Sometimes it is nice to take a holiday that involves doing things for other people. VSI.ie is a peace movement founded in 1965 in Ireland and has been organising volunteer projects here and around the world. It is a great way to travel and help others. Projects included teaching English to children in Mongolia, helping on a sustainable farm in Iceland, working at social inclusion for children in Tanzania. Volunteers have to pay for transport to their projects and depending on where it is a fee of €75-€180 with reductions for the unwaged.

The National Trust runs a series of volunteering holidays throughout the year in the UK and Northern Ireland. It could be clearing brush, building dry stone walls, archaeological digging, gardening, clearing beaches, surveying bats, conservation in historic houses, the list is extensive. Holidays cost from £85 (€93) for short breaks and £155-245 (€170 - 268) for a week. The cost includes accommodation and meals, nationaltrust.org.uk.

The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms WWOOF is a chance to learn about the ways of organic farming, permaculture and sustainable living. WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange. Guests are expected to help out around the farm in return for food and lodging. There are WWOOFers all around the world that are happy to welcome an extra pair of hands. You do not need to have experience just a willingness to help, wwoof.net.

You can combine a holiday with a taking part in a volunteer programme in dozens for interesting places worldwide. Responsible Travel runs a wide range of programmes from teaching children in Kerala, sports coaching in India, turtle rescue in Seychelles, marine and habitat conservation in Belize, community projects, family volunteering in Sri Lanka, wildlife rescue in Costa Rica, responsbiletravel.com.

jscales@irishtimes.com