Voluntary Holidays

From teaching English in Colombia to mangrove restoration in Thailand and house reconstruction in Sri Lanka, we list five of the best opportunities for a truly ethical volunteering holiday.

Teach rugby in Fiji
In the mornings on this two week trip you’ll be helping coach 6-14 year olds in the suburbs of Lautaok followed by free time exploring the islands or chilling out at the beach.www.madventurer.com; 0845 121 1996.

Help reconstruction in Sri Lanka
Based in Galle on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, divide your time between getting stuck into a number of house and building reconstruction projects and relaxing on the beautiful Hikkaduwa beach. www.different-travel.com; 07597 635228.

Be a marine researcher, Madagascar
Spend 3-18 weeks experiencing some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean while gathering data to help establish a management plan for preserving the Grand Recif de Tulear – one of the largest coral reefs in the word. www.blueventures.org; 020 8341 9819.

Teach English in Colombia
Help former coca leaf growers run a series of eco-friendly guesthouses through teaching English and basic IT skills near Santa Marta, on the edge of Tayrona National Park.www.handsupholidays.com; 0207 193 1062.

Provide community service in Thailand
Help organize kids' sport camps, youth environmental projects, beach clearing, mangrove restoration as well as coastal and marine monitoring near the Koh Surin National Park in southern Thailand. www.andamandiscoveries.com; +66 (0)879 177 165.

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An edited version of this article, by Richard Hammond, was first published in his column ‘The Responsible Traveller’ in the September issue of Geographical, available in WHSmith and many independent newsagents. Subscribe online or order your copy by calling +44 (0)1795 414 881.

See also The Responsible Traveller: Volunteering and the Reality Gap