Volunteer Travel

Many of our programs and tours have a volunteer component. We really enjoy this aspect of our trips and believe that the well structured volunteer activities we arrange benefit both our partners and our trip participants.

It’s not tokenism – we do not include volunteer activities simply to make our trip participants feel good about themselves. Instead, volunteer projects are planned around the expressed needs of a range of community groups, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Volunteer projects allow our participants to really immerse themselves in a place and share an experience with local people - bridging the gap that often exists between visitor and host. The rewards are tangible and often unexpected. Not only will you return home with a sense of satisfaction from completing the work and having made a difference in the world but also with an intimate understanding of a place and its people.

Volunteer Tours and Programs

Pacific Discovery offers the following programs and tours incorporating volunteer projects and elements. Alternatively, if you are interested in a custom volunteer tour for your high school group, university group, family or special interest group, then please contact us, as we are happy to work with you to develop an itinerary that incorporates experiences and excursions to suit your group and focus.

Nepal & Tibet Semester

Cultural immersion, community service and adventure travel through Nepal and Tibet

Trekking in the shadow of Himalayan mountains. Village-stay and community service project. Study Buddhism & meditation. Rafting expedition from the Himalayas to the plains. Travel the roof-top of the world between Kathmandu and Lhasa, Tibet. Lakeside Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park.

New Zealand & Australia Semester

Conservation volunteering, educational travel and adventures through New Zealand and Australia

This educational travel semester offers an amazing summer 'down under' with three week-long volunteer conservation projects in different areas of New Zealand; multi-day outdoor expeditions - a surfing camp, a canoeing journey, a backpacking trip; and overland adventure travel through New Zealand and Australia’s stunning mountain, forest and beach environments.

New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program

Conservation volunteering, cultural immersion and adventure travel in New Zealand & Fiji

A month immersion in New Zealand and Fiji's incredible environments and unique culture, with two weeks of volunteer conservation projects in some of New Zealand’s most interesting national parks and wildlife reserves, and two weeks of insight and adventure travel as we road-trip through New Zealand and explore the Yasawa Islands of Fiji.

Peru Summer Program

Spanish language and culture immersion, volunteering and adventure travel in Peru

Experience Peru’s incredible cultural, social and environmental diversity. Spanish immersion, volunteering with orphans, homestay with local families, trek an Inca trail to Machu Pichu, explore islands on Lake Titicaca, wander ancient plazas and markets in Cusco and Arequipa, hike in Colca Canyon, visit the mysterious Nazca Lines, try sandboarding at Huacachina.

Southeast Asia Semester

Inspiring educational travel through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia

Travel through the diverse and friendly Buddhist countries of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Experience hands-on volunteer work, opportunities for meaningful connections with local people, and gaining knowledge of Southeast Asia’s history, societies and environments, plus cultural insights and incredible adventures set amidst dramatic landscapes.

Thailand Summer Program

Volunteering with elephants, cultural immersion and adventure travel in Thailand

Rewarding volunteer work in elephant conservation, and with marginalized communities, adds to this in-depth and adventurous one month summer program that will take you on a journey to the heart of Thailand. Hike and canoe through tropical jungles, explore idyllic islands, ancient temples, kaleidascopic markets, and try your hand at Thai language and cuisine.

Vietnam & Cambodia Summer Program

Cultural immersion, volunteering and travel in Vietnam & Cambodia