal care, or similar concerns. Share your skills with children and students if you have experience in teaching. Research the opportunities in which you’re most interested to find out what’s available.

3. Ask Around And Get Referrals

You’re going somewhere you’ve presumably never been, doing something you’ve likely never done. It’s imperative to ensure that everything is on the up-and-up. Once you have a few companies or groups on your short list, try to get in contact with travelers who have already gone on vacations with them. If possible, talk to folks who went on holidays similar to the ones that pique your interest. Blogs, review sites, and discussion boards provide a treasure trove of unbiased information, as well.

Regarding individual vacation packages, you need to ask about the accommodations you can expect, as well as the food. On a practical note, discover the nature of your tasks, what you’re responsible for, and the details of the materials and tools provided by the vacation company.

More broadly, learn about the countries you want to visit. Research the local culture. Consider taking language lessons well in advance of your trip. It’s much easier to help someone when you speak the same language, and it sends a genuine message to the people you help.

Do your due diligence in checking out each company you consider, as well. You don’t want to travel with a shady group. Far too many scams make people think they’re doing something good when in reality you end up paying for a fraudulent vacation.

Sadly, we can’t simply count on the character and motivations of people and organizations who claim to be charitable. A little research goes a long way.

4. Don’t Forget The Details

In addition to learning as much as possible about the culture and customs of the region you intend to visit, you need to think about the weather, the climate, and the types of activities you’ll do there. That all has an impact on what you have to pack, and thus what you have to buy before your trip. It’s unlikely that you’ll need much in the way of formal wear, but you do need to protect yourself against things like sunburn and malaria.

You also need to consider what kind of vacation you expect. This is different from deciding on a way to volunteer. Some people want to mix sightseeing and traditional tourist activities with their volunteer work. That’s a lovely idea, and there are sites geared toward travelers just like you. Popular volunteer tourism companies, such as i-to-i, for example, have packages that combine the two.

The exact location of the project is a crucial detail, too. Specifically, ask whether you’ll work in the city or a rural area. You also need to know the breadth and length of the project. Some are a few days long, some are a few weeks, while still others may last a month or more. You don’t necessarily have to stay for the whole duration, but you’ll still need to know the information.

5. It’s Not Cheap

This is not to put you off the idea of volunteer vacations. But they aren’t more or less expensive than traditional holidays. Like anything else, cost depends on where you go, where you stay, and how long you’re there. Domestic getaways aren’t as much as a trip that takes you to another continent.

However, there’s a misconception that you don’t have to pay anything to go on a volunteer vacation. That’s somewhat understandable. Some travelers don’t understand why they have to pay to do work for other people. Even so, you’re responsible for airfare, accommodations, food, and other essentials. To that end, a volunteer vacation isn’t any different from a getaway based entirely on tourism. The feelings of accomplishment, fulfillment, and pride you receive from giving back to a community or group that needs help are priceless.

Unfortunately, all the things it takes to get you there still require cold hard cash.