Transformative Volunteering & Community Service Tours &...

Transformative Volunteering & Community Service Tours & Trips

633 Transformative trips. Tours from 209 tour companies. 1,503 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

26 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Volunteering & Community Service
Volunteer in an Orphanage in Nepal
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4.6/5 Excellent
21 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Pokhara

Highlights

  • Explore Nepal's beautiful city of Pokhara and volunteer alongside an international team
  • Volunteers provide the local teachers critical support
  • Visit traditional Hindu and Buddhist temples and embrace your adventurous
  • Enjoy home cooked meals in your home stay

Themes

Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I can honestly say that joining the GVI Turtle and Lemon Shark Conservation Project was the best thing I have ever done. It is an experience I will value for the rest of my life. Right from the very beginning with the field manual I knew this trip was going to be amazing but nothing can prepare you for how stunning it is. I remember one day, I was chilling in the hammock before dinner when I saw a juvenile Lemon Shark and a ray. I called everyone and we watched the shark almost beach itself on a few occasions. However the best experience for me was when I was lucky enough to see not 1 or 2 but 3 Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs all in one day. It was magical. The staff were so knowledgeable and were always happy to help. I have learnt to cook food for 25 people with very limited cooking equipment and ingredients, loved every Friday BBQ night and made friends for life."

Trip dates & details
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The Balkans
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5/5 Excellent
8 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Sarajevo

Highlights

  • Visithidden swimming coves, local restaurants and unique towns
  • Work with, theMine Detection Dog Center
  • Truly see all sides of the Balkans

Themes

High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We went to a custom trip to Nepal with the Vacation Project in April and it was the best time of my life. Getting to know new people, traditions and culture was truly amazing. Our guide Rakesh was well prepared and made us feel like we were long time friends, which made the time in Nepal really special. Working with the children in Changu was amazing and all i can hope for is that i made an impact on their lifes, just like they made on mine. I can totally recommend a trip with TVP!"

Trip dates & details
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Morocco
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5/5 Excellent
8 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Marrakech

Highlights

  • Stay with a local family in the local community.
  • Discover the spots that most tourists won't know about
  • Explore Marrakech

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"We went to a custom trip to Nepal with the Vacation Project in April and it was the best time of my life. Getting to know new people, traditions and culture was truly amazing. Our guide Rakesh was well prepared and made us feel like we were long time friends, which made the time in Nepal really special. Working with the children in Changu was amazing and all i can hope for is that i made an impact on their lifes, just like they made on mine. I can totally recommend a trip with TVP!"

Trip dates & details
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Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
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4.6/5 Excellent
21 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Chiang Mai

Highlights

  • The goal of this project is to have semi-wild herds of elephants living, socializing, and foraging in their natural habitat, supervised by their mahouts around their local village.
  • Volunteers can learn about elephant behavior and contribute directly to the elephants’ lives by providing working alternatives for the owners, mahouts (elephant keepers) and villagers
  • Learn about elephant history, behavior, training, biology, social skills, and more.

Themes

Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

What travelers are saying

"I can honestly say that joining the GVI Turtle and Lemon Shark Conservation Project was the best thing I have ever done. It is an experience I will value for the rest of my life. Right from the very beginning with the field manual I knew this trip was going to be amazing but nothing can prepare you for how stunning it is. I remember one day, I was chilling in the hammock before dinner when I saw a juvenile Lemon Shark and a ray. I called everyone and we watched the shark almost beach itself on a few occasions. However the best experience for me was when I was lucky enough to see not 1 or 2 but 3 Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs all in one day. It was magical. The staff were so knowledgeable and were always happy to help. I have learnt to cook food for 25 people with very limited cooking equipment and ingredients, loved every Friday BBQ night and made friends for life."

Trip dates & details
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Myanmar: Culture and Conservation Journey
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bagan, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Highlights

  • Highlights will be your visit to the illuminated Shwedagon Pagoda, where you can experience a magical and mystical moment
  • Learn about the history of the pagoda and the daily life of locals, and gain deeper insight in the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is blended with nats – the Myanmar spirits
  • Minnanthu, a favorite temple area among visitors to Bagan, is loved for its quiet and unique atmosphere
  • In Bagan visit to local villages off the beaten track.
  • Volunteering in a local community, planting trees or teaching English or environmental education.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

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Malawi: Service and Safari
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Liwonde National Park

Highlights

  • Experience the pleasures of simplicity and the truly joyful spirit of the villagers
  • Safari in Liwonde National Park
  • Enjoy game drives
  • Take a guided walking safari
  • Enjoy volunteering at Njobvu.

Themes

Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Safari, Transformative, Volunteering & Community Service

Trip dates & details
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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Highlights of Morocco
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1/5 Terrible
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Atlas Mountains, Casablanca, Marrakech, Medina, Meknès, Sahara Desert

Highlights

  • Wander through ancient medinas and roman ruins
  • Ride a camel into the sahara
  • Spend a night in a mountain gîte
  • Enjoy traditional moroccan fare at a local home
  • Shop in seaside essaouira
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Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
  • Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
  • Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
  • Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
  • Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Authentic Vietnam
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By Exotic Voyages
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
A luxury tour company that designs extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path journeys across Asia.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Mekong Delta, Mekong River

Highlights

  • Visit ethnic minority communities in the north of Vietnam
  • Experience the culture, history and beautiful natural settings in combination.
  • Relax among the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An old town...
  • Discover the vibrant, lively, and colorful Mekong Delta
  • Luxuriate at the finest hotels, accompanied by the finest of service quality within the region.
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Lucy at Exotic Voyages planned the best honeymoon my wife and I could have asked for. She listened to what my wife and I wanted to do, and turned that into an unforgettable 10 day vacation. We went through 4 different itineraries before we landed on the final one. Lucy was always friendly and very quick to answer any questions we had. She took care of every detail, Visas, ground transportation, tours, etc. If you are planning on going to Vietnam, you MUST use Lucy and Exotic Voyages."

Trip dates & details
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Arenal Volcano Package: 4 Nights
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Vacation / Holiday Package
Why we love them
They offer something for every kind of traveler and their excellent customer service is available throughout the whole process.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano

Highlights

  • Experience some of the highlights of the Arenal Volcano
  • Choose from a list of great tours that include everything from caving to nocturnal eco tours
  • Hike along the lava trails of Arenal Volcano
  • Try the natural volcanic hot springs

Themes

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We completed the three day tour with the glacier hike today! It was awesome and the sub vendor, Troll Expeditions, is definitely worthy of staying on the vendor list. 3 Day Blue Ice Cave + Golden Circle + Northern Lights"

Trip dates & details
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Cinque Terre Magnifica Hiking Tour
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5/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre

Highlights

  • Portofino, with its tall colored houses and exclusive small harbor
  • Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino: Villas and Flowers
  • Abbey of San Fruttuoso
  • Oil, pesto, and many other Ligurian delicacies
  • Panoramic wine tasting
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details
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26 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Volunteering & Community Service
...

1

2

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Transformative Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
1,503  Reviews
See all Transformative tour reviews
Excellent
1,188
Great
316
Average
1
Disappointing
2
Terrible
10
T

Tour-the COVID tour

May 2020

Written on

How to not go tour Morocco

I booked with G Adventures over a year prior to the tour. The primary reason was the 100% guaranteed departures and 24 hour communication. 1 week before I was to lea...

S

Selfish and Lacking Integrity

Apr 2020

Written on

Its my money not yours. No service means no pay!

I am so fully disheartened and disgusted by the handling of G Adventures with this crisis. We paid over 7,000 for our honeymoon tour in Morocco. It was fully paid fo...

E

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised and free time. Great travelling by train

J

John

Oct 2015

Written on

The format of the trip enabled two

The format of the trip enabled two significant factors to coincide to make the entire experience overwhelmingly positive. 1. Our trip guide - Yuri Awanohara, made th...

F

Fenella

Oct 2015

Written on

Great introduction to the country. Variety of

Great introduction to the country. Variety of activities and all well planned by guide Yuri

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Transformative Tour Selection Trips

  • Transformative travel may sound like a lofty term, but it really is one of the best ways to describe certain tours. Keep an open mind!
  • These kinds of tours are often challenging emotionally. You may find yourself in the midst of poverty, or learn about some devastating effects on local wildlife due to human activity.
  • Discovering and learning about different cultural perspectives is a key component of transformative travel. Ask a lot of questions and listen closely - you may be surprised as your perspective begins to shift.
  • Being out in nature is another key component on transformative tours. Reconnect with your soul on a fundamental level through outdoor meditation and invigorating activity.
  • The world today is very individual focused. Particularly younger people are used to maintaining their own world from their palm - across social media platforms and other apps. Transformative travel will present you with the unique opportunity to challenge this way of life and participate in a community atmosphere off the internet - both with your tour companions and with the people you meet.

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