Travel Agents Welcome to Book "Volunteer Vacation" Packages to 18 Countries

Dec. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Boston, MA – United Planet has opened the doors for travel agents to send clients on Volunteer Vacations in 18 countries around the globe. The traveler will have the opportunity to spend some time working in a local community project, while also enjoying the chance to visit important sites, engage in cultural activities, go on significant excursions, and more. United Planet has sent thousands of volunteers on these Quests over the past ten years, and is hoping to reach out to the more conventional travel audience to encourage them to engage in service while on vacation.

Find out more: http://www.unitedplanet.org/travel-agent-information

“A Volunteer Vacation allows the traveler to do more than just look at the people and the country. It enables someone to make a direct impact on a community in need,” says Theresa Higgs, Vice President of Global Operations.“ The traveler will have the chance to immerse in the local culture: share a cup of tea in a dusty market, laugh with a family over a bowl of rice, or get a hug from an orphan. It’s so much more than a sterile luxury vacation. These local, sustainable projects give adventure that’s extremely rewarding.”

The traveler may choose from 18 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa or Europe; may choose the duration of their trip (1-12 weeks); and may choose the type of project where they work (caring for orphans and street children, teaching, working in an animal sanctuary, environmental preservation, and more).  Most volunteers enjoy home stays, but can opt to choose a hotel, hostel or guesthouse.  

Immersion within the local culture is a major aspect of the vacation. Volunteers partake in activities such as dance lessons, language or cooking classes. “The traveler will come away with a profound connection to the community, and an understanding of other lives and cultures,” says Higgs.

Moreover, travelers may add excursion packages to major sites; examples include: 4 days exploring the Inca Trail, 5 days in the Galapagos Islands or 5 days observing Crocodiles in Ghana. Countries include: Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Tanzania, Tibet

For more information, visit www.unitedplanet.org/travel-agent-information, email quest@unitedplant.org or call 1-800-292-2316.

About United Planet

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. Its global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

Founded in 2001, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949. For more information visit http://www.unitedplanet.org.