When you volunteer abroad, you have the opportunity to experience a new place, and to create a positive impact for people and the planet. As people who regularly travel while offering their time for local causes, “voluntourists” understand the reward that comes from sharing their talent and resources for the benefit of others.

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has been building and subsidizing  homes for families living in poverty since 1976. HFHI hosts international volunteer trips in partnership with their local chapters. Volunteers from abroad can sign up to help build homes in several different countries as part of HFHI’s “Global Village” program. Typically, the traveler covers the cost of their own flight and expenses. From Nov. 9-16, Habitat for Humanity Jordan is hosting a volunteer work trip to rural parts of the country. Volunteers will construct homes from concrete, and will also have opportunities for group activities in the evening. Participants often elect to take side trips to scenic parts of the country for some “R&R” after the work trip is finished. These international work trips, as well as helping out families through much-needed construction projects, also foster cross-cultural dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration.

HFHI hosts several work trips a year to countries all over the world - keep your eye out for a trip that might interest you, and learn more about their Global Village program!

This post concludes CAAP’s 2012 travel philanthropy series, we hope that our articles have encouraged you to become a more responsible tourist. We’ve had a great time exploring destinations throughout the Middle East with you this summer!

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• Tourist doesn’t have to be a dirty word (GOOD)

Photo courtesy Ezra Millstein

Throughout the summer we are bringing you a series of Middle Eastern destinations that allow you to practice a little philanthropy along the way. This month we are pleased to spotlight the “Reality Tours” hosted by Global Exchange, an international nonprofit dedicated to promoting social, environmental and economic justice, as well as a recent grantee of our Teen Grantmaking Initiative.

Global Exchange’s Reality Tours are meant to promote “experiential education” by exposing travelers to less-traveled destinations that have a history of injustice - and present possible solutions to that injustice. Reality Tours offer more than 100 delegations each year to more than 40 destinations that address contemporary political, economic, environmental, and cultural issues around the world.

A notable Reality Tour destination is Palestine, where visitors have the opportunity to volunteer with local farmers during the olive harvest from Oct 26-Nov 4. These Palestinian olive farms are Fair Trade Certified - which helps ensure that workers are paid fairly, the products are grown sustainably, and that farmers have access to international markets. This trip will underscore the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S. as a way to promote solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities. Travelers will also take part in Oktoberfest in Taybeh, which features traditional Palestinian dance, music, and (of course) food!

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy encourages you to keep a philanthropic mindset wherever you go this summer! Check out the rest of our travel philanthropy series, and learn more about us by visiting our website.

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• Travel philanthropy series - Destination: Morocco (Philanthropy in AAction)

Photo courtesy Global Exchange

The term “summer vacation” often invokes images of sandy beaches and poolside refreshments. This year, why not make your summer travel count towards a cause? “Travel philanthropy” is increasing in popularity as more and more tourists want to make a positive impact on the world through their globetrotting.

Fortunately, organizations like Elevate Destinations offer several types of tours that give back to both people and the planet. Their “donor travel” itineraries take philanthropists abroad to demonstrate the impact of their contributions to international non-governmental organizations. The company also arranges private tours that allow groups, individuals and families to experience a richer cultural and community exchange by showcasing the work of local nonprofit organizations along the way.

One such tour takes voyagers to Morocco. The two-week excursion explores the major cities of Marrakech, Fez, and Rabat while experiencing the work that community organizations like Association Merzouga are accomplishing in youth development, architectural/cultural preservation and environmental conservation. You can read more about the tour on Elevate Destinations’ website.

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy encourages you to keep a philanthropic mindset wherever you go this summer! Over the next few months, we’ll be taking you on a virtual tour of travel philanthropy destinations all over the Middle East.

Photo courtesy marcp_dmoz