What a GREAT idea for fans of man’s best friend and other orphaned animals…

Green Earth Travel has announced “trips that make a difference” vacations that enable animal lovers to care for orphaned animals, then kick back camping at the Grand Canyon August 9-14, or at a spa in Zion National Park October 5-10.

“We are proud to once again offer these unusual trips for animal lovers around the country,” comments Donna Zeigfinger, Green Earth Travel President. “Guests will enjoy high quality time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary caring for their residents and learning about Best Friends’ tradition of service. Following a couple of days of dedicated to the animals, they will have an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic beauty of our desert southwest.” In June and August, Grand Canyon trip guests will venture to the North Rim of the canyon itself to camp out after witnessing the spectacular view, hiking and enjoying an evening around a toasty campfire.

The October 5- 10, 2010 trip will offer a well-deserved indulgence after the caretaking at Best Friends, when travelers head to Zion National Park and Flanigan’s Inn. There they will have a chance to hike the dramatic canyon landscape, participate in a yoga refresher, or find a uniquely silent space to meditate at this desert hideaway.

“Last year’s trip to Best Friends was the best trip I’ve ever taken,” notes Kathy Poynton, a Green Earth Travel guest from Virginia who vacationed with her mom. “I’m a long time supporter of Best Friends, and have been interested in visiting for a long time. The cleanliness and well-organized operation made it clear to me that every penny I’ve donated goes to good use. In addition, Donna has the trip wired: I really appreciate good planning and organization, and from that perspective it was flawless.”

Kathy continues, “Vacations are usually “about me.” On this trip, I worked my butt off and felt really rewarded to have spent the time giving, instead of getting. Caring for the animals made the trip become one that was “all about taking care of the animals!”

Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., author of whose the best-selling book Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good, and the newly-released Second Nature: The Inner Lives of Animals, will accompany the October travelers. “I am looking forward to spending time with like-minded people,” notes Dr. Balcombe, whose professional assignments include his positions as Associate Director offor Education forwith The Humane Society of the US, and Senior Research Scientist with the Physicians Committee for on Responsible Medicine Senior Research Scientist. “I’ll share my enthusiasm for the flora and fauna of wild spaces, and will be available to give interpretive talks on such topics as animal behavior and animal awareness.”

Guests will travel on the Adventure Bus, a converted motor coach whose professional and accommodating team has been introducing guests to the scenic wonders of the west for nearly a decade. Owner Stephanie Emery and the Adventure Bus’ knowledgeable staff will provide a unique and memorable camping experience for the June and October trips. Stephanie notes that she has been “inspired by Green Earth Travel/Best Friends trip participants’ commitment to helping animals and supporting animal rights.” Meals will be vegetarian with options for vegans.

For more information call (888) 246-8343 or visit www.vegtravel.com

Green Earth Travel,LLC   was founded in 1991, and is one of the premier vegetarian/vegan/eco travel agencies in the country.