As Billy Corgan famously theorised, the world is a vampire, sent to drain. Of course, this is a fairly cynical view which may have had the desired emotional impact on Generation X-ers from the mid-Nineties, but I like to think we live in a far more optimistic and giving world – and I feel this view is somewhat vindicated by the increasing popularity of Voluntourism over the years.

Voluntourism is a way to travel the world and make the most of your time abroad by helping people in need. As people see holidays as more of an experience than a chance for a break, it’s easy to see why so many people are keen to get involved – although the prospect can be quite daunting.

This edition of ‘Show and Tell’ – the irregular feature that points you in the direction of less-experienced travellers so you can share your knowledge – deals with two questions about volunteering from users of VirtualTourist.com and LonelyPlanet.com.

Do you know any good volunteer organizations for Rio de Janeiro? Lauraforastiere’s planning on heading to South America, visiting the coast of Uruguay before moving on to volunteer in Brazil for two weeks and needs advice for a good organization to go with and if this is even possible!? Answer Lauraforastiere’s question by clicking here.

WWOOFing in Ecuador or Peru – farmers in need of a helping hand? Skonc and some friends are visiting Ecuador and Peru in July and are hoping to work on a farm. The only response from PeeJee is sceptical about the opportunities, but do you have any knowledge of volunteering in those areas that could help Skonc? If so, click here to answer his questions.

The media love to coin an ism, and ‘voluntourism’ is the latest term hitting a travel supplement near you. Used to describe self-funded trips that combine backpacking with a bit of do-gooding on the side, voluntourism is travelling for those who want to give something back.

In Off The Beaten Track, Sandy Barker has posted about her own experiences as a voluntourist with Peru’s Challenge, a company set up by Aussie Jane Gavel and her Peruvian partner in 2002 to facilitate self-funded community projects for disadvantaged local children.

If you’re thinking of making a difference in Peru, it’s worth a look; and if you’ve been on a similar mission to Africa or South-East Asia, post a comment with your advice; she’s so fired up by her experiences, she’d love to go there next.

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