Philanthropic Travel or Voluntourism:  Which one is right for you?

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Philanthropic Travel or Voluntourism:  Which one is right for you?

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

More Americans report donating money is easier than volunteering time.

Understanding the Benefits of Philanthropic Travel
"I appreciate the thoughtful points made throughout the following article. I encourage travelers to discern the differences that Philanthropic Travel and Voluntourism offer and to decide which experience appeals to them. Whether you prefer to spend a morning or afternoon connecting with locals as the guest of an Exquisite Safaris Humanitarian Partner (offering a tax deductible donation) and the balance vacationing (Philanthropic Travel); or prefer spending a morning or afternoon vacationing and the balance serving as a volunteer (Voluntourism) -valuable benefits accrue to all who collaborate." -David Chamberlain

Introducing luxury Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Travel is a safe alternative to Voluntourism for families who desire an authentic cross cultural connection with locals and the humanitarian outreach projects that enhance those locals lives.

Many travelers prefer not to use their time in a foreign country paying for the experience of being a day laborer and sleeping in spartan accommodations Voluntourism style.

Instead, they are choosing to enjoy the deluxe experience, accommodations, ambiance and cuisine they expect while dedicating a morning or afternoon to personally connecting with the people their generous tax deductible contributions will support. Philanthropic travelers have funded in projects like these in Zambia, Burma, Tanzania and elsewhere in the developing world.

Different travelers prefer different experiences.
Philanthropic travel focuses on introducing the TOP top of the pyramid with the bottom of the pyramid BOP in a way that makes sense for people short on time and who prefer to not 'rough it' while in an exotic developing world destination.

Exquisite Safaris facilitates luxury philanthropic travel for those who do not prefer a "backpacker style voluntourism tour," but still want to connect at the heart with local people in an authentic philanthropic travel experience.

1 out of every 2 American's are traveling
Given the fact that 54 percent of Americans say they will take a vacation this summer(Harris Poll, June 2006)combined with the statistics on wealth in the USA today, can you imagine the potential funding for grassroots humanitarian projects that could be generated if just a small percentage of those consumers became luxury philanthropic travelers?

"I encourage travelers to discern the differences that Philanthropic Travel and Voluntourism offer and to decide which experience appeals to them. Whether you prefer to spend a morning or afternoon connecting with locals as the guest of an Exquisite Safaris Humanitarian Partner (offering a tax deductible donation) and the balance vacationing (Philanthropic Travel); or prefer spending a morning or afternoon vacationing and the balance serving as a volunteer (Voluntourism) -valuable benefits accrue to all who collaborate." -David Chamberlain

Imagine the potential funding for grassroots humanitarian projects if just a small percentage became philanthropic travelers?

Considering Voluntourism? Questions to consider provided by Judith Brodie VSO

1. Will you be given a defined role and purpose?

2. Can you meet face to face with your provider and get detailed information about the volunteer placement?

3. How much will it cost and what does this pay for?

4. How will you be supported with training and personal development before, during and after your placement?

5. How do volunteers work in partnership with the local community and is there a long-term benefit to the community?

6. Does the organization you are going with have offices overseas that partner with local people?

7. Does the organization guarantee health, safety and security assistance?

8. Does the organization have a commitment to diversity amongst its volunteers?

9. How does the organization encourage long-term awareness of real development issues?

10. How will your work be monitored and evaluated so that others can build on what you have done?

As the popularity of "voluntourism" continues to grow, so does the debate over just how beneficial volunteer vacations are to the communities and people they purport to help.

Last summer, one of the oldest and largest international volunteer charities -Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) said, "many people would be better off simply traveling for fun, rather than volunteering with "spurious" aid organizations that offer little help to those in need."

"Spending your gap year volunteering overseas has become a rite of passage for young people and the gap year market has grown considerably," said Judith Brodie, Director of VSO in the United Kingdom. "While there are many good gap year providers we are increasingly concerned about the number of badly planned and supported schemes that are spurious-ultimately benefiting no one apart from the travel companies that organize them."

She added: "Young people want to make a difference through volunteering, but they would be better off traveling and experiencing different cultures, rather than wasting time on projects that have no impact and can leave a big hole in their wallet."

Learn More:
Wall Street Journal: Voluntourism Questioned
Canada's National Post Newspaper: Philanthropic Travelers
Who gains the most from voluntourism?
Collaboration creates Prosperity: Philanthropic Travel
Harvard Business Review Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector: Philanthropic Travel
Exquisite Safaris Corporate Donor Philanthropic Advisory Services
Creative Capitalism: Partner with Exquisite Safaris
The High-Purpose Company: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide
Exquisite Safaris clients say...
Travel Connoisseur Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide
US Air Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel: Travel with a Heart
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
The Fable of Stone Soup
Understanding Philanthropic Travel
Are We Talking about Philanthropy Yet? No, We Are Not
Travel Philanthropy: Creating Peace
Fast Company Magazine on Philanthropic Travel
PersonalLifemedia.com on Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Traveler funded High School opens near Victoria Falls, Zambia

Philanthropic Travelers:
The The One's Who Do: Visionary Philanthropic Travelers
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Marc Gold 100 Friends Project
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Chellie Kew
Milton & Fred Ochieng: Philanthropic Travelers
Jane Kaye- Bailey: Philanthropic Traveler
Richard Branson: Philanthropic Traveler
Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler
Oprah Winfrey: Philanthropic Traveler
Palm Beach Life Magazine: Philanthropic Travelers