‘Tis the season for voluntourism

Voluntourism has become the holiday of choice for those keen to give something back. From charities and tour companies, to luxury hotels and cruise ships, there’s no shortage of for profit and not for profit companies willing to organize a volunteer trip for philanthropic travelers. For good reason: Nearly 1 in 20 U.S. travelers has taken a trip to help the less fortunate or support a humanitarian cause, according to research firm Y Partnership’s 2009 National Leisure Travel Monitor.

The recession has helped highlight that it’s no longer enough to simply write a check for charity – no, contemporary giving is about doing. A growing number of consumers now feel that if they are going to splurge on a luxury vacation, they want to make sure it is memorable and meaningful experience by reaching out to those less fortunate or helping save the planet – with the bonus of exploring a new place.

Post AIG debacle, more companies too are looking to burnish their reputations and be perceived as better corporate citizens. They’re starting to tack on a day to their meetings for hands-on charitable initiatives – from painting a school or assembling and donating bicycles to an orphanage, to picking up litter in a park. These efforts often have the added benefit of being team building exercises, all round a good investment in time and money.