It has always been cool to volunteer to help people, but since 9/11 there has been a renewed interest in the U.S. for helping others all over the world. People in this field have been reporting a renewed interest and surge in idealism as we have become more globally aware.

Looking for a different kind of vacation, one in which you can feel that you've really made a difference, while at the same time soaking in another culture and saving money, too? This may just be your cup of java.

While most programs charge for food and lodgings they are generally cheaper than other vacations and usually give you plenty of time to pursue your sightseeing goals, at the same time.

There are as many diverse volunteer opportunities out there as there are interests. All you need to do is match your skills and interests to the opportunities. 

To get you started  here are a few Web sites that can put you on the right track. From helping out at orphanages to digging archeological artifacts you can find yourself learning and making things better all over the world.  There are ancient villages to maintain in the South of France, National Park trails in the U.S., studying butterflies in Mexico, teaching English to Japanese students on a ship that travels the world, studying Australia's indigenous population and helping with Ecuador's disabled children, to name a few.

Some of the groups that are making these travel opportunities possible are Cross-Cultural Solutions with 14 programs run by local people in 10 host countries. This year they anticipate sending over 1,500 volunteers all over the globe, which will more than double the number of volunteers from last year.  Global Volunteers plans to send nearly 1,700 travelers.  Global Citizens Network has seen a 30% increase in interest from the year before.  Many more people are getting involved.  Long the domain of students and retirees, they are now seeing more families and working singles volunteering for this soul satisfying travel.

Volunteers for Peace hosts work camps in more than 100 Countries and Wilderness Volunteers runs volunteer U.S. Camping programs to repair National Parks and Wilderness areas in 50 states.

While some of these opportunities may not be cheap, they are generally cheaper than most other travel vacations and the fact that you may end up sleeping on a remote beach or in an enchanted forest definitely separates them from other cheap sleeps.  After you take one of these vacations it may be hard to go back to your usual type of travel. These trips of volunteering can bring you lifelong friendships, tremendous satisfaction and result in truly life changing experiences. To find out more just click on any of the links in this story or go to GOOGLE and put in your particular interests and the word "Travel". 

If you have a favorite Volunteer Vacation you'd like to share or would like to suggest a Web site for us to add to this page, please EMAIL US.