Top fun places to volunteer and make a difference

Ever thought about how you can mix doing good with having a blast? Well, volunteering doesn't have to be all work and no play. In fact, there are tons of fun places to volunteer that not only let you give back but also ensure you have an amazing time doing it. There are many opportunities to choose from, and the perfect gig can transform your volunteering efforts into an adventure worth telling.

Moreover, the act of volunteering is associated with numerous health benefits, such as lower rates of depression, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Besides having fun, you can enhance your own well-being while making a difference in the lives of others.

Shall we get to know over 20 fun places to volunteer in different areas and how to find thousands of other opportunities with just a few clicks? Keep reading this article!

How to find fun places to volunteer around the world

Looking for exciting volunteer opportunities that combine travel, cultural exchange, and making a positive impact? Worldpackers is your go-to platform to find unique and meaningful volunteer experiences around the globe.

The platform was created in 2014 to connect volunteers with hosts in over 140 countries. In exchange for your skills and time, hosts provide accommodation and possibly other perks, like meals and tours. 

Some non-profit organizations charge a daily or weekly fee to cover your basic expenses and support the project, but it’s still a super cheap way to travel and volunteer.

With Worldpackers' volunteer projects abroad you can immerse yourself in local communities, learn new skills, and make a difference while exploring the world. Also, the platform is super easy to use, and the support team is great, making your journey into volunteering overseas smooth sailing.

You might also like these articles:

• Learn how to become a volunteer in seven steps
• 15 types of volunteer work and how to choose the right one

Here's a step by step guide on how to find places to volunteer via Worldpackers:

1. Sign up: Start by creating a free account on the Worldpackers website or app. You can sign up using your email address or social media accounts.
2. Complete your profile: Fill out your profile with relevant information about yourself, including your skills and interests. A well-rounded profile increases your chances of being accepted by hosts.
3. Explore opportunities: Browse through the list of host opportunities available on the platform. You can filter them based on location, type of work, duration of stay, and specific skills required, among other criteria.
4. Read reviews: Take the time to read reviews from other travelers who have volunteered with the hosts you're interested in. This will give you insight into their experiences and help you make an informed decision.
5. Apply to hosts: Once you've found a host that interests you, send them a personalized message expressing your interest and detailing why you'd be a good fit for their project. Make sure to include any relevant skills or experiences you have that align with their needs.
6. Communicate with hosts: Keep an open line of communication with the hosts you've applied to. Discuss details such as the tasks you'll be responsible for, the hours you'll work each day, and any other expectations or requirements they may have.
7. Confirm your stay: Once you and the host have agreed on the terms of your stay, confirm your booking through the Worldpackers platform. This will officially secure your spot and ensure that both parties are committed to the arrangement.
8. Prepare for your trip: Make any necessary travel arrangements, such as booking flights or obtaining visas. Pack accordingly, keeping in mind the tasks you'll be doing and the climate of your destination.

How Worldpackers makes volunteering fun

There are other ways to volunteer locally and abroad, but Worldpackers makes it fun for several reasons:

• Diverse adventures: The platform offers a treasure trove of unique and exciting volunteering opportunities. Whether you dream of working with animals, diving into creative projects, or exploring the great outdoors, there's a thrilling adventure waiting for you.
• Cultural immersion: Imagine living like a local, fully immersed in the vibrant rhythms of a new culture. Worldpackers allows you to do just that, fostering deep connections with local communities and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
• Fun activities: Boring routines have no place here because as soon as your shift ends a new discovery awaits. Maybe tonight it will be salsa dancing under starry skies or tomorrow exploring hidden street art alleys guided by tips from local coworkers eager to show off their hometown gems. This sort of travel turns tourists into explorers armed with insider knowledge.
• Thrilling experiences: From teaching surf lessons on sun-kissed beaches to learning all about horses or leading yoga sessions in serene settings, volunteering through Worldpackers is anything but ordinary. Dive into thrilling activities, embrace new challenges, and discover the joy of making a difference in unique and exciting ways.
• Friendships: Sharing laughter, stories, and adventures with fellow volunteers from around the globe creates bonds that transcend borders. Whether you're working side by side on a conservation project or exploring a new city together, the friendships you forge through these volunteering programs will enrich your experience and add an extra layer of fun to your travels.
• Variety and flexibility: With Worldpackers, you have the freedom to tailor your volunteer experience to your interests and preferences. Whether you're seeking a short-term adventure or a long-term commitment, you can use the platform’s filters to find positions that fit your schedule and travel style.

In summary, Worldpackers isn't just about giving back—it's about embracing life to the fullest, diving headfirst into thrilling adventures, and creating cherished memories along the way. 

Besides helping others, your volunteer trip can serve several other purposes, such as connecting with locals or with international travelers, expanding your environmental consciousness, spending time in nature or making a real social impact.

Ready to delve into the amazing world of voluntourism? We’re now going to talk about some of the main types of places to volunteer while having a lot of fun.

You might also like to read: Traveling with Worldpackers: your top questions answered

Different types of fun places to volunteer

1. Connect with nature and decompress

Imagine waking up to the symphony of birdsong, surrounded by lush forests, beautiful hills, or pristine beaches. Volunteering with nature-related projects through Worldpackers, each day brings the promise of new experiences, whether it's tending to organic gardens, assisting with eco-friendly construction projects, or participating in wildlife conservation efforts.

Nature settings are among the most fun places to volunteer. Living and working alongside like-minded volunteers from diverse backgrounds cultivates lasting friendships and enriches the cultural exchange experience. Whether gathered around a campfire sharing stories, collaborating on daily tasks, or simply enjoying a sunset hike, these shared moments can create strong bonds.

This type of experience also provides a unique opportunity for personal development. Away from the distractions of modern life, volunteers have the space and freedom to reflect, recharge, and rediscover themselves.

On your free time, there are plenty of chances for exploration and adventure. Whether it's hiking through forests, surfing on pristine waves, or simply basking in the tranquility of nature, each moment is a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

• Join a permaculture project in Italy’s beautiful countryside
• Enjoy a private room in New Zealand near mountains and beaches
• Help with bioconstruction in a sustainable community in Brazil
• Live in accordance with nature and help out in a farm in Estonia

See all the best places to volunteer in contact with nature.

2. Discover the joy of animal shelter volunteering

Have you ever thought about volunteering at an animal shelter? It's an incredibly rewarding experience that not only benefits the animals, but also yourself. These organizations are often in need of volunteers to help with daily operations, socialization of animals, and finding forever homes for the pets in their care.

When you volunteer at an animal shelter, you get to spend time with adorable cats, dogs, and other animals who crave human interaction and affection. It's a great way to destress and boost your mood while making a positive impact on the lives of these furry friends.

The animals often come from difficult backgrounds, such as abandonment or neglect, and need extra love and care to heal and thrive. By dedicating your time and effort, you make animals’ lives better and also provide essential support to the shelter staff, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks like veterinary care and adoption processes.

• Help improve stray dogs' lives in Thailand
• Volunteer at an animal rescue center in Galapagos, Ecuador
• Help care for sea turtles in the heart of Costa Rica
• Give a hand at an animal shelter and enjoy Greece
• Help take care of abandoned dogs in Peru

See all the opportunities for volunteering at animal shelters through Worldpackers.

3. Unleash creativity with arts-based volunteering opportunities

If you've got a soft spot for the arts and are itching to make a difference, you're in luck. Arts-based volunteering might be the perfect fit for you. There are countless opportunities to unleash your creativity while leaving a positive contribution.

Many institutions seek volunteers to assist with decorating their spaces, making music, giving arts workshops, or organizing events. For example, you might volunteer to teach art classes to underprivileged youth, assist with community murals, or help curate exhibitions that showcase local artists.

• Create art for the mural of a social project in Guatemala
• Help organize and run a non-profit folk festival in Gent, Belgium
• Collaborate with music, art and photography at an English school in Ecuador
• Volunteer with music and art in a farm stay in India

See all the best places to volunteer with arts and culture.

4. Ride the wave of fun with surf, yoga or football volunteering

What if you could combine your love for yoga, surfing, football, or other sports with a meaningful purpose? This type of volunteering offers a unique opportunity to share your skills and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Many places to volunteer offer programs that involve teaching sports to underprivileged communities, for instance. By sharing your passion and expertise, you can empower others to experience the joy and benefits of these activities, while also fostering a sense of connection and community.

On top of all, engaging in active pursuits while volunteering not only benefits the participants but also has positive effects on your own well-being.

In most cases you don't need to be a pro sports player or a certified yoga teacher to make a difference. As long as you have the skills, a passion for sharing your knowledge, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can be a valuable volunteer.

• Teach football to underprivileged kids in Togo
• Teach Yoga in a beautiful bamboo shala in Bali, Indonesia
• Join a surf and yoga community in Tenerife, Spain, as a surf instructor
• Live in an ecovillage in Brazil and volunteer as a yoga teacher

Check out the positions available for volunteering by teaching sports.

5. Empower children and youth through volunteer activities

Keen on genuinely impacting the lives of children or young people? Volunteering with child or youth-focused organizations is an incredibly rewarding way to give back and inspire the next generation and is also a lot of fun.

By sharing your time, skills, and experiences, you can empower kids to reach their full potential and become active, engaged members of their communities. And the best part? There are many fun and meaningful ways to get involved.

• Have fun while supporting the education of low-income children in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• Teach English, Spanish and French to vulnerable children in Tanzania

See all options for volunteering with childcare through Worldpackers.

6. Volunteer in hostels around the world

Did you know that you can volunteer with tasks like welcoming guests, bartending, promoting parties or taking guests bar hopping, meeting people and having lots of fun? 

There are many fun places to volunteer in exchange for accommodation, most often hostels looking for people to help their staff.

With this type of work exchange you might not make a social or environmental impact, but you’ll be part of a collaborative way of life, contributing to a small business while traveling for cheap. You’ll also get to meet many other travelers and get to know the destination like a local.

• Live in 100-year-old Japanese heritage house and enjoy the city
• Act as a “social butterfly” making sure people have fun in a hostel in Valladolid, Mexico
• Volunteer as a bartender on a tropical island in Malaysia
• Help a hostel and have fun in Albania
• Take photos and videos to promote a hostel while enjoying Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Volunteer and have fun in amazing Seville, Spain

See all positions for volunteering in hostels in different parts of the world.

So here we are, standing at the crossroads of adventure, collaboration, and altruism. This journey through various fun places to volunteer has shown us that yes, giving back can be rewarding and thrilling at the same time.

Create a free profile on Worldpackers today and use the platform's filters to look for the best places to volunteer according to your preferences. Have fun!