Volunteer travel

Voluntourism, also called Volunteerismus, Volunteerreisen or volunteer vacation is a form of travel that occupies the intermediary position between vacation and voluntary work.

Term

The term Voluntourism is made up of the words of volunteering and tourism, and describes a travel form. The journey itself is called a Voluntour and the traveler therefore a Voluntouristen. Accordingly, interest, ability and time frame of the travelers passed meaningful work assignments to improve social and environmental conditions around the world. He also takes tourist offers. The duration varies greatly. Characteristic are stays of several weeks. Voluntouristen combines the goal of sustainable want to do something good.

Demarcation

Voluntourism is a member of the alternative forms of travel, which he clearly differentiates itself from mass tourism. He has intersection points with other alternative forms of travel such as ecotourism, the active holiday or the community-based tourism. He draws heavily on the principles of ethics, environmental and cultural protection. Voluntourism is not to be confused with the pure volunteering or volunteering, which are organized, durable nature and have less touristy character.

Travel motives

Voluntouristen moves in general, the goal of wanting to " do something good ", "giving back something to the world " or "self- realizing ". The authenticity of the environment and the foreign culture of the distant pull on them. Other motivations of young travelers are often the attainment of language skills or orientation in her life.

Criticism

The criticism of Voluntourism refers to various possible negative social, cultural, ecological and economic aspects of the trip.

  • Social: - unequal social gradient between the traveler and the Bereistem; - Lack of language skills of travelers; - Lack of qualifications (eg for the purpose of teaching )
  • Cultural: - Consumption of culture and authenticity ( " human zoo "); - Loss of the locals of the relevance to their own traditions and rituals
  • Economically: - Exploiting the term of validity of Voluntouristen; - Lack of jobs for local people by free filling of posts by Voluntouristen;
  • Ecological: - intrusion into sensitive habitats of flora and fauna; - Emissions of CO ² to reach the often distant holiday destination
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