GIVE Volunteers Arvostelua 

WORDS Review on Topic Tour Operation:

Topis Tour Operation has consistently redefined travel experience in Nigeria through professionalism, affordability, and genuine hospitality. My recent journey with them from Owerri to Obudu and Calabar was nothing short of exceptional, and it deserves a detailed review.

From the initial booking, their customer service was responsive and transparent. Unlike many tour operators who hide costs, Topis provided a clear breakdown of transportation, accommodation, feeding, and site entry fees. The communication via WhatsApp was prompt, with regular updates on departure time, dress code, and what to pack.

The buses were clean, air-conditioned, and well-maintained, with a careful driver who prioritized safety over speed. The tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply rooted in local history. At each stop, from the winding hills of Obudu Cattle Ranch to the serene Afi Mountain Drill Ranch and the vibrant Calabar Marina Resort, they shared stories that made the places come alive beyond mere sightseeing.

Accommodation was comfortable and exceeded expectations for the price paid. Hotels were neat, secure, and centrally located. Feeding was also well-organized, with a good mix of local and continental dishes.

What stood out most was how Topis managed group dynamics. Despite having over twenty strangers, they fostered unity and fun through games, networking sessions, and evening reflections. Solo travelers felt safe and included.

In terms of value for money, Topis Tour Operation delivers more than promised. For students, young professionals, and families seeking to explore Nigeria without stress, this is a trusted choice. I strongly recommend them and will definitely book my next adventure to Ikogosi and Erin Ijesha with Topis again soon because their outstanding service truly created lasting memories worth repeating every single holiday season together forever sincerely honestly highly recommended.

I had such an amazing experience in Costa Rica with give. This was my 3rd trip with the but Costa Rica by far took me by chance. A last minute book and a world of new people, peace, learning, growth and lots of barefoot walks in the jungle, dirt, river washes and clay masks. The experiences I shared on that farm in the jungle was truly so magical it guided me to my own path of buying land to create something beautiful myself to give back to the land, people and community. 🥹🌜💫✨ go touch some dirt!

I did not go on a Trip however the presentation seemed like a time share scam. The fact you're paying so much and on top of that your own travel seems like you could find a better deal elsewhere. In my case they are targeting college kids that have probably never traveled. one of their suggestions to make money to afford the trips included starting a go fund me or selling grilled cheeses outside a bar once you get to your destination (no joke). They also have the audacity to mention a package that would cost you around $15,000 not factoring in travel. While I don't doubt that these trips are real and have a major impact on the communities they visit you better be ready to burn some money.

GIVE makes ethical tourism & travel easy and accessible for anyone dedicated to making a positive impact. From the moment I arrived in Hawai’i, my GIVE guides welcomed me with open arms and wide smiles—they made traveling alone less frightening and helped me make memories I’ll never forget. Not only were the excursions to snorkel at the coral reefs, hiking through a volcano, and crawling through caves spectacular experiences—each project brought new and important lessons. Through our project partners we learned about the negative impact mainstream tourism has on Hawai’i, we learned about caring for the āina (land) through an indigenous perspective, and supported projects that directly helped the community. Yes, I spent a week in paradise, but this GIVE trip gave me so much more than pretty pictures. I can say that I am leaving a better person than when I came. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life-changing experience!

I honestly can’t recommend the Tanzania GIVE trip enough. It was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life.

What made this trip so special was that it wasn’t just about seeing Tanzania—it was about truly experiencing it. In Kilwa, we worked alongside the local community planting mangroves to help restore the coastline, and it was incredible to see the direct impact of the work. We also spent time with members of the community, cooked traditional meals together, and learned about their daily lives and culture. Those moments of genuine connection were some of the most rewarding parts of the trip.

Another highlight was spending time with the Maasai. We had the opportunity to help herd sheep, reinforce the protective enclosures for their livestock, and learn firsthand about their traditions and way of life. It wasn’t something you could experience as a typical tourist, and I came away with a much greater appreciation for their culture and hospitality.

The safari was another unforgettable part of the experience. Seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and so many other animals in their natural habitat was surreal. It felt like something out of a documentary and was easily one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.

After the volunteer portion of the trip, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was the perfect way to finish the adventure. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. Standing on the summit after days of climbing is a feeling I’ll never forget.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to Gabby and Baboi. They are truly the best guides you could ask for. They were knowledgeable, supportive, hilarious, and always made everyone feel included. They worked incredibly hard to make sure we had an amazing experience, and they played a huge role in making the trip so memorable.

If you’re thinking about doing this trip, my advice is simple: go. Come with an open mind, be willing to step outside your comfort zone, and fully embrace every opportunity. You’ll leave with incredible memories, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for another culture, and experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Tanzania and Zanz experience was amazing. Favorite parts was teaching english to the locals, working on construction projects for the school in Kairo and the safari. 100% worth it. Baboi, Talha, MC, Amour and Bighead are the best and will show you what their culture means to them and you'll be able to embrace that fully.

I cannot recommend GIVE Volunteers enough. After completing 6 of their 11 volunteer travel programs (WILD March 25', Zanzibar May 26', Thailand Hill Tribes June 26th, Scuba June 26', Elephants June 26', Laos July 26'), I can confidently say that these experiences have changed my life in so many ways. GIVE has given me opportunities, experiences, and memories that I truly don't think I would have found anywhere else.

GIVE wants to teach people the most authentic and ethical way to travel. They don't just bring you to a destination—they teach you how to travel with respect, humility, and a genuine appreciation for the local communities and cultures you visit. You leave each trip with not only unforgettable memories but also a deeper understanding of the places and people you've been fortunate enough to meet.

The local and international guides are one of the biggest reasons these trips are so incredible. Every guide I've met has been incredibly genuine, welcoming, attentive, inspiring, and so much fun to be around. They create an environment where everyone feels included, cared for, and excited to learn. Their passion for sharing their home and culture is contagious, and they bring some of the most positive energy I've ever experienced. They truly make every adventure unforgettable. From the moment you arrive until it's time to say goodbye, they make you feel supported, encouraged, and like part of a family. Thank you Kasha, BigHead + MC, Chee, I'Good + I'Maiy, Chelsey, P'Tony + P'Boka, P'Nice, and last but not least P'Dee + P'Ann + P'PonPon!

Also, GIVE headquarter team! From the very beginning, they are there to answer every question, handle concerns, and handle all of the travel logistics with care and urgency.

If you've never traveled alone but have always wanted to, GIVE is the perfect place to start. They create an environment where you feel comfortable, supported, and confident while showing you how to travel in the most ethical and respectful way possible. Every trip is the perfect balance of adventure, meaningful volunteer work, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

My trip to the Big Island of Hawai’i changed my life and the way that I connect with my inner humanity. Yes, I got to go on amazing adventures like snorkeling with sea turtles, climbing a volcano and seeing it actually erupt, chasing waterfalls, exploring caves and black sand beaches, and so much more. But what made it all worth it was the relationships that I created and the wisdom that I received by living and working alongside the locals. Our project hosts gave me so many life tools with the completion of every project and our guides, Traven, Jordan, and Liv, where there to help our group every step of the way. Every time I pulled an invasive species out of the Earth, I pulled invasive thoughts out of my head. Every time I removed waste from the coastlines, I removed waste within myself. And every time I learned more of the Native’s wisdom, I unlearned the American norm of making a living and relearned the human beauty in making a life. I recommend this life altering trip to anyone and everyone. I felt so safe, so guided, and so changed the entire time. Thank you to the locals of the Big Island for welcoming me as family, my new ‘ohana that I found in my fellow volunteers, and GIVE for helping to make a trip like this possible.

ASANTE SANA ZANZIBAR & TANZ MAINLAND I could not imagine a trip to this beautiful country being as fulfilling traveling without GIVE! I learned so much about culture, the land, and gained a #secondfamily while doing so! ASANTE SANA to talha for sharing her inspiring story as how she worked her way up to becoming the Ed coordinator of Zanzibar program, Amour for his amazing energy, Juma our legend driver and sweetest soul, BIG HEADDD the concrete and cement master, Kasha for being the most perfect example of a leader I have ever seen, and EVERYONE ELSE we met and worked alongside of the entire way! I’m also so grateful to have been able to hop over to mainland! It was so awesome getting to experience the new program and I’m so happy to see what the future holds for this trip. Asante Sana again to Baboi, MC, and Gabby for being apart of my entire journey in East Africa, y’all were truly THE BEST!!!! Will be catching trip #5 with GIVE soon 💚💚

I went on a trip with GIVE in 2023 to Tanzania. I want to preface with the fact that all of the staff and people who work for GIVE were very kind and accommodating. I will also say that I had a very good time on the trip. It’s super well organized and the activities they plan for you are great. However, if you’re looking for a chance to properly experience a culture and to volunteer, there are other ways to do so which cost a fraction of what GIVE requires you pay. It may take a bit of research online, but there are definitely programs out there that will house you and allow you to stay for various durations. AIESEC is an example of a student run association which has chapters worldwide which is focused on global exchanges and leadership. If you’re interested in religion, you could even look into ministries abroad. My Swiss cousin has volunteered numerous times in countries like Uganda and Tanzania where she goes to care for children for practically FREE. This isn’t a coincidence.

I think that in the US, we are an easy target demographic for companies like GIVE because we don’t question international trips when they cost a small fortune. With how much we already pay for our college tuitions, who better to convince to pay thousands of dollars for two week trips abroad to get a glimpse of other cultures than young Americans?

I spent at least $5,000 for my two week trip, including airfare. It’s clear that most of the money probably went into paying GIVE’s staff, the excursions themselves, and funding their local projects. You pay to participate and for GIVE sorting out the logistics. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, then for sure go for it! Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

I would say it’s much more about sustainable tourism than anything else! But to call it a true volunteering experience, I’m not sure I would venture so far as to say that. Personally, I feel like that’s more of a marketing ploy to reel in young Americans (and occasionally people from other places) looking to get out of their comfort zones. It feels more altruistic to be called a “volunteer” than a “sustainable tourist”. Better for marketing and for convincing parents and relatives to help pay for the trip.

So, would I recommend GIVE Volunteers? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. All in all, I considered it to be a very cool trip with fun excursions. We went on a safari, snorkeling with dolphins, on walking tours, to a spice farm, got to meet and support locals etc. I had a lot of fun. However, I’d recommend you look at different options if you’re interested in more traditional volunteering experiences for much less money where you do more of the logistics legwork.

Absolutely amazing! The local guides were so knowledgable and made the experience extremely unique and one that will stay with me forever. The entire trip I felt so safe, was well fed and learned lots about the culture and how I can apply different lessons to my life that I learned in Zanzibar. My local guides were Talha, Big Head, MC, Baboi and Khafuru. The most genuine and kind hearted people.

Absolutely amazing. There’s no way to explain how much this experience meant to my group and I. Besides bringing us all together in a beautiful area, we got to add to the places we were staying and see all the work people do within communities that is often hidden by the larger corporations that are more advertised.

I felt so supported from the moment I signed up for the trip. During the trip I got along with everyone so well and had so much fun volunteering and learning about the culture in Thailand. The guides were so amazing, all of them were so supportive but also making sure we had fun.

This was a very thorough and thoughtful program. The guides both local and local international were phenomenal. I learned so much, was able to delve into a culture I knew nothing of, and make new friends.

This experience really pushed me out of my comfort zone to try something new! As a first time solo traveler GIVE made me feel comfortable and eased my nerves. They were great at keeping me up to date with travel changes/flights. GIVE communicated trip information and details clearly in easy to read emails and texts. I took my GIVE Trip to Hawai'i this past June and had an amazing time there! This trip balanced volunteer work well with fun off the beaten path adventures. Some of these included scenic viewing, swimming at beaches, cave exploration and hiking (Kilauea Iki Trail). I enjoyed the free time they gave us to explore different towns/shops on the Big Island of Hawai'i (Honoka'a, Hilo, Kona). Our trip guides were also incredible in making the trip fun and safe. They made sure to check in with us on our work projects and keep our health and wellbeing a priority. GIVE really opened up my eyes to how to be an active global citizen. I truly learned a lot about environmental sustainability/stewardship and ecotourism. I highly recommend GIVE if you're looking to contribute to environmental initiatives or explore a new culture/destination!

My first Give trip was to Hawaii, and it was the best thing I have ever done. I loved my experience the people were amazing, the guides were amazing, the community we helped was so welcoming and I am so ready for my next trip. This trip has opened my eyes to so many new opportunities and I can't wait to do them all.

When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were shocked that I chose such a far and unfamiliar place with people I had never even met. Little did I know what these people and this place would mean to me when I left.

Throughout these 14 days, I had the privilege of traveling, learning, and volunteering throughout northern Thailand. I experienced its rich culture, beautiful views, and the “Sabai Sabai” way.

There are no words that can truly do this experience justice. Nonetheless, I met the most amazing and inspirational people, from the locals to the guides to my fellow travelers. These individuals showed me what life looks like when we’re fully present, focused on each other and our actions rather than materialistic ideologies and unrealistic standards for the world around us. I was shown how resilient we are both mentally and physically, and how essential it is to put aside our worries in order to feed our wellbeing. During my time here, I was reminded how much I value the outdoors and hard work, and shown the level of possibility that can be reached in the span of 24 hours.

This trip is amazing and filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. Come in with no expectations and an open mind, and you will leave so incredibly fulfilled and changed. Say YES!!

My experience with GIVE Volunteers in Laos was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the GIVE staff and the local community. The trip was thoughtfully organized and balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and adventure. The GIVE staff created a supportive, encouraging environment that made it easy to step outside my comfort zone while feeling safe and included. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely cared about both the volunteers and the communities they partner with. This experience gave me a new appreciation for different cultures and reminded me of the importance of human connection. I left Laos with lifelong memories, incredible friendships, and a perspective that will stay with me for years to come. I would highly recommend GIVE Volunteers to anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to be a part of it.

With Give I felt so safe and ready for anything. Everyone's kindness and hospitality was unmatched. I really enjoyed how our days were full of genuine experiences with the locals and seeing the true beauty of the country.

This experience really helped me to grow as a person. I have never felt more confident in myself, and realized that I am so much more capable than I thought I was.