Princeton has launched a program that offers incoming freshmen the opportunity to defer enrollment and spend a year volunteering abroad. Starting this fall, its Bridge Year Program offers 20 students a 9-month stint in a foreign country — immersing in a new culture and serving the local community. The best part is Princeton will cover most of the program costs. The goal is for these students to develop a new way of looking at the world and to have a deep appreciation for the importance of serving society and …
For decades, many people came to America looking for the American Dream or “the good life.” What is the American Dream? For many it’s getting a great education, great paying professional job – perhaps even becoming a successful entrepreneur, getting married, having kids and owning a big house in the suburbs.
But really, the American Dream is much bigger than that – it’s about the freedom to choose how you live.
With the accessibility and attractiveness of the global world made possible by affordable travel, proliferation of the Internet, emerging …
On the heels of the D.C. hotel promotion we mentioned a few weeks back, another hotel group is supporting volunteerism. Sage Hospitality, with a portfolio of 53 hotels including Marriott, Starwood and Hilton, is offering half-price rooms and even a complimentary night (limited availability).
With occupancy rates down dramatically at hotels, this promotion is an alternative to slashing room rates and one that builds goodwill in tough times.
At check-in, guests show a letter from a registered non-profit organization that proves they’ve done 8 hours of voluntary service. This …
Could you “Imagine This!”?
Volunteer travel may soon have the attention of national television networks. Imagine This! is a new television show that will take their team of volunteers to different parts of the world to complete real sustainability projects to deserving communities. With the help of those who join the website, Imagine This! hopes to gain enough interest for the show to eventually be on major networks. They have already been named to Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List”. The website is a social network engine where members …
A group of Habitat volunteer travelers to Vietnam believed they uncovered perhaps the next hotspot in the making during their break from volunteer duties. Though not quite the hotspot like Phuket in Thailand yet, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has all the ingredients of a hotspot — pristine beaches, untouched natural environment, easy going and relaxed atmosphere, good food, friendly locals — and the Vietnamese government is intent on making it a destination!
Earlier this year, a group of Americans and New Zealanders volunteering with Habitat for Humanity International to …
Sustainable Travel International (STI) is running its second annual Green Travel Auction , in which you can buy earth-friendly trips, hotel stays, and travel accessories for prices well below the retail value.
Over 50 of its member organizations have generously donated to the Auction. These companies include recognizable names from sustainable travel such as Boundless Journey, Intrepid Travel, Journeys Within, Seascape Kayak Tours, Tahiti Expeditions, Peace Through Travel, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge and many more. Donations include hand-crafted handbags to once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
Many of the travel packages are still at the opening …
Responsible travel is a term used a lot in travel these days. Many companies label themselves responsible travel providers. How do you know whether a travel company REALLY is committed to responsible travel? We thought a basic primer on responsible travel principles would be helpful.
As a traveler, when you decide on an international travel company to work with, vote with your dollars to make sure that they follow responsible travel principles and support local economies. Here are a few basic responsible travel principles to get you started. …
Poverty is in the spotlight, and helping the poor, dare we say, is in vogue. With rapid technology, images of the poor and messages of needs are quickly and frequently transmitted by media outlets, internet, and social media. The number of charity organizations is growing rapidly. Heart-strings are tugged, curiosity aroused, and people want to get involved. This interest in the poor has extended to travel.
Touring impoverished areas of the world is fast becoming a global travel trend. Inevitably questions arise.
Well-to-do Westerners are putting down serious …
