Faroe Islands
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of travel: voluntourism. This unique form of tourism combines the joy of exploring new destinations with the opportunity to make a positive difference in local communities.
Voluntourism provides a platform for traveler’s to engage in meaningful volunteer work while immersing themselves in the culture and traditions of a foreign land. You could also describe it as a working holiday!
The Closed for Maintenance (CFM) scheme has been running in the Faroe Islands since 2019, and continues to run each year thanks to the success of previous years. Only a lucky 100 people can be chosen, and the lucky few that are can expect to do work in allocated teams which may include digging, raking, moving rocks and hoeing, dependant on the given project.
Thanks to the contributions of volunteers, it is possible to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings and prevent erosion. As of now, 46 projects have been completed and The Faroe Islands continues to be able to develop tourism responsibly. They are currently one of the least polluted destinations.
Photo credit: Marc Zimmer
Turtle Conservation
In Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, travellers can join the Tortugueros Las Playitas conservation group to help protect endangered sea turtles like Olive Ridley, Black, and Leatherback species. Volunteers assist by patrolling beaches, relocating nests to a protected incubation greenhouse, caring for hatchlings, and releasing them at sunset during the season from December to April. These moving sunset releases are open to the public and supported by a small donation; together, the group helps return thousands of baby turtles safely to the Pacific Ocean each year. Support conservation by adopting a hatchling with a modest donation – get a personal photo and aid vital population recovery.
Get Involved Responsibly
Look out for other projects by choosing wisely and understanding their impact.
In summary, voluntourism combines travel with real social good. Done responsibly, it creates positive change and enriching experiences – building a more equitable world.
Examples: Beach cleanups, wolf tracking (Romania), giant tortoise conservation (Madagascar), coral restoration (Belize). Hands-on impact, unforgettable insights.
Updated: Feb 2026.
