With 14 projects to choose from your desire to help communities can go a long way.

1. Community work in Bangalore, India. 2-8 weeks. First 2 weeks, $1295; subsequent weeks $220. You could put your talents to great use by assisting on one of a number of community projects around the colorful city of Bangalore; working in schools that help underprivileged, severely handicapped and deaf children. You’ll soak up the sun as well as world-famous sights including the magnificent Vidhana Soudha and budding Cubbon Park, while using your talents to support the project through befriending, counselling, education and healthcare assistance.

2. Theater and education in Jaipur. 2-6 weeks. First 2 weeks $1535; subsequent weeks $220.  This project is a great chance to use your love of the arts to make a big difference in the lives of Jaipur’s underprivileged children. Theater workshops help kids channel their energies positively as well as giving you a crash course in traditional Indian folklore. You don't need to be an actor to get involved; all you need is a love of children and the energy to make this a fun and rewarding experience for everyone. Set against the backdrop of India’s ‘pink city’, this project really is a journey of discovery; from the historical treasures of Jaipur to the next Bollywood movie star in your theatre group!

3. Community work in Jaipur. 2-12 weeks. First 2 weeks $1535; subsequent weeks $220. Jaipur is a riot of color and design, dripping with the diversity that makes up modern India. To an extent though, its beauty is skin deep, with chronic poverty afflicting some of the worst slums in the country. This is a chance to make a real difference to people at the bottom of Indian society; people who could really do with a break. Given the scale of the problems here, the NGO you’ll be working with has an understandably broad focus, concentrating on improving levels of education, health, empowerment and training.

4. Ultimate China. 4 weeks, $4835. From the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai to the sands of the Taklimakan desert near Kashgar, from the Great Wall of China in Beijing to the Giant Pandas near Xi`an, you will be amazed as to how much will fill this 26 day trip! Time at the project will be to provide general care and assistance in looking after children. This will involve playing games, teaching English & basic life skills.

5. Vietnam Adventure. 4 weeks $2295. From the very start of your trip in Ho Chi Minh City you'll be faced with the wonderful sights and sounds of one of South East Asia's most vibrant and fascinating countries. From the beauty of the Mekong delta to the picture perfect town of Hoi An, the stunning sights of Halong Bay to trekking in the mountains around Mai Chau - your first two weeks really do take you everywhere you could want to see, and more. Vietnam is a hugely varied country with more to do and see than you could ever wish for. It's also a great fun place to explore with friendly and sociable people happy to share their country with travellers.  After this incredible introduction to what the country has to offer you will then spend two weeks living with a rural community (an incredible experience on it's own) helping them to build much needed wells. So, not only do you get a real insight into what Vietnam is really like, you also make a lasting and positive impression on a local community - what a fantastic combination. 

6. Children's health and sanitation program in Cambodia. 1 week, $985. On this week long project you will be based in Kampong Cham in Cambodia working with schools to help children learn how to clean their teeth! Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia's poorest areas which has seen very little investment over recent years - meaning that not only is the work you will do well received but you will get a great insight into a 'traditional' Cambodian life. As well as working to ensure the little ones learn how to clean their teeth properly you will also assist in helping the children learn about basic standards of hygiene – important things that you and I both take for granted.

7. Community work in Calcutta, India. From 4-8 week. 4 weeks, $1755; subsequent weeks $220. It’s no coincidence that Mother Theresa felt a calling towards this city. Indeed despite all her good work the western impression of Calcutta is still of a tumbledown city blighted by acute poverty. This is definitely a city that challenges the attitudes and assumptions of visitors, through the lives of local people and the vibrant plays, movies, dances and festivals which showcase India’s rich diversity. Our partner project is a not-for-profit welfare organization determined to improve the lives of neglected children through education and social activity. You'll get to grips with a variety of activities; from teaching English to providing healthcare assistance.

8. Community work in coastal Sri Lanka. From 2-12 weeks. 2 weeks, $1425; subsequent weeks $220. Some of the most beautiful places in the world often have the biggest problems and nowhere is that more evident than in Sri Lanka, where the tropical peace was ended by the 2004 tsunami. You’ll get the chance to take part in a variety of activities and help with the children of the local community center as you help the environment and the people get back on their feet. You also have the unforgettable chance to see the island’s stunning natural diversity and spectacular sapphire seas up close by helping out the turtle project in the area. This is a project for the flexible among you who don’t mind pitching in, but the chance to make a difference in such a beautiful island is ample reward for you efforts. 

9. Working with orphans and disabled people in Bali. From 2-8 weeks. 2 weeks, $1095; subsequent weeks $275. Despite its popularity Bali has refused to become a giant holiday resort or the exclusive territory of blear-eyed stopover passengers hitting the beach before their connecting flight. It retains the picture postcard looks to such an extent that many don’t bother with the personality of the island, but you should. Ancient temples stand as a testament to traditional architectural skill and religious belief while customary dances and ceremonies often invade the streets. Our partner project on the island works with orphans and disabled people and will use your talents through a variety of methods, including formal learning, conversation classes, games, songs and story-telling. 

10. Helping children and adults with special needs in Kerala, India. From 2-12 weeks. 2 weeks, $1260; subsequent weeks $220. As a volunteer at a school for children and young adults with special needs, you will be surrounded by truly unique individuals who would love to teach you all about feeling special. You will be helping the teachers lead a number of activities including dramatics, arts and crafts, movement therapy, physical management and occupational therapy. You will gain great classroom experience and meet some amazing people, all while becoming a part of a friendly and fun South Indian community.

11.Boats, elephants, and community work with children in Kerala, India. 2 weeks, $1295. Visit a famous elephant camp and learn how these massive creatures are tamed and taught to play starring roles in religious ceremonies. Aside from befriending elephants you will also be making some new friends of the human variety when you work with children at a special needs school. Your weekends will be filled with stunning scenery as you float along Kerala’s famous backwaters by houseboat, spend a day fishing with the locals and take a tour of historic Kochi.

12. Community work in rural Darjeeling, India. From 3-12 weeks. 3 weeks, $1535; subsequent weeks $220. On this unique project set against the backdrop of the rolling Darjeeling hills, you'll see a beautiful country at its beautiful best. You’ll spend time in the shadow of the Himalayas becoming involved in a variety of work at a local tea plantation. You’ll help to establish health and education programs for the workers while the green fingered amongst you can learn more about the agricultural processes used on the project.

13. Enrich the lives of the elderly in Goa, India. From 2-12 weeks. 2 weeks, $1425; subsequent weeks $350.  Spend some time with the elderly in Goa and you will hear incredible eye witness accounts of some of the great events in Indian history. Who is a better of source for the inside scoop into authentic Indian culture than those who have lived it for decades? You will be entertaining the elderly with music, dance, games, walks etc. You can help them keep in touch with relatives and friends by writing letters. This is a great way to climb into the mindset of Indians and gain a unique understanding of how the Indian diaspora is affecting society at home.

14. Work with elderly women in Goa, India. From 2-12 weeks. 2 weeks, $1425; subsequent weeks $350. At the Home for the Aged in Goa you have your choice of over a dozen women who would be more than happy to become your Indian grandmother, on a temporary basis that is! You will spend your days entertaining these strong and vibrant women and have an amazing opportunity to get a personal insight into Indian culture from the female perspective, unspoiled by the presence of men. This project is WOMEN ONLY!

 email us at: info@distinctive-destinations.com