Gap year programs are becoming more and more popular globally.  It usually refers to the taking of a break from school, usually for a year, after graduating from high school and before moving on to college. Many who choose to take a gap year use the opportunity to travel and experience the colour and culture of a foreign country, including going on gap year overseas volunteer programs.

That very Sunday, at the close of the service, a group of visitors came to share about some volunteering opportunities abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand. As I listened and watched the presentation slides, I began to imagine myself doing some good while enjoying the cool climate of northern Thailand. My heart began to beat faster and before I know it, I raised my hand when response was asked. So this is how I sign-up as a volunteer for the first time in my life.

What is Volunteer Travel?  volunteering abroad, voluntourism, volunteer tourism, volunteer holidays, volunteer vacations, gap year volunteering programmes … different names for one of the fastest growing travel trend in the world.

More and more travellers are combining their desire to explore the world with doing their part to contribute something back to the destinations that they travel to by going on volunteer vacations packages.