Voluntourism, also known as volunteering, a combination of the words "volunteering" and "tourism," is a form of travel in which people participate in volunteer projects in local communities as part of their tourism experiences. This way of traveling has become a trend since the 1990s and has grown exponentially in the last decade.

Many people embark on trips with the intention of helping disadvantaged communities, driven by the desire to do good and learn from new experiences.

But what does "doing good" really mean when we travel? Is it enough to have good intentions or do we need something more to really help?

The idea of ​​helping a community and, in return, learning about its history, getting to know its people, and the why of its customs, is very attractive. But what is really important is to know how to volunteer in the most ethical way possible and knowing our impact, to avoid falling into voluntourism disguised as solidarity tourism, when in reality it has nothing beneficial.

Are we really qualified to carry out the tasks assigned to us?

Although it has been sold as a positive way to travel, what sometimes seems like an altruistic act can have negative consequences for local residents. Imagine a group of inexperienced volunteers building a school; their work could compromise the safety of the building. Or in the educational field, a volunteer without the appropriate knowledge could affect the quality of teaching.

Another important factor is that voluntourism can create a dependency on external help. Local communities may rely on the presence of volunteers to complete tasks or projects, rather than strengthening their internal capacities. In addition, volunteers can displace local workers, who often have more experience and a deeper knowledge of local needs and contexts. So, are we considering the long-term impact of our actions or are we just focusing on the immediate effect?

Therefore, true support must focus on collaboration and empowerment of local communities, respecting their autonomy and knowledge.

The work areas to carry out tasks generally focus on two themes:

Nature conservation:

• Wildlife management in conflict zones
• Wildlife rescue centres and veterinary hospitals
• Environmental education and fight against pollution

Social volunteering:

• Community development (construction projects, building improvements)
• Education
• Health
• Cultural heritage

Organizations ask for certain requirements to be an international volunteer

In general, they will not ask you for a certificate of the language of the country you are traveling to, but you must have a sufficient level of the language to have a conversation and carry out your tasks. There is usually no age limit, but a minimum age of 18 is commonly required, although some organizations allow the participation of minors with the consent of a legal guardian.

For those over 50 years of age, many organizations have programs adapted to their needs and abilities. More and more older adults are participating in volunteering, looking for new ways to stay socially connected and physically active, explore other countries and cultures while contributing to social or environmental causes.

It is important to note that, in some cases, a background check and a minimum time commitment are required.

Many organizations accept volunteers only if they are going to be there for a minimum of 1-3 weeks (keeping in mind that the first few days are usually for adaptation until you start working with ease). And in some you can stay for a maximum time of one month, 3 months, 1 year, or there is no limit.

If you are planning to participate in this type of charitable work, it is important to find out about serious organizations with the corresponding support so as not to fall into certain charities that - for example - charge significant fees for coordinating these experiences. And they turn out to be the most benefited since this volunteering mechanism allows them to expand their operational capacity without having to assume additional salary costs. In addition, they reduce operating costs, since many of the volunteers bring a wide range of skills and experiences of technical knowledge, skills in event management, communication, marketing, or experience in specific areas such as health, education or community development. And in addition, volunteers act as ambassadors of the cause, promoting the work of the organization and attracting more people to get involved, either as donors, partners or additional volunteers.

Social Networks and Solidarity Tourism: turning volunteering into a spectacle

Are social networks creating an idealized and superficial version of volunteering, which does not reflect the real challenges and problems of local communities? Undoubtedly, social media has played a crucial role in promoting these experiences, allowing volunteers to share their experiences and connect with global audiences. However, this media exposure has also brought with it significant ethical challenges, particularly in how the realities of the communities being supported are presented and communicated.

One of the most worrying issues is the tendency of some volunteers to post images of people in vulnerable situations. These images, which often show people in difficult circumstances, can be used to illustrate the impact of solidarity work but can be highly disrespectful and dehumanizing. Are we more concerned about the image we project on social media than the true impact we generate in communities? The act of sharing these images can transform suffering into a spectacle, where people become "stages" for the validation of volunteers.

Is volunteering becoming a tourist trend rather than a true social commitment?

We must remember that the best voluntourism is that which is done and not publicised, respecting the dignity and privacy of the people helped.

While the intention to help is valuable - and surely many volunteers who travel abroad do so with good intentions - it is crucial that volunteering is done responsibly and consciously, that organisations managing these projects ensure that volunteers are adequately trained and that projects are designed in collaboration with local communities. It is imperative that both organisations facilitating these trips and tourists themselves adopt a critical and ethical stance, ensuring that initiatives are truly beneficial and sustainable.

Only through a conscious and respectful approach - balancing our desire to help with respect for the skills and autonomy of the areas we visit - can we ensure that volunteering actually benefits the communities we are intended to help, rather than causing them further problems.