Flight Centre sees rise in volunteering holidays

Holidays are traditionally seen as a time for selfish pleasure and the chance of a week or two without worry. However, some holidaymakers are shying away from this kind of break and spending their precious time off work helping others.

The increasingly hectic world of work means there is little time left for putting something back, which is why Flight Centre is seeing a rise in the demand for specially tailored volunteer breaks. A variety of options are on offer – anything from looking after pandas in a Chinese sanctuary to improving facilities in an Indian village.

Flight Centre’s travel specialists have put together four deals to whet the appetite of any would-be volunteer. To book any of these deals, visit Flightcentre.co.uk.

Care for pandas in China
The chance to have close contact with an endangered species really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people. Flight Centre is offering five-nights in Chengdu in China working with pandas at the Wolong Panda Centre from £1159 per person, including return flights. While at the centre you will learn the basics of panda care, feeding and cleaning. You will also get free time to explore the local area and enjoy the traditional Sichuan cuisine. This deal is valid for travel between 1st April and 14th July. The deal is bookable until 31st May.

Help improve an Indian village
If your idea of volunteering is more hands-on and you want the chance to be truly involved in local culture, a trip to Chandelao in Rajasthan is for you. Flight Centre is offering the opportunity to work alongside the local community in Chandelao for four days improving the village’s facilities. This is part of a longer trip to Rajasthan, which also includes a camel safari with an overnight desert stay as well as visits to Jaipur and other cities in the region. The deal costs £1189 per person, including return flights and all accommodation and transportation, and is valid for travel between 7th April and 3rd September. The deal is bookable until 30 June 2008.

Work with elephants in Kenya
Elephants may look indestructible but life in the wild is tough and many end up needing help from humans to survive. The Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary in Mukurumuji, Mombasa, has the highest density of elephants in Africa and Flight Centre is offering the chance to volunteer there for four days. You will learn how to care for these amazing animals as well enjoying game drives in the sanctuary. This experience is part of a 13-night trip to the region, which also takes in beaches and national parks, from £1445 per person including return flights. This deal is valid for travel between 26th August and 30th November and is bookable until 30th June.

Monitor turtles in Costa Rica
If you like your volunteering to come with a dash of science, The Turtle Project in Costa Rica is ideal. You will get the chance to help on the beach patrols monitoring nesting turtles, recording data for scientific research and working in hatcheries. Flight Centre is offering this deal with seven-nights local accommodation from £1175 per person, including return flights and all meals. This deal is valid for travel between 26th March and 30th June and is bookable until 31st May.