Choose ethical travel over voluntourism

Aerial view of Bhaktapur, Nepal

Voluntourism can be damaging and exploitative. Whilst there are reputable organisations, often the money donated to participate in volunteer experiences doesn’t actually get put back into the communities you visit, but rather into the pockets of big travel companies. Participants in voluntourism are often not skilled in the task they undertake (eg. building construction, teaching), whereas ethical travelling and engaging with locals offers an opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills. Ethical travelling is about considering the impacts of your travel on the environment and local communities and exploring, experiencing and learning. Ethical travel provides life-enriching experiences that benefit the traveller and the community by contributing and sharing knowledge with the people you meet.