We’ve rounded up some interesting news and stories around the Web this week:

CNN Helps Strengthen World Tourism Economy (TerraCurve)

Air Travel: 10 Things You Might Not Know About (Chicago Tribune)

Culture Shock: When, Where, And How Has It Hit You? (Matador)

‘Ugly Betty’ Star America Ferrera Set To Volunteer In Africa Over Holidays (USA Today)

5 Ways To Avoid The Holiday Blues While Abroad (InterExchange.com)

With a new year comes a desire to do something great or simply, to do something. All of us, even those who have that “greatness” quality, need to get inspired. Are you looking for some inspiration as you head into the new year?

Seth Godin, the popular author and blogger, released a new ebook, What Matters Now, a compilation of ideas from some of the most recognizable and respected thinkers today. More than 70 big thinkers, consisting of authors, entrepreneurs and bloggers, each share an idea for you to think about …

Family Travel Forum Consulting (FTFc) released their report of teen travel trends based on the submissions of 5,700 teens, ages 13-18, who entered their Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.  The findings provide insight on what we can expect from this generation of younger travelers. Today’s teens are undoubtedly more global-minded and are willing to travel far from home. They are service-oriented and are keen on exploring distant cultures.
– 48% of teen applicants have traveled outside the United States by their 18th birthday
– Africa-Middle East saw the largest increase in teen travel …

We’ve rounded up some interesting news and stories around the Web this week:

Hawaii’s ‘forbidden island’ (Chicago Tribune)

Great Global Thinkers and Top Travel Books (World Hum)

‘My Heart Is With The Deaf’ (Travel Weekly)

Holiday Eco-Tourism, Oscar de la Renta Style (Gadling.com)

Should You Listen To Travel Warnings About Honduras? (Matador)

Real ID Act Might Cause Real Hassles For Travelers (NPR)

How Far Would You Go to Curb Climate Change? (Matador)

American Airlines is offering unbelievable rates, as low as $149 each way, to Belize for travel between January 1- March 31, 2010. In order to take advantage of the low fares, tickets must be purchased on AA.com by December 22, 2009.
For those of you who dream of voluntourism in this tropical paradise, this is a great opportunity!

Belize offers a land rich in natural beauty and steep in the history and culture of its Maya past. Renowned for having the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize’s pristine waters, exotic …

Part of traveler’s philanthropy is being aware and mindful of our impact and responsibilities as we travel around the world. This mindful travel is also referred to as ethical or responsible travel. As travelers, we often look for places to visit, why not consider destinations that have made a commitment to improve sustainability and to benefit local communities?
Jeff Greenwald and Christy Hoover of EthicalTraveler.org recently released the 2010 Ethical Destinations Report and named 10 destinations in the developing world (often off the beaten path) that have plenty of natural wonders, …

The internet has completely revolutionized the way we live. Typewriters, hand-written letters, and paper research are quickly becoming a part of a by-gone era. Methods we once used to obtain information, or stay in contact with loved ones are being replaced by emails, the internet, and of late, social media.  There are emerging signs now that social media is even taking over some of the functions of how people connected through more recent techno-advances like emails or instant messaging. Social media is injecting new life into philanthropy and new possibilities …

We’ve rounded up some interesting news and stories around the Web this week:

National Geographic Adventure to Stop Publishing (NY Times)

Is $120 Million Study Abroad Bill About Cultural Exchange Or American Dominance? (Matador)

Cruises Avoid Nassau In Wake Of Robberies (Tampa Bay Online)

How To Give When The Giving Gets Tough (CNN Money)

Time To Put The 5th December On Your Calendar And Roll Up Your Sleeves For International Volunteers Day (PR Inside)

9 Wild Eco Volunteer Opportunities To Save The World (TreeHugger)

The 25 Best Givers (Barron’s)