GIVE - Pacific Northwest Volunteer and Responsible Tourism Excursion

Traveler Reviews

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  Madison

  March 16th, 2026
  This trip was amazing! Genuinely life changing for me, and many of my friends agree. I learned so much about the...
  This trip was amazing! Genuinely life changing for me, and many of my friends agree. I learned so much about the culture of the area, the salmon habitats we worked near, and how I can live a more sustainable and educated life style. Thank you GIVE!!!Show more
  Traveled in March 2026
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  Heather

  August 15th, 2025
  The trip was packed with a good mix of fun adventures like touring Stone Town, swimming with dolphins in the open...
  The trip was packed with a good mix of fun adventures like touring Stone Town, swimming with dolphins in the open waters, shopping with locals, a sunset boat cruise & going on a safari! But the majority of the trip was the volunteering part which was the working portion to help build the school, teaching English to the locals, as well as immersing ourselves into the locals culture, cooking with them in their homes, visiting their homes, seeing how they make soap, weaving with them, etc. Overall it was an amazing experience! I would highly recommend it.Show more
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  Traveled in August 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful review. We love hearing how you were able to experience the best of both worlds—exciting adventures alongside meaningful volunteer work and cultural immersion. Knowing that the trip left you with such an amazing experience means the world to us.

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  Victor

  July 17th, 2025
  It was an amazing and life changing experience! I got to go white water rafting, ziplining through the cloud forest,...
  It was an amazing and life changing experience! I got to go white water rafting, ziplining through the cloud forest, and participate in a cacao ceremony. I highly recommend it. The only things I wasn't the biggest fan of was only one day white water rafting. When I signed up it said it was two days and it would've been more fun if it were two. I would also recommend less days on the eco farm. Also, the food accomodations weren't the greatest when it came to allergies. So just try to be mindful for yourself.Show more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  So glad to hear the experience was life-changing and full of adventure! Thanks so much for the honest feedback too. We’re always looking to improve, and this kind of insight really helps. Hope to see you on another journey soon!

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  Brittany

  June 24th, 2025
  I like honest reviews not just good reviews, so…you are thinking about Give – Laos. The first thing I think you...
  I like honest reviews not just good reviews, so…you are thinking about Give – Laos. The first thing I think you should know is that it is hot, really hot. Not Arizona desert (lived there for 5 years) hot, not US South (lived there for 4 years) hot. This is a totally different hot, and they do NOT provide air conditioning once you are fully immersed in the rural village, because it is not a thing there. So, keep this in mind and think of ways you can pack a portable cooling device. I fully recommend bringing a solar or battery-operated fan to assist. If you want to go big, bring a portable single room/cubicle unit to cool off your accommodation at night. Just remember that electricity is like gold, so it is recommended that you use it sparingly. Now that we are past that, it was a great experience. Others who went on Thailand stated that was more vacation-y while this was more volunteer like. You spent you AM teaching English to the kids, your PM doing a permaculture or construction project. Evenings were usually a nice learning experience or helping the village. For example, we taught basic words to assist the ladies of the village in selling their wares or we learned to cook a native meal. The men took us fishing on their boats and the ladies taught is how they weave. The people of the village are what will draw you back. They were all lovely people who are more than willing to share everything and help you with anything. They also have a great sense of humor, and they speak and understand enough English that there is not a point where it becomes uncomfortable. Watch out for Leanne, that lady is a hustler and will talk you into spending all your money at her booth, lol! If you are willing to get past the heat (or go in the winter months), this is a great volunteer fulfilling experience.Show more
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  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  This is amazing—thank you for keeping it real and still sharing so much love for the experience! That Laos heat hits different, but we’re so glad the warmth of the village made it all worth it. We really appreciate you highlighting both the challenges and the meaningful moments that make the Laos experience so special.

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  Zack

  June 18th, 2025
  Costa Rica was beautiful and the guides there are amazing
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Hey Zack, we’re so happy to hear that! Our guides and community partners will love reading this. Thanks for being part of this experience.

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  Sofia

  June 8th, 2025
  I have completely fallen in love with this organization and what they’re trying to do!! I hope everyone gets to...
  I have completely fallen in love with this organization and what they’re trying to do!! I hope everyone gets to experience a trip like this at some point in their life and learn more about all kinds of cultures around the world!!Show more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear how much you love GIVE and our mission. We couldn’t agree more, experiencing different cultures is truly life, changing, and we hope everyone gets the chance to take a trip like this someday. Thanks for being part of our community!

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  Ciara

  June 8th, 2025
  This trip is truly an amazing experience, i never thought I would learn so much from all the guides and they always...
  This trip is truly an amazing experience, i never thought I would learn so much from all the guides and they always make sure to keep us safe and having fun. I have created a community here that I will never forget and these people have pushed me to grow and pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways. I cant wait to come back to visit the guides, all the beautiful people and places I met throughout this trip, and my fellow volunteers that have grown to be my family.Show more
  Traveled in June 2025
  

  Reply from: GIVE Volunteers

  Thank you for sharing, Ciara! We’re so glad the trip helped you grow and connect in such meaningful ways. It’s amazing to hear how strong the bonds became with the guides, the community, and your fellow volunteers. That's what it's all about! You’ll always have a home with GIVE, and we can’t wait to welcome you back!

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