Charity challenges or coconut palms?
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone is hugely rewarding
Feeling the need to do good? If regular volunteering and marathon-running aren't possible, a charity event or challenge, sponsored or self-funded, is one way of experiencing a very fulfilling ‘holiday'...
The X Factor?
This year, celebrities like Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, for Comic Relief. And in April, 50 explorers played a cricket match above Everest base camp, raising money for charities Lord's Taverners and the Himalayan Trust UK.
And we're being inspired to also search for more rewarding travel experiences and stretch ourselves physically and mentally.
Julie Thomas, spokesperson from Across The Divide, which has raised over £30m for 200 different charities in the last 11 years, explains the appeal to Sideways News: "People are there for personal reasons or fundraising for a special charity. They're taking on massive mental or physical challenges."
And it's easier now to do these trips. As Kristina Roe from Responsible Travel, who offer over 350 volunteering holidays, told Sideways News, "Ten years ago, volunteering involved taking two years off in developing countries, or a weekend cleaning canals in the UK. Now, one- to three-week trips mean you can volunteer - and travel."
Real people, real experiences
Katie Bizzey shares her Across The Divide experience: "I love holidays, but a trek takes you out of your comfort zone. I returned with new confidence and respect for my abilities and raised money for a special charity." She adds, "Be prepared for basic, but satisfactory sanitation."
She concludes, "We all had one aim - to trek the Moroccan Sahara. We succeeded and returned as friends who'd shared a unique experience."
Ten years ago, volunteering involved taking two years off in developing countries, or a weekend cleaning canals in the UK. Now, one- to three-week trips mean you can volunteer - and travel.
So what's on offer?
What's not on offer, rather? As Kristina Roe told Sideways News, "Opportunities range from teaching English in a Russian village and healthcare in South Africa's townships to marine studies on Belizean coral, wildlife conservation in Indonesia's forests or footpath repair in northern England."
And if you're up for treks and challenges, companies like Across The Divide offer plenty. ‘There are projects, bike rides, walks and treks for numerous charities,' says Julie Thomas.
Checking it out
Choosing the right trip is important, but is it good for the community? "Projects should be based on a real local need, rather than being dreamed up by a travel company," says Kristina Roe. "An independent report should detail the benefits to local people and the environment - and there should be transparency about costs and where that money goes."
Then, the only question is, where?
SIDEWAYS News for fresh perspectives
