Doctors used to tell travellers to "peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it."

But that's just not realistic anymore given that a growing number of tourists — especially aging Baby Boomers and students — are keen to explore some of the darkest corners of the world, and maybe even work there for a while on "voluntourism" projects.

Stefanie Rubin, director of the International Volunteer Programs Association, estimated that 50,000 to 75,000 Americans will travel overseas to take part in short-term volunteer programs this year. And in a May survey of 1,500 tourists, the Travel Industry Association of America found that 24 percent of the respondents were interested in service-based vacations.

Even Travelocity is on board. The online agency recently announced its Travel for Good program, whose partners include Cross-Cultural Solutions, Earthwatch and Globe Aware. So numerous are the volunteer options, said Michelle Peluso, chief executive of Travelocity, that many people are confused by the choices.

''What we're good at is making complex information easier for consumers to figure out,'' Ms. Peluso said. ''This will allow for voluntourism to become mainstream.''

Two other individuals honored in special awards categories were … Ray Fox of Las Vegas, owner of Certified Folder Display Service, Inc., who received the VolunTourism Veteran Award for donating his time, labor and service to the benefit of communities, territories and the state.