Dec
Make 2024 Your Year to Travel & Volunteer Abroad
Do you have volunteering on your new year’s resolutions list? 2024 is around the corner and you’re in the right place. Volunteering helps you expand and refresh your perspectives. Add traveling to the mix and you get the perfect recipe for adventure.
According to Statista, tourism in the Latin American region has been on the rise since 2010. In 2021 alone, approximately 40 million citizens of the United States travelled to popular tourist destinations in South and Central America. Not just that, seven of the most affordable cities for 2022 were in South America alone.
Did these numbers get you excited? If yes, let’s dig deeper into making the most out of Latin American traveling experiences.
3 Reasons to travel and volunteer in Latin America
Latin America is the perfect destination for its cultural diversity, budget friendly options and breathtaking landscapes.
1. Latin American history and culture
Latin America is brimming with culture. You can explore the ancient rituals of Peru or dance to the rhythm of salsa in Cuba! Not only is meeting up with locals adventurous but you also get to learn about history directly from the people. It is a unique opportunity because you get firsthand experience rather than believing the media.
2. Budget-friendly options
It’s impossible not to think about travel costs when volunteering abroad. As a volunteer or even a traveller, you need to tick off many checkboxes. First off is the airfare, followed by vaccinations, travel insurance, and accommodation costs.
But you don’t need to worry when it comes to Latin America. As mentioned earlier, the statistics give away the affordability of the region. On top of that, you also get delicious and affordable street food. All at reasonable prices!
3. Dive into the beauty of nature
Have you got Machu Picchu on your mind? I don’t blame you. The picturesque mountains are a fascinating sight. But the region is known for its long list of natural wonders:
Amazon Rainforest (The world’s largest rainforest home to many species of plants and animals)
Atacama Desert (Situated in Chile, it is considered one of the driest places in the world)
Andes Mountains (The longest mountain range in the world that spreads over many countries!)
Angel Falls (Venezuela)
Tulum (Beautiful beaches in Mexico that will also give you an insight into Mayan civilization history through their ancient ruins)
Pantanal (A UNESCO world heritage site situated in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. It is the world’s largest tropical wetland).
Salar de Uyuni (The world's largest salt flat located in Bolivia)
Foz do Iguaçu (One of the world's largest waterfalls, straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil)
And many more!
How Volunteer Latin America Helps
Finding the right volunteering opportunity can be tricky. At Volunteer Latin America, they have a match for everyone. You can contribute for academic credit or simply participate as a traveller.
After all, volunteering is like a 2-in-1 feature where you get both adventures. Have a look at their list of available projects to start planning right away. And don’t be afraid to reach out to them!
Make the most of your new year by planning adventures in Central and South America!
Written by David Mansell
