It’s called voluntourism, involving signing up for a trip that combines the pleasure of travel with the satisfaction of helping people. With this year’s terrible record of hurricanes and forest fires, senior travelers can pitch in and help where most needed.

For example, combine a Caribbean cruise or vacation to stay and help rebuild homes in Puerto Rico, Haiti, South Florida and other areas devastated by the hurricanes. Also, with the continuing deadly forest fires in Northern California, volunteers are needed to help those left homeless and other necessary aid.

When making your travel plans, check with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Intrepid Travel, your hometown travel agency and other organizations. They’ll provide continuously updated info on when and where you’ll be most needed on your next trip.