Backpackers planning to take part in a volunteer overseas placement have the option of first buying
online travel insurance.
Expert travel firm i-to-i said that a greater number of travellers are seeking volunteer placements rather than more conventional holidays, as they are keen to offset their carbon emissions and help local communities.
The company said that even a short placement of just a couple of weeks can make a big difference and people are more eager to do something worthwhile overseas.
Jan Ashton, travel advisor at i-to-i, said: "People are looking to go further afield and they don't want a mindless, meaningless holiday. They want to give back a little bit and do something different."
She added that many projects around the world are now reliant on volunteer labour.
With global warming now routinely headline news, people are also far more aware of how their travels impact on the wider environment. People pursuing placements have the option of buying
gap year travel insurance.
VSO received nearly 3,000 separate inquiries about long-term volunteer placements in the five months between September 2008 and January 2009.
Going, going, gone. Downunder for
cheap travel insurance.
