Some of the early “voluntourism” trips — where tourists spend their vacation volunteering on a local project — have proven to be a little too much work and not enough fun, but trip organizers are learning to focus on balancing vacation and service, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Critics of voluntourism have argued that the trips are simply too short for the mostly unskilled volunteers to acclimate to a new culture or make a real difference, and that tourists displace local workers who are just as able to construct a building, teach children, or make food, the newspaper reports. Newer programs combine volunteering and free time to give volunteers a chance to sightsee and take a break from work.

“We have to start with the principle of: Is there anything to offer the tourist?” says Kate Lloyd-Williams, who runs the Stay Another Day voluntourism program.

The article also offers several resources and tips on choosing and participating in a volunteering vacation.