Definition

A person who travels to a different place to volunteer and help others while also enjoying the experience of being a tourist.

Example

As a voluntourist, she spent her summer helping children in a local school while exploring the beautiful countryside.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about being a voluntourist?

I’ve heard about it, but I’m not sure what it involves.

It’s basically traveling to help communities while exploring new places.

That sounds amazing! I might consider becoming a voluntourist next summer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Voluntourist → It is formed from "volunteer" (from Latin "voluntarius", meaning willing or free) and "tourist" (from French "touriste", meaning one who travels). The word describes a person who travels with the intention of volunteering, combining the ideas of willingness and travel.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'willing' ('voluntarius') to 'travel' ('touriste') to help others — that's what a voluntourist does.

Visually Confused Words