I'm not quite sure where to post this as it isn't regarding a specific place. I've recently seen a show about volunteer vacations. Building a bridge in Peru, helping sea turtles in Mexico etc. Has anyone ever done one of these? Any tips or advice on where to start? They sound quite interesting. Good way to see someplace else, get to know the locals and do something nice.

Hello Deborah,
I've done several volunteer vacations and had a great time for exactly the reasons you gave.Met some great people, learned some new skills and saw and ate things I never would have experienced as a tourist.Feel pretty good about it too.

I've worked through Habitat for Humanity and I see that Sierra Club has a number of opportunities. I have a friend that's a priest and went down to Costa Rica to help there thru him. I go with a small group and make sure there is inexpensive housing provided.

I'll bet if you google "volunteer vacations" you can get more info.

Earthwatch Institute has volunteer vacations that sound very interesting.
www.earthwatch.org.
Most of them didn't quite have the creature comforts I like. But I would like to do this one day.

I bought this book recently at Barnes and Noble -
Volunteer Vacations - ISBN 1-55652-461-7 $17.95

Great book. I especially like the index options by location, cost and length of time.

I have been on many Earthwatch expeditions and had a great time. I usually spend an extra week or so in the area because you really have little time for sightseeing during the project.