Out of Office With a Purpose: How I Used My Volunteer Time Off in Aruba
We’ve all seen the “OOO until further notice” email, the corporate version of vanishing into the sunset.
But what if I told you there’s a way to take your out-of-office and make the world a better place?
Your company probably offers volunteer time off, or VTO, paid time set aside specifically so you can shut that laptop and give back to the world around you. And yet, so many people don’t even realize it’s there, just waiting to be used. Enter: voluntourism in Aruba, where you can turn those unused VTO hours into a getaway with purpose.
I recently did exactly that. I emerged from my shrimp-like posture into ‘Island Volunteer Natalie’ and documented the entire experience.
The Aruba Promise (and Why I Took It Seriously)
Aruba is beautiful. Like, that golden-hour-is-a-lifestyle kind of beautiful. But what sets this One Happy Island apart isn’t just the turquoise water or the aloe-infused everything, it’s the Aruba Promise: a heartfelt commitment to responsible tourism.
Visitors aren’t just encouraged to soak up the sunsets with their toes in the sand, they’re invited to give back, too. Sounds like a tough sell for a tropical escape, right? But, Aruba makes the whole thing feel effortless and a lot of fun.
The Bucuti Beach Clean-Up: Personal Trainer Approved
My voluntourism journey kicked off at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s baked into everything they do. I joined a small crew of guests and locals for a beach clean-up - gloves on, trash bags in hand, ready to take on the shoreline.
We picked up everything from plastic bottle caps to the mysterious lone flip-flop that somehow appears on every beach like it’s part of the scenery.
Pro tip: walking in sand with a full trash bag? That’s a full-body workout. My Apple Watch thought I was doing interval training and honestly, it wasn’t wrong.
The Donkey Sanctuary: Where I Found My Soulmate
Next stop: Donkey Sanctuary Aruba because spa days are overrated.
The day started strong: I was greeted at the gate and instantly welcomed into the donkey-loving family like I’d always belonged, hay in hand, heart full.
Fun fact: Aruba’s donkeys have been around since the 1500s, and the sanctuary is their second-chance paradise.
By the time I was splattered with hay dust and donkey nose prints, I wasn’t tired, I was weirdly at peace. Who knew fulfillment smelled vaguely like a barn?
Responsible Tourism, but Make It Relatable
Here’s the deal: I went to Aruba expecting the usual VTO checklist, do something nice, get a tan, post a photo, pat myself on the back. But this trip really shifted something for me.
By embracing responsible tourism, I realized that giving back while traveling can be fun, messy, rewarding, and yes, still aesthetically pleasing. (I looked great in my donkey selfies. Thank you for asking.)
VTO, Aruba Style
If you’ve got VTO to burn, Aruba’s the place to use it. Whether you’re cleaning up the coast or hugging a hooved friend, you’ll leave with way more than just souvenirs.
Book a voluntourism activity, and let the island love you back. Because rejuvenation hits different when you’re covered in sand.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to draft an email asking HR if emotional support donkeys are covered by our benefits plan.
Learn more about the One Happy Island here and start planning your trip today. Trust me, your soul (and your camera roll) will thank you.
