How You and Your Family can take the Green Ultimate Family Expedition

How to take a Volunteer Family Vacation Experiencing Nature, Science, and Education


Imagine you and your family, off on a scientific expedition, like studying whales in British Columbia or helping manage a rain forest in Puerto Rico. Did you know this is possible for you? Next year, instead of going to the seaside resort, an amusement park, or a cruise, plan to take your family on a volunteer vacation. Not only will you save money, have a terrific adventure, and provide valuable manpower on projects that are helping the planet and all its inhabitants. This would create an amazing bond between you and your family while showing acts of kindness and grattitude to the world. Nature is one of the most enjoyable FREE gifts of all. Escaping into nature is also very destressing and where we tend to be most creative.

Many volunteer vacations are a subset of a booming trend known as "ecotourism." That means environmentally conscious travel to places where nature is the main focal point and attraction. Many of the places where nature is at its most dramatic are in less developed countries, so ecotourism aims to benefit the people who live there - by using local services (for example hiring guides or eating at local restaurants) and helping protect the place your visiting. While there are an increasing number of high-end-eco-resorts, there are also many inexpensive opportunities to stay in comfort surrounded by spectacular scenery- especially if your willing to volunteer your time.

In addition to the specific project you're working on, there's usually a lot more to enjoy: the company and camaraderie of fellow volunteers; the travel to spectacular locales; meeting, working, and living with local folks; and spending your time off exploring the area can create memories for a lifetime.

Here are a few tips to research if this is something you find attractive for you and your family:

1. Sierra Club offers "Service trips" Visit www.sierraclub.org and search on "volunteer vacations."
2. If you would enjoy picking grapes in California's beautiful wine country or learn about organic gardening in the splendor of the southern Colorado Rockies. Visit www.wwoofusa.org

I hope you find some of these helpful tips valuable and you too can make use out of a memorable trip for you and your family. Have a happy and healthy day!

By, Natalie Pyles

Health & Fitness Expert, Nutrition Specialist, Author , & NSA Speaker