This book is not a field guide to volunteer tourism. It is more of an academic study of the reasons for, and impact of, volunteer tourism. Wearing draws on general travel and tourism literature, but takes a sociological approach "to demonstrate that in the case of volunteer tourism each individual will construct the meaning of their experience according to their own cultural and social background, the purpose of the visit, their companions, preconceived and observed values of the host culture, the marketing images of the destination and, above all, the relationships of power between visitor and host cultures as well as within the host culture."

Much of the book is an examination of the reasons and motivations for volunteer tourism coupled with a study of the personal development to be gained from such experiences. In order to better understand the experience, Wearing interviewed a number of volunteer tourists. Their responses highlight the motivations for volunteer tourism. These include altruism, desire for travel/adventure, the opportunity to explore professional opportunities, cultural exchange/learning, and personal growth. Most volunteers had a history of volunteer service in their own communities and saw volunteer tourism as a natural extension of past experiences. The participant responses give a first-hand account of volunteer tourism that will provide valuable insight to anyone considering a volunteer trip.