Why Travel for a Humanitarian Cause?

Let's start with a game of Would You Rather. Would you rather go on a two week vacation, or spend two weeks doing humanitarian work? I'd pick the humanitarian work. Why? Here are three reasons to choose humanitarian travel, instead of tourism:

1. You'll get to know the people and experience the culture.

As a tourist you'll be limited in your exploration of a new culture, but as a humanitarian you can explore and experience a new culture and meet new people. As a humanitarian you'll work with a huge variety of people. You'll be serving, living with, and eating with people of that culture and seeing the world through their eyes. You'll be able to try new things, expand your comfort zone, and open your eyes to a whole new world.

2. You'll help others

Your experience abroad will be much more meaningful if you choose to spend your time serving and helping others. When we serve, we become happier and find life more meaningful. Humanitarian projects help build houses, provide clean water, teach children, care for orphans, empower individuals, and much more. We understand people best when we serve them, so the most meaningful interactions come through service and working together. 

3. You'll have a life changing experience

Next month, I'm traveling to Thailand to work with orphans for two weeks. Many people have donated to me because they believe it will be an amazing and life changing experience. I think this is true of any humanitarian project. When we serve others, we are able to empathize with and learn from them. After going through an experience like this, you will see the world differently, and the people you've served will always stay in your heart.  Choosing to serve others will change your life.