such a volunteer team. But another equally valid reason may be the relative affordability of such trips. And what makes them less expensive?
1. Room and board costs are generally low—volunteer teams usually do not stay in fancy resorts and sometimes enjoy meals cooked by area residents.
2. Team members can often fundraise amongst friends and family to help offset costs.
3. Air travel is sometimes purchased as a group, with special group rates.
4. In-country travel is frequently done as a group, thus cutting costs.
5. And while they can no longer look for employer support, retirees can look to organizations to which they belong to help support their trip.
Getting 'Organized'
One such organization that offers its nearly three million members the opportunity to take a vacation with a purpose at a reduced cost is Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Their Thrivent Builds Worldwide program, which operates in alliance with Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village program, sends teams of volunteers to locations in the U.S. and abroad to help build homes for families in need. While non-members can also join these teams, Thrivent members enjoy even lower costs per trip because of their Thrivent membership.
“While each Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip is different, all include work, rest and free time,” explained Alison Jones, a team coordinator with the program. “No one is expected to do more than they are able on the work site and all teams spend a few days touring local historic areas and attractions.”
“It was really a great experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat,” said Wisconsin retiree and Thrivent member Fred Ebbesen. “And Thrivent’s support helped so that both my wife and I could go to New Orleans [with Thrivent Builds Worldwide].”
For those interested in learning more, there are myriad Web sites offering further information, including www.voluntourism.org. Those interested in learning more about the opportunities that Thrivent Builds Worldwide offers can visit www.thriventbuilds.com/worldwide.
