MISSION AND VISION Riding elephants in Thailand may sound like an exciting adventure but it’s actually hurting the elephant and encouraging harmful tourism. It is important to be informed and do your research in order to ensure you are supporting an ethical organization and the elephants’...
Years ago on a trip to the Riviera Maya, I had the honor of stopping by Huellas de Pan for a day of volunteering. This wonderful organization was located in the heart of Cancun. Daily, they nourished school children in the mornings so that they...
Are you interested in volunteering abroad one day? It may turn out to be the most memorable and favorite part of your next vacation. You can give back in many ways such as through education, animal conservation and forest restoration. You can also find volunteer...
On Giving Tuesday, many people around the world are going to come together and give back. It is a wonderful celebration of generosity and kindness. Whether giving back in your local community or at a nonprofit overseas, every act of kindness counts and can be...
You may be one of the 2+ million people who read Pippa Biddle’s recent blog post, The Problem With Little White Girls (and boys): Why I Stopped Being A Voluntourist. In it, the author examines her own experiences volunteering on trip as a teenager with unflinching...
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” ― Charles Schulz Image from World Cocoa Foundation As one of life’s most delicious treats, nothing says “I love you” like a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. But the story behind chocolate has...
Who’s already planning their next trip?! I know I am. But more than ever, I am thinking about reducing my individual carbon footprint. The hard part is knowing how to do so and what is the most impactful. In this blog post, we’ll share some...
I’m a safety nut. I always hold the handrail while walking down stairs and I avoid risky activities: sky-diving, bungee jumping…I don’t even do downhill skiing! But I’ll happily travel to lots of far-flung destinations and to off-the-beaten path neighborhoods. Here are all my tips...
Interested in reading more? Click here to read Part 1. Be Prepared for Emergencies Being well prepared in case of an emergency can make all the difference in outcomes when traveling. Although it is unlikely that an emergency will occur, it is best to be ready. Like my...
Costa Rica is a vibrant country and checks all the boxes for an ideal vacation destination – bustling cities, tropical beaches, and lush nature. Luckily, for the travelers interested in volunteering for a day or two during vacation, there are plenty of opportunities in the...