Hands Up Holidays

Hands Up Holidays is all about giving you amazing holiday experiences that combine eco-sightseeing with a meaningful taste of volunteering.

Here is a sample 14 day trip:

- Days 1-5 are with your local, English-speaking guide; exploring your chosen destination and also learning some of the local language, cultural norms and etiquette. Your accommodation is generally 4-5* but we tailor-make trips to suit all budgets.

- Days 6-9 are your taste of volunteering days. Here you experience meaningful interaction with local people while you give back through volunteering. This includes (a) being a reading partner, (b) helping at an orphanage, (c) building a house, (d) environmental conservation, (e) repairs and renovations.

- Days 10-14 are for reflecting on your volunteer experience, for consolidating any group bonding, relaxing and continuing to explore with your local guide.

All our trips are rated out of 5 for Comfort and Activity level, so you can find the trip that suits you best.

These volunteer adventures are for you if:

* you are interested in having a break, want to explore a destination, and also give something back to a local community.
* you value meaningful interaction with other cultures - achieved through the medium of volunteering.
* you value small group or tailor-made sustainable tourism practices that directly benefit local communities.
* you do not have specific skills, but have a lot of enthusiasm and a positive attitude (OR if you do have specific skills, we will match your skills where possible)

Most of these trips are upmarket, some of them even luxurious in terms of accommodation, as we know that this is your holiday, and volunteering does not have to involve sleeping on the floor; luxury volunteering is our specialty - although we can arrange this if you prefer, and will gladly tailormake a trip to suit your budget and requirements.

The volunteering portion of your trip is generally 4 days out of a 14 day trip - not enough time to save the world, but sufficient to make a positive impact, rub shoulders with the local people, and have your worldview challenged.

It is our hope that after experiencing a Hands Up Holiday voluntourism trip, you will feel inspired to volunteer for a longer period somewhere (even in your home town), or become a lifelong advocate or donor for the Community Development project you got involved with.

Hands Up Holidays is a founding member of the Ethical Tour Operators Group, part of Tourism Concern that is committed to sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and the environment.

Hands Up Holidays is a fully bonded and licensed member of ATOL, number 9675.

Come and join us for your Adventure That Counts!