When the ordinary vacation to Maui or the Bahamas doesn't suffice, consider going on a different type of vacation.

Volunteer vacation
Volunteer vacations allow you to immerse yourself into a culture for short term (1 to 2 weeks) or long term (4 weeks and more). Most trips do not require specific skills or knowing a foreign language. Just come with a servant's heart. Vacations can include teaching English, repairing buildings, working in orphanages, and planting crops. Prices start at $1000 USD and are usually coordinated by tour companies specializing in volunteer vacations. It is best that you use one of these companies like Habitat for Humanity or Travel Learn instead of planning the trip alone because they have experience guides and project workers who know the country quite well.

Eco tours
If environmental causes are your passion, consider taking an eco vacation. An eco vacation can consist of visiting wildlife in a natural habitat, exploring the rainforests, going horseback on trails, whale watching, or staying in jungle lodges. Depending on how adventuresome you are, you can rough it by camping in the wild and really experience nature. There are several companies that offer eco tours. Check out Gordon's Guide.com for a comprehensive list of companies. Do your research and ask a lot of questions if you have certain concerns about safety, health, etc.

Vocation vacations
Thinking about a career change but afraid to try something new? Ever had childhood dreams about being a choreographer or actor, but put them aside to get a so-called practical job? Well, here's a chance to try out the vocation of your dreams. Vocation Vacations is a company that offers you a chance to learn about certain careers. From photographer to fashion stylist to radio personality, you can spend time with a person in that industry and learn the ins and outs of the biz. According to their Web site, a lot of the vacations are two intensive days and are located in the United States and the United Kingdom. Check out Vocation Vacations.com to get more information. You can even make suggestions on future trips.

Working vacations
If you have time for a longer vacation, consider housesitting. The publication, The Caretaker Gazette has listings from around the world from people looking for housesitters and property caretakers. To get rent free lodging, some people ask for certain jobs to be done such as watering plants, walking dogs, picking up mail, etc. So, if you are looking to save money, housesitting may be option. Some listings have included housesitting in a 250-year old colonial mansion in Mexico or living rent free on a farm in Costa Rica in exchange for daily chores. You have to subscribe to the newsletter on Caretaker.org to get the listings.

If you want the out-of-the-ordinary vacation, it will require some out of the box thinking. So, be brave and try out some of these unique vacation experiences. It will definitely add spark to your travel adventures.