Volunteer projects for backpackers

Many backpackers and gap year travellers want to do some voluntary work during their trip, but it can be tricky to find the right placement. Here are some reputable organisations that manage volunteer projects overseas, for backpackers and other holidaymakers who want to give something back.

Volunteer travel company i-to-i.com has lots of placements around the world for backpackers and others who want to travel for shorter periods. You can choose to work with animals, with children, on conservation projects or building.

The company also offers TEFL training so backpackers can teach English to foreigners to fund their travels.

Backpackers with a leaning towards wildlife and conservation should contact Earthwatch, which has several nature-based expeditions around the world, many of which appeal to backpackers who want to learn more about the destinations they travel through.

Book a trip by October 1 and you'll get 10 per cent off.

For grown-up gapers and backpackers who don't like things too tough Handsupholidays.com provides volunteers with quality accommodation. Its most popular trips are to India, South America, South Africa, Fiji, Thailand and Kenya.

Volunteering en famille? Volunteer Abroad and sister organisation Insight Abroad accept children as young as eight when they are travelling with a parent. It has projects worldwide backpackers of all ages in 12 countries.

Teenage backpackers aged 15 to 17 can sign up for one of its Teen Volunteer Abroad projects, which provide extra safety precautions plus 24-hour supervision to put parents' minds at rest.

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