Traveling is more than just creating beautiful memories. Become a Butterfly Volunteer and help us restore hiking trails, support vulnerable children, and enhance local nature projects – always in close collaboration with reliable local partners.

Your Time is Valuable

With 1% of Travelbase's revenue, we fund impact projects worldwide.

But money alone isn't enough. That's why we also send volunteers around the world: to maintain trails in Iceland and Albania, to mentor children at Rainbow of Hope in Cape Town, or to support local nature projects in Lapland and beyond.

Every step you take on a mountain path, every afternoon you spend with a child, or every tree you help plant contributes to a snowball effect of positive change.

Discover our volunteering trips Why join as a volunteer?

Why join as a Butterfly Volunteer?

Butterfly Volunteers do more than just help; they travel mindfully and leave a positive impact wherever they go. Our programs are designed to provide you with a safe, meaningful, and affordable experience that benefits both you and the local community. Here are six reasons why this adventure is truly worth it:

 

Make a tangible difference

You are involved in projects that are locally requested, needed, and sustainable. No symbolic volunteer work, but concrete tasks that make a visible difference.

Travel consciously & give back

Instead of just consuming, you actively contribute to nature restoration, community projects, or wildlife protection. You engage with a new culture, and traveling with a purpose feels different.

Global community

Volunteers share the same values: respect, adventure, and impact. The friendships formed here often last a lifetime.

Personal growth & new skills

Volunteering challenges, inspires, and widens your worldview. You learn to collaborate, take initiative, and see travel from a different perspective.

Affordable & transparent

Our volunteer programs are intentionally affordably priced, with no hidden fees. You know exactly what you're paying for, and thanks to our non-profit partners, your contribution goes directly to making an impact on the ground.

Discounts on activities

Hard work pays off. Enjoy discounts on Travelbase trips, language courses, local tours, and activities.

Choose your destination

Where in the world do you want to make a difference?

Practical info

“Go somewhere to give, and you return with infinitely more.”

Practical info

Period

Our volunteering trips take place throughout the year. You can find more information about when the trip occurs on each destination page.

Prices

All volunteer programs have a participant fee of €100, in addition to the total trip amount. This fee covers all support prior to departure.

The total amount for your trip varies by destination and depends on the number of weeks you choose to volunteer. You can find the exact prices on each individual trip page.

There is also an international bank fee of 3% on the total amount at payment.

What’s included?

What is always included in every volunteer package?

  • Meals on weekdays
  • Transport to and from your project location
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 on-site emergency support
  • Program introduction in the country
  • Pre-departure support from your program coordinator
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides, and checklists
  • Access to preferred insurance and flight partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service
  • 10% discount on a Travelbase trip of your choice
What's not included?

What do you need to take care of yourself?

  • Flights
  • Transport to and from the airport
  • Meals over the weekend
  • Visa (if needed), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, and a criminal record extract
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transport, drinks, and activities during your free time
Meals

Food is one of the purest ways to discover a new culture. But without local knowledge, you often don't know where to start. That's why the Butterfly Foundation ensures that you don't have to worry about your meals during your volunteer program: they are included in your contribution* and are usually prepared by a local chef.

Because we consciously collaborate with local partners, you get dishes that are typical of the region where you are staying. This way, you can taste the real flavors of the country and fully immerse yourself in the daily life there.

We take your dietary preferences into account as much as possible. Most programs offer options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other diets. Please note your dietary wishes in your registration so we can check in advance what is possible.

*The number of meals varies by destination: some projects provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner; others only offer breakfast or dinner.

Accommodation

We understand how important it is to return to a place that feels safe, comfortable, and warm after a day of volunteering. The atmosphere of your temporary home often determines how you experience the entire journey.

The contribution for your volunteer program covers your accommodation for the entire duration of your Butterfly project. Our local partners carefully select each location, and we regularly visit the projects to ensure everything is clean, reliable, and safe.

Since Butterfly Volunteers attracts people of all ages and travel styles, we offer various types of accommodation that cater to families, youth, couples, solo travelers, and everyone in between:

  • Volunteer houses with shared dorm-style bedrooms, sometimes similar to a hostel. This is the most social option and fosters a strong group dynamic.
  • Homestays with local families, a fantastic way to immerse yourself fully in the local culture and customs.
  • Accommodation upgrades are available in some destinations, such as a private room or a small guesthouse close to the project location. These upgrades are optional and remain affordable.
  • In nature and conservation projects (like in remote areas), part of your stay may take place in more rustic camping or wilderness lodges — simple, but unique and unforgettable.

Wherever you stay, we ensure that you feel welcome, safe, and at home.

Discounts

We want you to get the most out of your volunteer adventure, without any stress or hassle. That's why, with your program contribution, you receive 10% off carefully selected activities and excursions that will enrich your experience even more. These are organized by Travelbase and are aligned with what is safe, sustainable, and valuable for your destination.

Before you depart, your Program Manager will be ready to help you put together an unforgettable trip around your volunteer work. Think of extra excursions, language classes, additional overnight stays, or unique local experiences that will complete your journey.

Additionally, we can also support you with practical matters:

  • booking insurance
  • help with arranging flights
  • smart and efficient packing
  • tailored logistical tips

This way, you can fully focus on what really matters: making an impact and enjoying a trip you'll never forget.

How can you join us?

Looking for an unforgettable experience in a new culture where you can contribute as a Butterfly Volunteer?

Or, are you a non-profit organization seeking support for your project, or do you need help as an activist group to achieve your mission? Then join us as a partner.

Become a volunteer Join as a Partner

Contact

Our team consists of project managers and go-getters, passionate about giving back. Together, they make the most of the euros that go to the Butterfly Foundation to create the largest possible positive impact.

Harry

Volunteering Lead

Let's use travel as a tool to tackle current world issues and inequalities. Driven by moral ambition, I'm eager to make a difference, starting with those around me and then on a larger scale.

Do you have a question about the Butterfly Foundation?

Feel free to send us an email, I'm happy to help you!

Ask us anything
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