Responsible Tourism

A call came into the office last week from a woman who wanted to plan a vacation that would add meaning and purpose to her life. As we continued to talk the light bulb went on - why not try a volunteer trip.

Offering our skills and time is a great way to see new places, help people and add a new dimension of meaning to our life. There is no shortage of worthy causes and organizations around the world that could use our help. Call it Responsible Tourism.

Whether it's helping street children in Peru, saving turtles in Seychelles, re-building a South African village, caring for Cambodian orphans, building hiking trails in Iceland's National Parks, coaching sports in Brazil, washing elephants in Thailand, or becoming a travel companion to a blind person on a tour; there are plenty of ways our travel experiences can give back.

The caller and I landed on the perfect trip for her - crewing a tall ship (she's been an advid sailor for over 25 years.)

She departs in January for a two-week sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands, which will pair her with a physically disabled crew member. She will be coach, mentor, teacher and friend to someone who, like her at one time, is in need of affirmation, encouragement and support.