The growing popularity of “slum tours” has prompted media coverage and debates. We did a post, “Poverty Tours: Good or Bad?” exploring some of the questions last July.
Topics about the poor or disadvantaged in relations to the wealthy and advantaged often trigger heated opinions. Debate is good because it brings issues to the forefront and is productive if the underlying desire is for betterment rather than being right.
Critics of slum tours have long argued that tourists visiting the slums exploit and violate the dignity of slum dwellers. While supporters of …
For many of us who travel, we are always looking for great tools for the road without the bulk. Imagine carrying all those guidebooks…
Extreme do-gooders, you’ve heard of them in the news, seen them in movies, and maybe even know one. So what makes these folks tick?
Charity and goodwill are playing a growing role in people’s lives. Wanting to get a balanced view of Africa…
Travelers often are concerned with their safety and well-being when abroad…
Affordable trips that combine vacation and volunteering. Explore and find out different travel destinations and opportunities including DIY options.
Traveling with your family to give back. Your kids can discover their place in the world, learn about other cultures, and grow into responsible, caring changemakers.
Travel that respect, promote, and support local culture, economy, and environment. Explore issues, tips, and development in eco-, green, and sustainable tourism.
We want to hear from you! Give us your thoughts on philanthropic and volunteer travel.
Would you like volunteering to be part of trip or entire trip?
Where would you like to travel to?
Have you taken a philanthropic or volunteer trip?
Travelers are all too familiar with leaving behind half-used hotel shampoos and soaps after a hotel stay. Ever wonder “what happens to the reduced bar of soap and unused portion of shampoo at a hotel when a guest is done using it?” Do they go anywhere beside the trash? Could some good come from the leftover hotel soaps?
Clean the World (CTW), a non-profit, charitable organization founded in March 2009, has come up with a savvy social responsibility solution to left-over hotel toiletries. Its operating model is all about sustainability and …
One of the most common questions from would-be volunteer travelers is how to select a good volunteer travel company.
Selecting the company or program is really a mix of lots of good information gathering and a degree of gut instincts.
Asking good questions is one of the best ways to assess the credibility of an organization. You will want to start with general questions about the organization and then focus on the specific programs you are considering. These 15 questions would give you a good understanding of the organization and its operating …
We’ve rounded up some interesting news and stories around the Web this week:
The Era of the “Transforcation” (The Wall Street Journal)
Extreme Weather Shuts Down Machu Picchu (Matador)
Online Travel Agencies Step Up Efforts to Promote Green Hotels (Green Lodging News)
Tourism Group Criticizes Royal Carribean for Resuming Cruise Calls in Haiti (USA Today)
Intrepid Travel Group Among Stranded Tourist in Machu Picchu (Travel Weekly)
How to Find the Perfect Family Vacation (terracurve)
How to Travel Safely in the West Bank, Palestinian Territories (Matador)
Do you avoid being around crowds of people, especially tourists, when you travel?
Many travelers have places they considered “hidden gems.” These spots are generally off the traditional travel radar. Either they have not been discovered by the mass or on the verge of being discovered. Travel blogger BackpackerBen offered some recommendations from his travels. We checked them out and here are five beautiful, no-fuss destinations you’ll like.
Island of Flores, Indonesia
To avoid the crowds in Indonesia you need to get away from Bali. Yet navigating the various island is no small …
With news of the Haiti earthquake and devastation, many socially-minded globe-trotters wanted to jump on the next plane to help out with relief efforts in Haiti. The Matador Travel community mobilized a strong social media campaign to get volunteers and material donations into Haiti for a short-term relief stint. They had over 150 volunteers signed up ready to go. The energy, enthusiasm, and altruism were high, but was that good enough for disaster relief volunteering efforts?
Our desire to help our fellow human beings harmed by natural disaster in far away …
We’ve rounded up some interesting news and stories around the Web this week:
Mexico Tourism Joins The ‘Green Globe’ (Terracurve)
Biosphere Expeditions Offers Volunteer Travel (GoGalavanting.com)
Can’t Miss Travel Tips for 2010 (Conde Nast Traveler)
7 Trips You Should Never Book Online (Chicago Tribune)
How to Get Disaster Response Training: 5 Free Resources (Matador)
Istanbul Kicks Off a Culture-Packed Year (Budget Travel)
Will the economy put a dent into your travel plans this year?
Despite continued economic instability, it is widely expected that travelers are planning trips — they are just looking and waiting for deals (see our recent post, 5 Big Value Destinations for 2010). Last year was awash with travel deals, but this year deals may be harder to come by. Many travel providers, such as airlines and resorts, have adjusted capacity or held off discounts, hoping the economy rebounds. This means travelers will have to be more creative to save …
Volunteer and Eco Toruism in Peru. Peru is a land that is full of nature’s beauty. While most people come to Peru to see the “Lost City of the Incas,” there’s much more to see beyond Machu Picchu. The country is also known for its culture, food, vast rainforest, temples, and a variety of wild life that roams the land. There are ample volunteer opportunities for those who want to give back while traveling through Peru. Read More 
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