Possibly you don't want to spend Christmas at home, or you want to avoid the traditional festivities and do something exciting, well there are lots of options available.
You can find opportunities near where you live, in your town or city, or if you are open to a totally unique experience there are so many inspirational Christmas volunteer opportunities in locations all around the world.
This is a great way at such a special time of the year to really do something amazing and help good causes in other countries.
Here is a list of the best Christmas volunteer projects and destinations you should think about applying.
1. Volunteer with Elephants in Thailand
One of our top recommendations is to book a flight to Asia and apply to volunteer in Thailand.
This country has it all, from beaches, islands, temples, cities and not to mention hundreds of volunteer opportunities. We highly recommend going to work with elephants - not many things compare to this!
You'll get to learn more about these gentle giants and get a really hands of experience. There are elephant sanctuaries thoughout Thailand which offer group volunteering experiences to foreigners.
2. Experience Paradise in the Maldives
Would you like to spend your festive break somewhere really exotic? Plan a trip to the spectacular Maldives!
Did you know you can volunteer in the Maldives? No seriously you can!
Although this is seen as a more luxury destination there are lots of meaningful holidays where you can do more than just sunbathing. You will get to escape the tourist resorts and help local people on community development projects.
In your spare time you can go and disover hundreds of beautiful islands and make all your friends and family jealous.
3. Help Sea Turtles in Sri Lanka
If you would like to contribute to conservation projects then consider going to volunteer in Sri Lanka. There are lots of unique projects open to foreigners during Christmas and one of the most popular is helping turtles.
There are lots of NGO's working to help the conservation of wildlife and marine animals along the coast of Sri Lanka, helping to protect eggs from poachers.
Sri Lanka is also a very beautiful country to experience living in, the local people are very friendly and there are lots of amazing tourist attractions.
4. Community Projects in Brazil
Brazil is spectacular and you really need to experience it for yourself! Winter in Europe and North America is summer in Brazil, so if you are looking for warm weather look no further.
Our top recommendation is to volunteer in Rio de Janeiro helping disadvantaged communities. You could also book a short Portuguese language course in Brazil to combine experiences.
5. Help Exotic Wildlife in the Rainbow Nation
There are incredible volunteer programs in South Africa where you can help communities, coach sports or help sharks, dolphins and whales.
One of the most popular projects is working on wildlife conservation in the spectacular South African national parks, imagine waking up and getting to work with elephants, rhinos, lions and other exotic animals.
Going on a safari is an essential thing to do before leaving the country whilst you also need to visit Cape Town which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
6. Give Back in India
Are you looking for a life changing experience? Apply to volunteer in India. This country will offer you a culture shock like no other.
Projects are available helping communities in slums, teaching, coaching sports or working on medical and healthcare initiatives. You can find placements throughout the country in places like Agra, Delhi and Goa.
7. Hola Mexico!
Spend Christmas on the beach and then experience NYE somewhere exotic like Riviera Maya. By choosing to volunteer in Mexico you could help conservation volunteer programs and then enjoy world famous tourist sights in your spare time.
8. Help Homesless People in the UK
9. Spend Christmas in Zanzibar
Looking for an exotic Africa volunteer destination? Located off the coast of Tanzania lies beautiful Zanzibar with some of the best white sandy beaches in the world. Volunteering in Zanzibar will be the most amazing experience of your life.
10. Give Back in Cambodia
Plan a unique break to volunteer in Cambodia and spend Christmas in one of the most popular places to visit in South East Asia.
Cambodia is a really special country with a difficult past, and by travelling here you will get to meet some of the friendliest people in the world and play a small role in helping worthwhile causes.
There are lots of educational and community based projects in places like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Apply to Volunteer This Christmas
You can find options to give back all over the world.
In the UK there are so many organisations who help homeless people at Christmas time and you can apply to join. This is a way to spend a special Christmas giving back. Search voluntary work in the UK for more information.
For more information about Christmas volunteer projects please contact us or view our volunteer abroad directory for all options.
