Editor's picks: Best volunteer holidays around the world

Volunteer holidays are becoming increasingly poplar among Brits hoping to get more from their travels. The combination of living among local people, helping in communities and experiencing new places makes it an attractive combination for anyone who wants to do something different. On a volunteer holiday, you can help in orphanages, teach in local schools, work with endangered species or help with building or conservation projects - the world's your oyster. And the real joy of it all is that you can use your skills to make a difference to the world.

For a life-changing holiday with a difference, try one of these short-term volunteer placements. Many are family-friendly, too, so you can even take the kids along to do their bit. Click on the image below to discover how you can see the world as you've never seen it before...

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