responsibletravel.com on BBC Today Programme discussing volunteer travel

This morning I was interviewed by Evan Davis on BBC Radio 4's prestigous Today Programme about the rising trend of volunteer travel.

There's no doubt that volunteer holidays have become much more accessible for people from all walks of life. In the past you needed to give up six months or even up to two years to go and volunteer. That's no longer the case as there are now shorter trips on offer. It's fantastic to see more and more people wanting to make a difference whilst on holiday.

However, I also highlighted the importance for volunteer holidays to be borne out of a real local need and raised my concerns that some trips can be inspired more by marketing departments in an effort to exploit a growing trend rather than being rooted in a local cause. This approach can leave volunteers feeling like they haven't made a positive difference and local communities are left wondering where the benefit is too.

We have over 350 volunteer trips in the UK and overseas - see www.responsibletravel.com/volunteering - all have been carefully screened. I urge potential volunteers to do as much research as possible and ask plenty of questions of any potential volunteering company.

Here's a five-point checklist to help you on your way to making a real difference:
1. Has the project been inspired by a real local need?
2. Is the project run in joint partnership with the local people?
3. Can you see an independent report on the benefits of the project to local people/environments?
4. Is there transparent information around costs and where the money goes?
5. Does the organisation take steps to match your skills to the needs of the project?

Hear the full Today Programme interview with Justin here.