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.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Okay, sign me up! I SO want to do this. Check out these volunteer vacations with Biosphere Expeditions and access your inner scientist while working side by side in the field next to real scientists to do hands-on research.
1. Track Snow Leopards In the Altai Republic: This award-winning volunteer vacation takes travelers to the remote mountains of the Altai Republic to follow in the tracks of the elusive Snow Leopards to conduct research that aims to protect an unprotected corridor of Snow Leopard movement from Mongolia to Russia where next to nothing is known about the numbers of leopards and their movements.
2. Monitor Flatback Turtles in Western Australia: This volunteer vacation takes people to the strikingly beautiful coastline of Western Australia to conduct a survey of iconic Australian flatback turtles. While soaking in the stunning scenery, measure and tag turtles, and record data about nesting behavior. The research on this volunteer project meets objectives outlined in Australian state and federal management and recovery plans for Australian sea turtles.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
”It began with a commitment to preserve whatever we found, wherever we went.” Thus begins the introduction to a new Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy web site, which showcases opportunities for travellers to become involved with 50 pioneering projects worldwide.
“As travel increasingly becomes about the things money cannot buy – shared experiences and treasured memories – more and more of our guests want to make a personal connection and a positive contribution to the places they visit,” says Abercrombie & Kent Vice Chairman Jorie Butler Kent, who guides Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. “We hope to use this new web site to multiply the impact of what our guests have started.”
Working through A&K’s offices around the world, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy identifies and supports proven grassroots organizations. Guests who want to give something back can contribute to one of these local projects with a tax-deductible donation which can be made directly through the secure AKP web site. 100% of all donations go directly to the chosen project. Guests travelling on many of A&K’s small group escorted journeys, private Signature itineraries or Tailor Made programs can visit projects in person, learning more about their destination through the work of its most dedicated people. Examples include:
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Costa Rica’s number one volunteer tour operator, Tropical Adventures, organizes a series of special projects over the holidays that allow guests to both enjoy fun activities and contribute to the local youth and adults. It offers two nine-day adventures that combine volunteering with fun activities. The first on Dec. 19-27, 2009 includes guests hosting holiday parties at a beach town, a retirement home and an indigenous community. It also features a rafting trip on the Pacuare River, a waterfall tour into Panama and a canopy zip line experience.The second trip, Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010 involves four days running a summer camp for kids. It will be summer in Costa Rica and the children will be out of school. The camp will offer arts and crafts, sports and games, environmental education and lunch. The waterfall and zip line excursions are also included.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".