Conde Nast Traveler guide to voluntourism

NEW YORK (AP) — The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler offers 10 tips for getting the most out of volunteer vacations.

The magazine stresses that there are trips for all types of travelers, but you need to figure out what will work best for you. For example, do you want a vacation with a few days of volunteering, or a volunteer-only experience? A scientific or community project?

How about your comfort level? Must you have air-conditioning? How do you feel about making do without running water?

Consider your emotional comfort level, too. Some trips may involve stays in extremely poor communities; others focus on outdoor work in parks.

Assess the tour operators. Look for those that stress educational experiences rather than promising to change the world, the magazine recommends.

Before you go, ask questions about accommodations and exactly what you'll be doing. Conde Nast Traveler says you should ask how the sponsoring organization measures results and whether the project is done in coordination with a local group. Ask to speak to former volunteers.

Also ask where the fees go. Generally they finance project research and your trip, the magazine says. Only some operators make donations to projects.

Find out if you need vaccinations.

Read up on the destination and culture, and not just by browsing through travel guides.

And when you get home, make a donation and spread the word to your friends.