Ever find yourself crossing the days off the calendar, in anticipation of the annual beachside holiday with the sought-after three 'S's' - sun, sea and sand, only to get there, and one week in, find yourself getting itchy feet, your inner adventurist yearning to get out and explore a little further than that luxurious seaside resort? As much as we love a good fly and flap, would it not be wonderful to do something different in those two coveted weeks off? With volunteer travel experts, GVI, it is possible to combine beautiful, exotic locations (many of which offer those three S's) with adventures and the chance to make a difference promising an unforgettable holiday experience like no other.

This summer, why not do something extraordinary? Thanks to GVI, those seeking a holiday with a difference can choose from a variety of trips bursting with the perfect balance of adventure and culture, ultimately guaranteeing a holiday with a difference. What's more, embark on a trip with GVI and also benefit the country and communities you are travelling with, and feel good.

With projects to suit every interest - here's a pick of this summer's finest:

Mexico: Volunteer to protect loggerhead, green and hawksbill sea turtles

Travel to vibrant Central America to the dazzling waters of the Caribbean Sea. Join forces with a team of international volunteers and in-country field staff, and contribute to the vital protection and conservation of endangered sea turtles. GVI teams run both day and night patrols to check for nesting turtles, recording data and hatchling success, poaching rates and mortality rates.

This magnificent project offers opportunities like no other to explore the natural habitat of these beautiful turtles, in addition to expert training. Immersed in this biodiverse tropical paradise, participants can get to know this fascinating country and its way of life, whilst making a positive impact on the ground. What's more, you will be able to explore the stunning ancient sites of Yucatan on your days off. Now that is a summer holiday like no other!

2 week programmes in Mexico are available throughout the summer from 15th June onwards, at a price of £1395 per person.*

Kenya: Introduce underprivileged children to the creative arts in Mombasa

Upon arrival on the shores of the sparkling Indian Ocean, pick up a paintbrush and get involved in the work carried out by a children's centre in Mombasa, and immerse yourself in the ephemeral red continent. The centre provides essential support to the educational, creative and personal development of underprivileged children through introducing them to the arts. As a volunteer, get involved with the running of creative activities, conjure up your own project, and assist with key fundraising efforts.

Highlighting the social and economic challenges facing Kenya, this project exemplifies the giant hurdles being overcome by local communities to tackle them, in a fun and hands-on manner. Enthusiastic participants with a creative flair are sure to make a worthwhile difference on this arts-orientated project on one of Africa's most beautiful coastlines. All of this, combined with the chance to explore everything from Kenya's coral reefs to its mountains and deserts on days off, makes this opportunity too good to miss!

2 week programmes in Mombasa are available throughout the summer from 15th June onwards, at a price of £895 per person.*

South Africa: Teach children sports in a deprived township school near Cape Town

Sporting aficionados can impart their skills to children with a range of sports including football, cricket, tennis and netball in impoverished towns that border the charismatic city of Cape Town. Alongside local communities and GVI staff, volunteers can run sports programmes, activities and events at schools in the area.

Volunteer and live in a traditional coastal village between Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and enjoy optional excursions to the famed Robben Island, Table Mountain and Cape Point, or embark upon a Cape Town wildlife safari and wine tasting in Stellenbosch. A trip here provides plenty opportunity to tick off that bucket list! Even better, GVI are on hand to assist with any side trips that appeal upon arrival in Cape Town. And better still, volunteers can often benefit from discounts on these trips owing to their association with GVI on the ground!

2 week programmes in Cape Town are available throughout the summer from 15th June onwards, at a price of £995 per person.*

*All projects include the following:

Pre-departure support and discounted services 24-hour emergency phone Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated) Arrival orientation Long term experienced staff Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared) All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals) Welcome meeting Location orientation All necessary project training by experienced staff All necessary project equipment and materials 24-hour in-country support

What's Not Included:

Flights Medical and travel insurance Visa costs Personal kit Additional drinks and gratuities Extra local excursions International and domestic airport taxes

NEWS for 2013

Watch this space for further information on exciting news and developments from GVI, including social media developments on Facebook and Twitter.

To find out more on volunteering abroad, check out www.gvi.co.uk and join GVI's 100,000 fans on Facebook

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For further PR information on GVI please contact Emma Powell, Nicole Lovett or Charlie Fox at Grifco PR on 0207 385 7090 or email Emma@grifcopr.com, Nicole@grifcopr.com and Charlie@grifcopr.com.

Notes to Editors:

 - Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1997 to provide support and services to international charities, NGO's and governmental agencies. Through our international network of over 100 personnel in 13 countries, GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe.

 - GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. To date over 20,000 volunteers have joined projects resulting in the direct financial support of over UK£2,500,000 / US $4,000,000.