sarah G. of Seattle asks: "I wanted to take a Volunteer Vacation but was aghast to find out that I actually have to pay for it. WHY?"

A lot of people think that volunteering to do something (for the benefit of some charity) would get them a free vacation in exchange. I had the same thought myself when I first heard the term.

The truth is, Volunteer Vacations will cost you around $1,000, if you go for one week. The cost is for your room and board, project fees, medical insurance and travel within the country where you will be volunteering. It may vary and your sponsoring organization should give you a run down of how they will be using your money.

The good thing about Voluteer Vacations, apart from the fact that (1) you will be helping and making a big difference to the lives of several people (like volunteering for After Huriccane Katrina) and (2) you will be immersed in different challenges, is that it is tax deductible.

Still interested? Check out Global Volunteers. Or, search for one which suits you best here.