The Independent
Saturday 31st December 2011
Traveller’s Guide: Life-changing holidays
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Whether you learn a new skill, volunteer abroad, or venture out into the unknown, make 2012 the year of meaningful travel

Camps International offers volunteer programmes for professionals, including month-long “Arkitrek” expeditions to Borneo for architecture and design professionals. Two of the days are spent on a marine conservation project, with time for swimming or beach volleyball. But the purpose of the voyage is to build sustainable infrastructure for an isolated community. Prices start at £1,650 per person, including accommodation but not flights, insurance or visas. The same company also organises two-week “healthcare outreach” volunteer programmes, placing healthcare professionals in temporary rural clinics in Kenya. These cost from £675 per person, including 13 nights’ accommodation and most meals but not flights, insurance or visas.