If you’ve been putting off travel plans until gas prices subside and ticket prices become more affordable, you may have missed out on a ripe opportunity that many Americans are already cashing in on – volunteering overseas. 

Many volunteer opportunities are available to U.S. citizens who want to make ad difference while experiencing a new culture or environment, and these programs also offer free board, lodging and in some cases, even cover the costs of that flight. 

From working on an organic farm to teaching English in Sudan, Matador.org recently listed their top ten volunteer opportunities.  Here are just a five exciting projects that might help you travel for free:

1. Appalachian Trail Conference.  This U.S.-based organization attracts volunteers from around the globe to build and maintain the Appalachian Trail to preserve the environment and endangered species.  The organization does pay for food and basic accommodation for its recruits, and can be a valuable way to explore nature at its best.
2. United Nations Volunteer program.  The UN offers several positions for volunteers who want to experience an extended stay abroad; they work with projects in health care, economic development and education in thousands of third world countries around the globe.
3. Conservation Volunteerism in New Zealand.  If you’re an active environmentalist, the Conservation Volunteerism organization in Australia and New Zealand is the place to promote eco tourism, work with teams to protect and clean up area habitats – and have meals and lodging taken care of.
4. Willing Workers on Organic Farms.  Organic farms around the world are searching for volunteers who will work on farms in exchange for food and lodging.  These opportunities are suitable for adults and teens who want to live and work in a completely new environment.
5. Sudan Volunteer Programme.  If you want to flex your teaching skills, you can teach English at schools and universities in Sudan, a country that is always looking for skilled teachers and volunteers to help with various community efforts.  Volunteers are provided with a monthly stipend, food and lodging, but are responsible for their own airfare.

The world famous tomato fight festival is scheduled for August 27, 2008 (the last Wednesday in August) in Bunol, Spain and is already attracting global travelers who want to experience this Spanish tradition firsthand.  The tradition started over 61 years ago in the small town of Bunol, a traditionally quiet town located just a short drive from Valencia.  The fight itself is one of the most chaotic summer festivals in Spain’s history, and typically runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with other special events and performances held afterwards.

The event begins with the Gigantes y Cabezudos procession, a carnival-style parade of characters and figures with oversized heads and colorful costumes.  The procession starts slowly, but begins to speed up to a near running pace as more people join the march down the streets of Bunol.  Crates of tomatoes are then added – and spilled – to the crowds, resulting in a giant battle of tomatoes and food fight like no other.  Tomatoes are thrown on buildings and on people, but the rules are simple; ‘tomatoes must be crushed before being thrown so they do not hurt anybody.’

Travelers who want to join the festivities can choose to stay in the village of Bunol, or stay in an adjacent village or city and take the train to the Estacio del Nord in the centre of Valencia.  Trains run every hour to Bunol from here, and offer travelers from around the region a chance to take par tin the fun.

The La Tomatina festival attracts thousands upon thousands of people to the small village of Bunol who want to experience the festival, and almost all of the hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and other accommodation venues are booked solid for the months prior to the festival.  Still, there are options to stay in hostels and smaller hotels throughout Valencia; Hotel urbem Opera Valencia, Hotel Vincci Lys and Hotel Husa Reina Victoria are just a few hotels located in the main commercial areas of Valencia, and offer easy access to Bunol and surrounding areas.

Hiking is one of the more popular outdoor activities. It can be as strenuous as you want, or a simple stroll in the woods. The downside is that it can be dangerous. Some recent highly publicized incidents have really brought those dangerous into the forefront of people’s minds. Instead of avoiding such a wonderful activity, you just need to take some precautions and be prepared or the unexpected.

1. Hike in a group – or at the very least take a friend (and a puppy DOES NOT count). If you have a problem, take a fall, or run into any other difficulties then you will have support to help you through.
2.  Leave an itinerary with friends and family. Those that will be staying home need to know where you are going, when you will be back, and what you expect to do along the way. If you don’t show up as scheduled or if the weather takes a sudden turn then this will be a guideline for searches to find you.
3. Plan your hiking trips for the daylight hours. It is easier to have a fall or come to some kind of unfortunate end once the light is gone.
4. Have an emergency contact or locator. Invest in a cell phone or a satellite phone if you are going to spend time in the woods. These can be used to contact help if it’s needed and in some cases they can be used to locate lost hikers.
5. You heard it all of your life, but you really should avoid taking candy from strangers (or water, food, or a ride). If a person that you don’t know offers to take you on the best hike or to an amazing location then it’s best to pass.
6. The adventure of finding new places is part of the reason that people hike. Although you don’t have to hike the same path every time you go out to be safe, it is a good idea to know the area that you are hiking. Having a familiarity with the terrain can help you find your way to safety if you lose your way.
7. Pack for the weather (or possible weather). If you are going to the mountains in the winter then you need to pack some warm weather clothes. Even if the temperatures are high when you head out, you never know when they might take a turn for the worse. It is better to have warm clothes and not need them than to need warm clothes and not have them.
8. Take more snacks and drinks than you think you will need. They will keep you refreshed during the hike, but can be a life safer if you run into problems.

Hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature. Although it can be dangerous, if you take a few precautions you can ensure yourself a trouble free experience.

“Seeing is believing,” and today you can see the all the sites of the world up close (sometimes too close for comfort) and personal. Many of the adventure trips you can find offer great opportunities to view the local animals in their natural environment. It’s one thing to see them at the zoo or aquarium, but experiencing the magnificence of these creatures in the wild is something you won’t soon forget.

Outdoor Odyssey offers a sea kayak trip that will give you numerous opportunities to see the Orca whales and other large marine mammals the only way they should be viewed. The trip starts out in prime orca habitat, but they can usually be spotted during the entire trip. On land you will likely be greeted by the osprey and the bald eagle.

Yellowstone has long been a wonderful place to see wildlife. Now you can experience it in all its winter wonderland best. Adventure Associates have put together a cross country ski adventure where you can see the wildlife and the park as nature intended. There is no experience necessary, just bring your desire to see it all.

Article Ladies has put together a Hawaii experience that will open your eyes to all the native wildlife. The tour will give you the chance to learn about native plants, birds and wildlife. The coastlines are home to spinner dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and flying fish and this tour will give you a wonderful view of all of them. Even the monk seals are likely to make an appearance. The guides are knowledgeable in all the native animals and will show you through the pristine tropical rain forests. Aloha Hawaii is a great introduction to the amazing inhabitants of the islands.

See Africa the way most people only dream about. Ontdek Kenya offers some of the best game viewing that can be done by taking you on foot through sanctuaries, national parks and local forests. See the Lions, elephants, and hippos all at their natural best. The name says it all: Ontdek (meaning discover in Dutch) will give you the chance to discover the real Africa.

If you can’t bear to miss the Alaskan wilderness, then Adventure Women has the perfect getaway planned just for you. The Alaska Bear Viewing and Wildlife Safari will take you to places that most people don’t dare to venture. See the Grizzlies and their cubs in their natural habitat, watch for humpbacks and orcas at Resurrection Bay, and watch the magnificent sea birds along the coast lines. The days are full of adventure and the nights are spent relaxing in deluxe lodges or adventure camps. You get the best of both worlds - adventure and luxury.

There is more to see than just great views and amazing natural wonders. The wildlife can take your vacation to a whole new level. Take a tour that will take you into the heart of nature.

Swimming with the fishes may not be the vacation experience you had in mind, but experiencing the fishes swimming could create memories that will last a life time. During your next vacation, take a day or two to visit the local aquarium.

1. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration wants to inspire you to care for the worlds oceans. It offers unique experiences with living marine creatures, educational classes, and some wonderful life animal shows. It is one of the few facilities in North America where you can view Stellar Sea Lions.

2. The Miami Seaquarium is a 38 acre tropical paradise full of dolphins, orcas, and sea lions. Even the sea turtles and manatees find a save home in this attraction. There are plenty of exhibits and eight different animal shows to keep you entertained, educated and inspired.

3. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is quite a find. There are over 10,000 exotic sea creatures in the exhibits and around 350 different species. Enjoy the freshwater displays of the tropical rainforest or enjoy the Shark Lagoon - an amazing 340 foot acrylic tunnel that will bring you face to face with some of the most extreme creature of the ocean water.

4. Monterey Bay Aquarium was established with the goal of motivating and inspiring visitors to help conserve the oceans and all the wonders in them. There are plenty of programs to delight an entertain you, an amazing exhibit of a white shark, and otters of all ages.

5. Shedd Aquarium is one of the world’s largest all indoor aquariums and is passionate about the animals and their habitats. You can travel the world through the 90 aquatic habitats or watch as a diver feeds the sharks, rays, and sea turtle. You can also be entertained by the penguins, otters, and other sea mammals living through out the aquarium.

6. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a wonderful collection of aquatic animals and exhibits. There is an interactive play zone, a chance to feed the stingrays, and more adventures than you can shake a stick at. One of the most unique animals is in the Mississippi River Gallery - “Spots” is a white alligator with steely blue eyes.

Make a stop at one of the many aquariums during your next vacation or just take a day to adventure through the underwater worlds. You will create memories and maybe even learn a thing or two along the way.

Going to the beach can be a fun time for the whole family. It can also be a time of tragedy. Before you take to the ocean and the sand, you should know a few terms and safety tips.

1. Rip Tides - These are actually undercurrents that push away from the shore. If you find your self being swept out to sea you should swim parallel to the shore instead of trying to fight the current and swim into the shore. By swimming parallel to the shore you will break out of the current and then be able to make your way in easily.

2. Sharks – Although they are dangerous predators, they do not hunt man. Typically the only people who are attacked are those that get between a shark and its dinner. Don’t swim during the pre-dawn and dawn hours and don’t swim at dusk. Also, be aware of the locations of bait fish (you can check local beach forecasts to find out). Staying away from dinner will keep you from becoming an appetizer.

3. Sand - Digging holes at the beach is almost a rite of passage for most people. Keep in mind that sand is NOT stable and the walls could easily collapse. Do not dig holes deep enough to get into because of the risk of being buried alive. Stick to sand castles instead.

4. Jellyfish - These are the glass looking (or jelly-like) blobs found along the water’s edge and floating on the waves during certain seasons. The tentacles are full of venom and can inflict painful stings (even resulting in death). Be sure to check with your location to find out the height of jellyfish season (and avoid visiting during those months).

5. Sting Rays - These creatures have received more attention since the highly publicized death of Steve Irwin. If you are swimming in an area where stingrays frequent, keep in mind that they lay quietly on the bottom of the ocean. They usually only sting when they are disturbed or stepped on. Avoid an accidentally encounter by shuffling your feet through the sand anytime you walk in the water. This is likely to make the stingray move to a different location.

The beach can be a fun and exciting place, but it is still a wild environment. Be aware of the dangers and take a few precautions and your vacation will likely be safe and enjoyable.

This world is covered with amazingly diverse flora and fauna. Each region has a unique variety of similar plants or plants that are unique to that one area. If you appreciate beautiful flowers and magnificent plants, then a Flora Tour could be the perfect getaway for you.

If you aren’t up to the world travel just yet (or your budget doesn’t allow it) then start local. You can visit botanical gardens all over the United States. If you become a member at your local gardens then you may be able to visit many other ones for free or for a discount through reciprocal programs. Check with your local botanical gardens to find out for sure.

Another way to see amazing plants for little money is to go on local garden tours. Most plant societies hold national and regional tours of gardens that show off their specialties. You may be able to participate for a small fee if you are part of the general public, but some tours may require that you be a member of the society.

Around the world, tours of gardens are available. If you prefer your plants in the wild, there are some of these as well.

Costa Rica is rich in nature. There is an abundance of plant life - with over 9,000 species spread through out the country. You can travel with a tour group, or see the amazing landscape on your own.

The Central American country of Belize has been hard at work protecting its tropical forests. Here you will find over 3,000 species of vascular plants (a plant that has an internal water and food system). This country’s diversity of ecosystems means that you will have the chance to see a wide range of plants in a small area of land.

Sri Lanka has a huge show of orchids, trees, and medicinal plants. The different zones offer unique presentations (some specific to the country). Each area offers a performance - even the dry zone puts out a splash of color after a rain. Special tours can be arranged that will have you guided through the beauty by experts in their field.

There is so much to experience in the natural world. The next time you plan your vacation or getaway you need to remember the old saying about taking time to smell the roses. You may not see roses on a Flora Tour, but you will see more beauty than you could ever have imagined before.

Not everyone dreams of being covered by tons of earth but that is just where you will when you explore one of the many caves opened for public tour. Most of these caves have been excavated and domesticated so that you walk on lighted paths while you enjoy the drama of the underground. Even with the commercialization, the wonder is sure to take your breath away.

Kentucky is home to the world’s most extensive cave system. Mammoth Cave has around 300 miles of known passages and many more that have yet to be explored. The caverns were created by water working through limestone deposits, dissolving the rock. As the water table has dropped, the narrow tunnels, wide open caverns and other shafts were left. Today, the lower passages are still being carved by the streams and rivers. Mammoth cave is home to stalactites, stalagmites, and white gypsum crystal formation along with rare cave creatures that have adapted to this environment over millions of years. Some of the tours are not recommended for people with fear of heights or tight places and few allow for small children.

Missouri is loaded with commercial (open to the public) caves for you to visit. Crystal Cave is one that will offer one of the most natural tours available in a excavated cave - it is a living cave and is kept as close to its natural state as possible. The guided tour will last around 80 minutes and will take you past steep stalagmites, massive dripstones, perfect fossils and Indian symbols that indicate Crystal Cave was once inhabited.

Hurricane River Cave in northwest Arkansas offers you the benefit of the commercial cave experience or the true, down and dirty, spelunking tour. In the commercial tour, you will walk along passageway that feature stalactites (hanging from the ceiling where they hold on “tite”), stalagmites (which grow up from the floor where you just “mite” trip over them), flowstone, cave popcorn, moonmilk and unique shields - and this is only the beginning. If you must get dirty then the newly available wild caving tour is for you. There are some relatively tight crawls and some pretty physical requirements for this tour. You should be in good physical shape to make this choice.

The central attraction at Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee (and the attraction where the cave gets its name) is the massive 145 underground waterfall. The entrance at the top of Lookout Mountain and features a castle made in the fifteenth century Irish fashion. The round trip tour is less than a mile and only a few steps are involved. Weather is not a factor for the underground trip - ran actually enhances the experience by increasing the flow of water to the waterfall.

Cave exploration can be a walk in the park or a climb through the mud. Either way you choose to experience the underground world you are sure to see things that you could only imagine before your tour.

When you think of the beach, you probably picture glistening oceans and LOTS of tourists. Thinking outside the vacation box will require that you be willing to look for your beach experience in unusual locations. For a more intimate experience, you should try going inland to get your fix for the sandy life.

Anywhere there is a large body of water, people gather for recreation. Some of the bodies are larger than others and offer more opportunities. The Great Lakes Region has large waves, great fishing, and even some sandy beaches for you to enjoy – all with out the annoyance of the salt. The lakes are so large that the waves rolling into shore will remind you of the best ocean beach you have ever been on.

The southern part of the United States has its share of fine lake retreats. Lake Guntersville, located in Alabama, is ranked as one of the top sportsman’s lakes in the United States. The fishing has drawn several tournaments to the area, including a Bass Master’s. Although it is a man-made lake (created by a dam on the Tennessee River), it remains the same level within a few inches no mater what the weather around it.

The west is definitely not going to be out done when it comes to freshwater retreats. Many people think of Lake Tahoe as a skier’s paradise. While this may be true for part of the year, during the warmer months the water sports take over the community. If you’ve always wanted to scuba dive but never wanted to brave the ocean creatures then you have found your spot. The crystal clear waters are perfect for enjoying an underwater adventure.

If you really want to get away and enjoy your freshwater vacation then choose one of the many smaller lakes that dot the country. Private vacation rentals can give you the luxury you desire coupled with seclusion that you didn’t even know you wanted. Just settle in on the water and enjoy the lull of the small waves lapping against the shore line.

Freshwater vacations can offer many of the same benefits that you can get from the ocean. There are beautiful mountain lakes and man-made wonders all through out the United States. You can parasail on some of the larger lakes, windsurf on almost any of the lakes with enough water to take a boat, and with a little luck you can find a sandy location far from the chaos of the tourist infested beaches by the ocean.

If you crave the call of the wild or if adventure is your middle name then an adventure trip is the experience you are looking for to ease the cravings. It is possible to find the trip that will fulfill you desires and not empty your pocket book. Whether you want to brave nature up close or just test your own fear, the dream vacation is not far from your reality.

You can let it all go to the dogs with a dog sledding trip with Adventures in Good Company. You will experience the Northwoods in a way few people ever do. Not only will you learn how to care for and harness the dog team, but you will also learn how to drive (or mush) a dog sled. To cap off the experience, one night will be spent in a traditional yurt. There is no experience required, but mushing is a very vigorous activity. The fun and excitement will be had, but at the cost of physical endurance.

Backcountry skiing will try your skills as a skier and a climber. You need to be a strong skier and be fit enough to climb 2000ft in one day. This Women’s Backcountry Ski Week is available through Women’s Mountain Adventures. The trip is all inclusive and has the added element of helicopter transfers into and out of the lodge. The only thing you will need to bring (or rent) is the backcountry ski equipment (clothing, skis, boots, poles, climbing skins, beacon, shovel, probe, backpack, and sleeping bag). This experience goes way beyond a normal day on the slopes.

Vigorous hiking is what you will experience as you trek along the Appalachian Trail. The trail winds through the Great Smokey Mountain and offers some of the best hiking and mountain views in the country. This trip is a true taste of the primitive thru-hiker life and is not recommended for the weak (of heart, mind, or endurance). The Great Smoky Mountains Backpack - Appalachian Trail is a guided tour offered through REI Adventures.

If you are one of those people who just has to have it all at once, then the Costa Rica Vacation: A Wildlife and Nature Safari is the perfect trip for you. It’s hosted by Adventure Women and will take you on an amazing 11-day experience through the island country of Costa Rica. The trip is packed with whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking the lava flows, relaxing in hot springs, and snorkeling in the crystal blue Caribbean. Not only will your adventure be full of exciting activities, but you will see an abundance of wildlife and plant life. The butterflies alone will make your tour unforgettable.

The extreme adventure you have been looking for (or just dreaming about) can now be a reality. Experience the vacation that you will be talking about for years to come.