For many, taking a vacation is mostly about pleasure seeking, but every year, thousands of people learn that fun and adventure can go hand in hand with making a difference in the world. Mission or volunteer vacations are a way to experience fascinating cultures, meet new people, and give something back to the global community. How do mission vacations work and what can you expect from them?

Vera Pyatt is a registered nurse in North Richland Hills, Texas. For several years in a row, she has spent a week of her vacation time in Honduras, volunteering with a dental and optical group on a medical mission. Here she gives us her insights into this unique and exciting way to travel:

• Choose a mission.
  There are almost as many mission vacation opportunities as there are worthy causes, so think about what you'd like to do and where you'd like to travel. You could help rebuild cities in war-torn Eastern Europe, teach English in Asia, help preserve the South American rainforest, or join a children's inoculation program in Africa.
  
• Your skills.
  You should consider picking a mission that fits your personal training, skills or area of greatest knowledge. As a nurse, Dyatt naturally chose a medical mission. Engineers, architects or contractors might want to choose to volunteer with a homebuilding group like Habitat for Humanity, while teachers could best put their skills to use in education programs. Even if you think your skills don't translate well to volunteering, there are many groups that need smart, dedicated volunteers to do any number of jobs.
  
• Get the details.
  Make sure you know everything about a mission or volunteer group before signing on for the trip. Talk to the group leader and find out the purpose of the mission, where and in what conditions you will be staying, what tasks you will be asked to perform, and what you should bring with you.
  
• Costs.
  How much you spend on your vacation will depend on the details of the mission and the organization. Some groups are well funded and can offset much of the expense, while others are in great need of donations and will expect you to pay your own way. Remember that the point is not to get the best deal, but to do the most good.
  
• Health & safety.
  Any time you are traveling out of the country, your health and safety should be a chief concern. Make sure your group leader tells you everything you should expect from the nation and people you will be visiting, and be aware of all local laws and customs. As with any travel, be aware of the US government's warnings and advisories, and ask your doctor about travel inoculations and other health issues.
  
• Rewards.
  A mission vacation is far more than a holiday and offers unique rewards. By volunteering, you'll be experiencing people and their cultures in a way that no tourist can. You'll be coming away with the pride and satisfaction that comes with making a difference—both in the lives of individuals and in the future of humanity and the planet as well. So give some thought to spending your next vacation doing some good as well as having a good time!

For more information about mission and volunteer vacations, check out the following organizations and websites:

Amizade Volunteer Programs
www.amizade.org

Global Volunteers
www.globalvolunteers.org

Cross Cultural Solutions
www.crossculturalsolutions.org

The Savvy Traveler: Volunteer Vacations
www.savvytraveler.com

Habitat for Humanity International: Global Village Program
www.habitat.org