Where to go on an over 50s volunteering holiday

Ignoring the preconceptions

“The preconception is that volunteering is something you do on a gap year between the ages of 18 and 25, but it’s also something that older people and particularly parents often say, ‘I would love to do something like that’. They see their kids going overseas, and think, ‘now it’s time for me’. I think that the oldest volunteer we have had was 79, but it can depend on which project that they do, and we’ll advise whether we think it is suitable or not. Don’t be put off by the images on volunteering holidays, which are often of young people. Younger people share their pics, which is why you don’t necessarily see images of older people on the trip pages. The photos don’t necessarily tell the whole story.”

Accommodation insights

“Accommodation is one of the concerns older travellers have when they enquire. There is usually the option to upgrade to a private room, rather than dorms, or sharing with one or two people of a similar age. We take that really seriously. We are up front if stuff is quite basic. We do all we can to accommodate them.”

Who does marine conservation?

Anthony Saner, director of ReefCI which specialises in marine conservation in Belize, explains the mix on marine conservation holidays: “We do get older volunteers from time to time. In fact, we attract a vast cross section of demographics from diverse ages and backgrounds and have had guests as young as three and as old as 82. We have educational college groups, working professionals, families, singles, couples, and retirees that come to our island! You will find that people coming on this type of holiday all have a shared passion for diving and ocean conservation, which makes for great group dynamics. We try to give the general diver a unique opportunity to learn about and help conserve the marine environment while having a fun vacation. Our trips are for both experienced and non-experienced divers, everyone contributes regardless of their background and experience. We accept non-diving guests and snorkellers and certify people wanting to become divers. The research methodologies we teach are very simple and straightforward and you can learn all you need to know in our training session prior to the dive. You will be spearing the invasive lionfish and participating in our other conservation dives and making a difference.”