The volunteer travel agencies industry focuses on providing experiences that allow individuals to contribute to community development worldwide. Companies in this sector offer a range of programs from volunteering to work exchanges, often in partnership with local communities. As people increasingly seek meaningful travel options, the industry is trending towards sustainability and social impact. New technologies and digital platforms are helping to connect volunteers with projects faster than ever, fostering cross-cultural engagement and personal growth. With an emphasis on responsible tourism, these companies strive to not only serve but also uplift global communities that host volunteers.

This listing features 22 notable volunteer travel agencies headquartered in various locations, primarily in the UK, USA, Germany, and Australia. Established from 1982 to 2018, these companies range in size from small teams to larger organizations, catering primarily to young adults and students. Offerings include a variety of programs like volunteer placements, cultural exchanges, and adventure travel, underscoring the emphasis on personal growth and global engagement across diverse fields and destinations.

Continue reading to explore the top volunteer travel agencies.

Top 22 Volunteer Travel Agencies Companies

1. Plan My Gap Year

• Website: planmygapyear.co.uk
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Bells Yew Green, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Employee distribution: Ghana 17%, United Kingdom (UK) 17%, Sri Lanka 17%, Other 50%
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: plan-my-gap-year-ltd

Plan My Gap Year, based in Bells Yew Green, England, is a private volunteer travel organization founded in 2011. The company specializes in providing volunteer opportunities for young adults, primarily targeting individuals aged 17 to 22. Their programs span various fields, including childcare, medical care, and wildlife conservation, across multiple countries such as Ghana, India, and Costa Rica. Plan My Gap Year also offers additional services like travel insurance and TEFL courses, catering to the needs of volunteers looking to make a positive impact while exploring new cultures. With a team distributed across several countries, they ensure comprehensive support for participants throughout their journey. The company has built a reputation for being affordable and trustworthy, which is reflected in their positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.

2. Global Work & Travel

• Website: globalworkandtravel.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Employee distribution: Australia 52%, Canada 20%, United Kingdom (UK) 16%, Other 11%
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: globalworkandtravel

Global Work & Travel, based in Melbourne, Australia, is a private travel agency founded in 2008. The company specializes in creating work and travel opportunities for young adults, offering a range of programs that include work, volunteer, and educational experiences abroad. With a team of approximately 90 employees, they have established a presence in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Their services are designed to help individuals explore new cultures while gaining valuable skills and experiences. The company also emphasizes customer support, providing assistance throughout the travel process. Their commitment to volunteer programs is evident, as they encourage travelers to engage in meaningful activities that leave a lasting impact on the communities they visit. Global Work & Travel has not reported any funding, indicating a self-sustained business model.

3. wayers

• Website: wayers.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 91%, Indonesia 5%, Peru 5%
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: praktikawelten-gmbh

wayers is a private travel agency based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2004. The company focuses on providing volunteering, work and travel programs, and adventure tours primarily for young travelers. With a team of 44 employees, wayers has established a strong presence in the volunteer travel sector, offering structured experiences that promote engagement with local communities. Their programs cover a wide range of activities, including social work with children, wildlife protection, and environmental conservation. Over the years, wayers has successfully facilitated travel for more than 60,000 participants, showcasing their commitment to creating meaningful travel experiences. The company operates in various countries, including Australia, Costa Rica, and South Africa, and emphasizes the importance of sustainability and social impact in their projects.

4. Gap 360

• Website: gap360.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Employee distribution: United Kingdom (UK) 100%
• Latest funding: October 2024
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: gap-360

Gap 360, based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, is a travel agency founded in 2011 that specializes in gap year and adventure travel for young adults aged 18-30. The company offers a wide array of over 200 travel programs across more than 50 destinations worldwide. These programs include adventure trips, educational experiences, and a significant focus on volunteering opportunities. Gap 360 prides itself on providing personalized travel advice and comprehensive support, ensuring that travelers have a well-rounded experience. The agency is independent and not part of a larger corporate structure, which allows for a more tailored approach to customer service. Their offerings include not only travel arrangements but also essential services like flights, insurance, and visa assistance, making them a one-stop shop for young travelers. The company has built a reputation for helping thousands of young adults plan their gap years and travel adventures, emphasizing safety and support throughout the journey.

5. Praktikawelten GmbH

• Website: praktikawelten.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: praktikawelten-gmbh

Praktikawelten GmbH, known as wayers, is a travel agency based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Established in 2004, the company specializes in volunteer work and cultural exchange programs, providing travelers with opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer experiences across various destinations, including Bali and Costa Rica. With a team of 11 to 50 employees, wayers connects travelers with local communities, facilitating social impact through travel. Their offerings include a range of projects such as social work with children, wildlife protection, and environmental conservation. The company emphasizes sustainability and responsible travel, aiming to create a positive impact on both travelers and the communities they visit. While there is no reported funding, their long-standing presence in the industry and commitment to volunteerism highlight their relevance in the volunteer travel sector.

6. Go Overseas

• Website: gooverseas.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Oakland, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 80%, Taiwan 20%
• Latest funding: November 2011
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: go-overseas

Go Overseas, founded in 2010 and based in Oakland, California, is a travel and educational service provider that specializes in connecting individuals with opportunities to study, volunteer, teach, and intern abroad. The company operates a comprehensive platform that features over 15,000 programs, including a robust selection of volunteer opportunities across various countries. With a team of approximately 41 employees, Go Overseas aims to simplify the process of finding meaningful travel experiences. They provide valuable resources such as community reviews, articles, and scholarship information to assist travelers in navigating the complexities of international travel and education. The company has not reported any recent funding, indicating a stable operational model since its last funding round in 2011. Their focus on volunteer programs, alongside other educational travel services, underscores their commitment to fostering global engagement and personal growth through travel.

7. Worldpackers

• Website: worldpackers.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Employee distribution: Brazil 42%, United States (USA) 13%, Spain 7%, Other 38%
• Latest funding: October 2022
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: worldpackers

Worldpackers, founded in 2013 and based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a travel platform that connects individuals seeking volunteer opportunities with hosts around the world. The company focuses on work exchange programs, allowing travelers to contribute their skills in exchange for accommodation and cultural experiences. With a community of over 6 million travelers and hosts in more than 140 countries, Worldpackers has facilitated over 100,000 volunteering experiences, garnering more than 270,000 reviews. The platform also offers educational content through its Academy, helping travelers enhance their skills and prepare for their journeys. Worldpackers is committed to promoting social and environmental sustainability, aligning its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The company has not reported any recent funding, indicating a self-sustaining business model.

8. Travelplus Group GmbH

• Website: travelworks.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Munster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 78%, France 7%, Austria 7%, Other 7%
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: travelplus-group

Travelplus Group GmbH, based in Munster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, was founded in 1991 and operates as a private travel agency under the brand TravelWorks. The company specializes in a variety of travel and educational programs, including Work & Travel, language courses, and volunteer opportunities. Catering primarily to students, young adults, and families, TravelWorks aims to simplify the process of traveling and studying abroad. They provide structured programs that ensure participants have access to necessary support and resources. The company has established a reputation for quality service, as evidenced by their top ranking in a service study conducted by the German Institute for Service Quality. TravelWorks has a significant presence in Germany, with a smaller distribution in France, Austria, and Canada, indicating a focused yet expanding market reach.

9. Kilroy

• Website: kilroy.net
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Employee distribution: Denmark 47%, Netherlands 11%, Sweden 10%, Other 32%
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: kilroy

Kilroy, founded in 1991 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a travel agency that caters primarily to youth and student travelers. With a workforce of around 261 employees, Kilroy operates across several countries in the Nordic region and Benelux, providing tailored travel planning, flight bookings, study abroad programs, and volunteer opportunities. The company prides itself on making travel accessible and affordable for young people, ensuring they receive expert advice and support throughout their journeys. Kilroy's commitment to responsible travel is evident in their partnerships with local suppliers, aiming to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the communities they serve. They assist approximately 180,000 travelers annually, helping them create meaningful travel experiences that foster cultural understanding and personal development.

10. Travel Active

• Website: travelactive.nl
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
• Employee distribution: Netherlands 90%, France 5%, United Kingdom (UK) 5%
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: travel-active

Travel Active, based in Amsterdam, has been operating since 1989 and specializes in cultural exchange and educational programs. The company caters primarily to students and young adults, offering a variety of services that include Au Pair placements, high school programs, language travel, and volunteering opportunities. Their volunteering programs are designed to provide participants with authentic experiences that contribute positively to communities in various countries. With a workforce of 11-50 employees, Travel Active emphasizes personal guidance and customized travel experiences, ensuring that each participant's journey is tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. The company operates mainly in the Netherlands, with a small presence in France and the UK, reflecting its focus on the Dutch market while still providing international opportunities.

11. Fellowship Travel International

• Website: fellowship.com
• Ownership type: Family Owned
• Headquarters: Ashland, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1982
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: fellowship-travel

Fellowship Travel International, based in Ashland, Virginia, has been a family-owned travel agency since its founding in 1982. The company specializes in planning and managing group travel, particularly for educational and humanitarian purposes. They cater to universities, non-profit organizations, and individuals seeking impactful travel experiences. Their offerings include flights, tours, and volunteer opportunities, with a dedicated team that provides support throughout the travel planning process. With a focus on creating custom itineraries, Fellowship Travel International aims to ensure a stress-free experience for clients while promoting cultural interaction and community service. Their expertise in negotiating group travel arrangements and their commitment to service-learning projects highlight their involvement in the volunteer travel industry.

12. AIFS Deutschland GmbH

• Website: aifs.de
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Employee distribution: Germany 75%, Austria 8%, New Zealand 3%, Other 13%
• Founded year: 1964
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: aifs-educational-travel

AIFS Deutschland GmbH, based in Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a private educational travel agency founded in 1964. The company operates under the umbrella of AIFS Educational Travel, which has a global presence and a strong focus on programs for students and young individuals. AIFS Deutschland offers a wide range of travel experiences, including internships, cultural exchanges, and volunteer opportunities. Their volunteer programs span various countries, including Australia, Costa Rica, Ghana, and Japan, among others. AIFS is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through international exposure and personal development. The company has a workforce of approximately 61 employees and has maintained a steady presence in the educational travel sector for over six decades.

13. Global Nomadic

• Website: rewire.globalnomadic.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Employee distribution: Mongolia 100%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: global-nomadic

Global Nomadic, founded in 2009 and based in London, specializes in transformational travel experiences. The company connects individuals—ranging from students to retirees—with volunteer programs and adventure tourism projects that promote personal and professional growth. With a focus on meaningful experiences, Global Nomadic has successfully sent over 10,000 participants to engage in impactful projects across more than 40 countries. Their offerings include a variety of programs that cater to different interests, such as environmental conservation, community development, and cultural immersion. The company prides itself on providing personalized consultation and premium support, ensuring that participants have a comfortable and enriching experience. Global Nomadic's approach to travel emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's purpose while exploring new cultures, making it a notable player in the volunteer travel industry.

14. Wereldstage Curacao

• Website: wereldstage.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Willemstad, North Brabant, Netherlands
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: wereldstage-cura-ao

Wereldstage Curacao is a private travel and educational service provider based in Willemstad, North Brabant, Netherlands. Founded in 2000, the company focuses on offering programs tailored for students and young adults who wish to gain international experience through work and volunteer opportunities in Curaçao. Wereldstage facilitates essential services such as travel arrangements, housing, and the necessary permits, ensuring a seamless transition for participants. Their offerings include various packages that cater specifically to volunteers, highlighting their commitment to personal development and cultural immersion. The company has built a network that supports individuals in finding suitable volunteer placements, making it a relevant player in the volunteer travel sector.

15. 7th Sense Travel

• Website: seventh-sense.co.za
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
• Employee distribution: South Africa 100%
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: 7th-sense-travel

7th Sense Travel, based in Cape Town, South Africa, is a private destination management company founded in 2007. The firm specializes in responsible and social tourism across Southern Africa, crafting tailor-made travel itineraries that blend tourism with social consciousness. Their offerings cater to individuals, businesses, and organizations, focusing on creating impactful travel experiences that engage with local communities. The company actively collaborates with established NGOs to facilitate volunteer opportunities, ensuring that travelers can contribute to meaningful projects in education, environmental conservation, and animal preservation. 7th Sense Travel's philosophy is rooted in the African concept of Ubuntu, promoting interconnectedness and community support. They aim to provide travelers with not just a scenic journey but a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of local populations. Their commitment to sustainable development and community upliftment is a core aspect of their operations, making them a notable player in the responsible tourism industry.

16. Rustic Pathways

• Website: rusticpathways.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Mentor, Ohio, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 29%, Costa Rica 16%, Thailand 12%, Other 43%
• Latest funding: Seed, $6.0M, June 2019
• Founded year: 1983
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: rustic-pathways

Rustic Pathways, founded in 1983 and based in Mentor, Ohio, is a student travel agency dedicated to creating transformative travel experiences for young people aged 12-22. The company operates in over 50 countries, offering a range of programs that include cultural immersion, adventure, and community service. Their focus on safety and structured independence is evident in their comprehensive safety protocols and the training of their trip leaders. Rustic Pathways has received significant funding, with a reported $6 million in seed funding in June 2019, which supports their growth and program development. The company aims to foster personal growth and learning through travel, making it a notable player in the student travel sector.

17. The Tarzan Way

• Website: thetarzanway.com
• Ownership type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Employee distribution: India 100%
• Latest funding: Pre-seed, $32,000, January 2022
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: thetarzanway

The Tarzan Way is a travel agency based in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, founded in 2018. The company specializes in providing immersive and personalized travel experiences, particularly in India. They cater to travelers seeking unique adventures, offering customizable itineraries that include volunteer opportunities. Their flagship program, 'Social Travel: North India,' allows travelers to engage in volunteer work across various locations, highlighting their commitment to social impact through travel. The Tarzan Way prides itself on transparency and customer support, ensuring that travelers have a seamless experience. With a team of around 30 employees, the company has successfully hosted over 1,200 travelers since its inception. In January 2022, they secured pre-seed funding, which indicates investor confidence in their business model and growth potential.

18. Rein Teen Tours

• Website: reinteentours.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Wayne, New Jersey, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: rein-teen-tours

Rein Teen Tours, based in Wayne, New Jersey, has been operating since 1986, specializing in summer travel and community service programs for teenagers. With a team of around 27 employees, the company has carved out a niche in the travel industry by offering enriching experiences that combine adventure with cultural exploration. Their programs are designed to foster personal growth and community engagement among young travelers. Rein Teen Tours provides a range of options, including traditional teen tours and community service projects, allowing participants to engage in meaningful volunteer work while exploring various destinations. Their commitment to hands-on experiences is evident as they scout and select accommodations, activities, and service projects to ensure quality and impact. The company has not reported any funding, indicating a stable, self-sustaining operation in the travel sector.

19. Travel For Teens

• Website: travelforteens.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 83%, Costa Rica 17%
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: travel-for-teens

Travel For Teens, based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a private travel agency that specializes in youth travel programs. Founded in 2003, the company has carved out a niche in providing educational and cultural travel experiences for middle and high school students. Their offerings include a variety of programs that focus on community service, language immersion, and cultural exploration. With a commitment to fostering personal growth and cultural understanding, Travel For Teens aims to create safe and enriching travel opportunities for young travelers. The company has received recognition for its efforts in youth travel, consistently winning awards for its programs. They operate with a team of approximately 58 employees, primarily based in the United States, and have expanded their reach to include programs in over 40 countries. Their approach emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing participants to engage with local communities and cultures. This focus on authentic travel experiences is central to their mission.

20. Global Works | Travel with Purpose

• Website: globalworkstravel.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Lafayette, Colorado, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 30%, Costa Rica 30%, Spain 30%, Other 11%
• Latest funding: August 2010
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: global-works-travel-with-purpose

Global Works | Travel with Purpose, based in Lafayette, Colorado, is a travel agency that specializes in community service and cultural exchange programs for teens. Founded in 1990, the company has built a reputation for providing structured travel experiences that combine service learning, language immersion, and adventure activities. Their programs cater primarily to high school and middle school students, aiming to instill a sense of global citizenship and personal development. Global Works operates in various countries, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain, offering a range of projects from environmental sustainability to education and social justice. The company prides itself on its partnerships with local communities and non-profit organizations, ensuring that their service projects are both meaningful and sustainable. With a dedicated team of former educators and trip leaders, Global Works emphasizes safety, cultural authenticity, and impactful service in all its programs.

21. Footprint Travel (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos)

• Website: footprint.vn
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Employee distribution: Vietnam 100%
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: footprint-vietnam-travel

Footprint Travel, established in 2001 and based in Hanoi, Vietnam, specializes in responsible tourism across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. With a team of 24 employees, the company focuses on providing active holiday packages that include trekking, cycling, and cultural experiences. Their offerings are designed for travelers seeking unique and immersive journeys while promoting sustainability and community engagement. Footprint Travel has worked with various international partners, bringing hundreds of thousands of travelers to the region. They have also achieved Travelife Certified status, demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental sustainability in the tourism industry. This certification reflects their adherence to over 160 criteria related to sustainability management and responsible travel practices.

22. CISaustralia

• Website: cisaustralia.com.au
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Ashmore, Queensland, Australia
• Employee distribution: Australia 52%, Philippines 12%, United Kingdom (UK) 12%, Other 24%
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: cisaustralia

CISaustralia, founded in 2013 and based in Ashmore, Queensland, Australia, is an educational service provider dedicated to enhancing the international experience of university students. The company offers a variety of programs, including study abroad, internships, and volunteer opportunities across more than 30 countries. With a team of 24 employees and a global network of on-site support staff, CISaustralia has successfully supported over 7,000 students in their pursuit of academic credit and personal development through international experiences. Their programs are designed to foster cultural immersion and personal growth, while also ensuring that participants receive academic recognition for their efforts. CISaustralia emphasizes safety and support, providing 24/7 assistance to students during their time abroad. Their commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility further underscores their role in the volunteer travel sector.

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