Want to extend the season of giving while delaying those postholiday blues? The volunteer travel company i-to-i (www.meaningfultravel.com; 800-985-5882), known for combining adventure experiences with good works, like monitoring lions in South Africa and building houses in Honduras, still has places left on two January trips to work on Carnival preparations in Rio.

Travelers will help build floats and make costumes at the city’s Samba schools in preparation for Brazil’s Carnival (February 17 to 20); they can then stay on to enjoy the festival. A minimum stay of one month is required, though travelers stay on for up to 12 weeks. The four-week trips begin on January 5 and 12 and cost $1,165. Accommodations are in a group house for volunteers. Air fare is not included; each additional week costs $180.