Volunteer Vacations

Dear Savvy Senior,

What can you tell me about volunteer vacations? It sounds like a fun and interesting way to travel but at age 59 I have some concerns.

Adventurous Annie

Dear Annie:

If you yearn to do more on your vacation than relax in the sun or go sightseeing, volunteer service vacations are a great alternative and a popular option among travelers over age 50. Here's what you should know.

Volunteer Vacations

Nowadays, you don't need to join the Peace Corps to travel to exotic destinations and serve others. Numerous organizations now offer short-term volunteer projects in the United States and around the world, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Common program themes include teaching English, working with children and teens, building and repairing homes and schools and assisting with community projects. In addition, volunteer vacations also give travelers the opportunity to experience a particular culture more fully and connect with the local people- much different than your usual let's-call-roomservice type of trip.

Costs

Most volunteer vacation groups accept singles, couples and families and you don't need to speak a foreign language. Costs range from around $800 to $1,000 a week, not including transportation to the country your site is in. Fees typically cover pre-trip orientation information, room and board, on-site training, ground transportation once you get there, the services of a project leader, and a contribution to the local community that covers material and services related to the project. If the organization running your trip is a nonprofit, the costs of your trip, including airfare, are tax deductible.

Where to Look

While most volunteer vacation organizations are open to people of all ages, many of them make special efforts to cater to older travelers. Here are some well established and good programs worth a look.

• Global Volunteers: Offers a wide variety of two-to-three-week service programs in 19 countries, including the U.S. While open to people of all ages, more than 60 percent of its volunteers are age 50 or older. www.globalvolunteers.org; 800-487-1074.

• Elderhostel: In addition to its more traditional learning vacations, they also offer volunteer service programs for travelers ages 50 and up. www.elderhostel.org/programs/service.asp; 800-454-5768.

• Habitat for Humanity: Has a variety of house-building trips through its Global Village Program, RV Care-A-Vanners program and more. www.habitat.org; 800-422-4828.

• i-to-i: This international volunteer organization has a diverse selection of programs, with about 500 different projects in 34 countries ranging in length from one to 12 weeks. www.ito i.com; 800-985-4852.

• Cross-Cultural Solutions: Offers flexible programs one to 12 weeks long in 12 nations. www.crossculturalsolutions.com; 800-380- 4777.

How to Choose

With so many different organizations and volunteer options, it can be difficult choosing one. To cut through the clutter, here are some tips to help you find a good fit:

• Know what you want. You can whittle down your choices by asking yourself some simple questions like: Where do you want to go and for how long? What types of work are you interested in doing? What kind of living situation and accommodations do you expect? Do you want to volunteer alone or with a group? Do you want a rural or urban placement? Also, consider your age and health. Are you up to the task, or do you have any special needs that must be met?

• Get the details. Once you spot a volunteer vacation that interests you, ask the organization for a document that describes the accommodations, the fees and what they cover, including their refund policy, the work schedule and work details and anything else you have questions about. Also, get a list of previous volunteers and call them. Don't sign up with a group that won't supply you with this information.

Savvy Tips: If you're volunteering outside the U.S., find out if any vaccinations and/or preventative medications are recommended or required at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.

Also, check to see if your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the U.S. Many policies don't pay for medical expenses outside the border nor does Medicare. If you're not covered, consider purchasing a policy (see www.insuremytrip.com) that includes emergency evacuation coverage.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to "The NBC Today Show" and author of The Savvy Senior books.

The Gazette does not endorse the contents of The Savvy Senior. Check with professionals about the contents of this column.