If you are interested in having the trip of a lifetime, but also doing something useful at the same time, then why not try joining a Greenforce expedition as a volunteer. Greenforce, which was set up in 1997, is an international research agency that gathers information about the wildlife and natural habitats in various parts of the world. There is a qualified biologist in charge of each team of volunteers and these carry out surveys all year round in some of the world’s remotest and most beautiful places. Volunteers come from all walks of life. The minimum age is 18 years, but there is no upper age limit. No previous experience is necessary as Greenforce provides full training in animal identification and survey methods. You'll need to be somebody who enjoys the outdoor life, however, as working in remote locations can be challenging. You’ll also need to be about wildlife and prepared to learn a lot about the place you visit. Each expedition lasts for ten weeks, and training begins in the UK with a residential weekend where you can get a taste of expedition life and meet up with some of your team mates, as well as learning about first-aid and basic survival skills. Each volunteer contributes £2,550 towards the cost of the expedition, but past volunteers say it is worth every penny