#Machu Picchu Volunteer Vacation

[werovolunteers-blog]

Join Reach Out Volunteers to make an impact on your world. We are a registered Charity in the USA and in Australia. Each charity is governed by a Board of Directors. Our directors possess a range of backgrounds and significant experience in operating small and large businesses. A Director of Reach Out Volunteers personally inspects each program location to ensure that the highest possible levels of health and safety are met.

[lauwu9]

100 things to do before I die (or more)

Visit 50 countries  [status: 27]

All seven (or six) continents [status: 3]

Go to Alaska

Go to Nepal

Go to Leipzig

Go to the North/South Pole

Go to Pompeii

Go on a solo trip [13th Feb 20]

Go on a trip with Isa

Go on a pilgrimage (Way of Saint James?)

Go to an african safari

Take the Siberian Express or Manchurian Express

See the Northern Lights

See heaven’s trail

See a geyser burst

Watch summer solstice

See the Seven Wonders of the World (man made)

Great Wall of China  ✔

Petra

Christ the Redeemer

Machu Picchu

Colosseum  ✔

Taj Mahal

Great Pyramid of Giza

See the Seven Wonders of the World (nature)

Iguazu Falls

Ha Long Bay

Jeju Island

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Table Mountain

Komodo

Amazon Rainforest

Ride a Gondola in Venice

Stay in a cabin forest in Finland/Norway/Sweeden

Stay in an overwater bungalow (Bali (?))

See cherry blossoms in Japan

Visit an active volcano

Swim in a waterfall

Go horseback riding

Go backpacking

Go bunjee jumping

Go ziplining

Go skydiving

Go snowboarding

Go rafting

Go stargazing (meteor shower)

Go scuba dive off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Go whale watching

Climb a mountain and scream

Wander in a dessert

Experience no gravity

Experience a sunrise and a sunset on the same day

Fly in a helicopter

Fly in first class

Shoot a gun

Have a White Christmas

Get VIP tickets for BTS

Live in at least another country

Speak three languages fluently 

Motorbike license

Take a photography course

Learn a new musical instrument

Learn how to improvise

Learn to speed read

Learn CPR

Go to therapy at least once [7th January 2020]

Own my dream home

Own a Steinway and Sons

Meet AHA

Take a one month vacation

Take a spa vacation

Acupuncture

Do a 365 challenge

Do volunteer

Read all Lovecraft’s Narrative

Read the Odissey and the Illiac

Read LOTRO [26th Dec 19]

Read a book sitting by a lake

Read at least 200 books [status: 60]

Take a DNA ancestry test

Donate blood  [29th July 19]

Paint a painting

Write a book

Publish a paper

Produce a song

Play all pieces from The Well-Tempered Clavier

Watch The Magic Flute

Fill an album with my pics

Find a four leaf clover

Adopt an animal

Send flowers to my mom [3rd May 20]

Plant a tree

Grown a garden (or a plant)

Go vegetarian for a week

Bake a rainbow cake

Knit a scarf

Make a snowman (A BIG ONE)

Suck helium and sing a song [25th January 20]

Stay in bed for a whole day (no phone, no tech, nothing)

Stay awake for 24 hours

Do 24 hours of silence

Solve a Rubik’s cube [26th April 20]

Buy something ridiculously expensive

Eat a meal at one of the top restaurants in the world

Go shopping without budget

Run a marathon

Workout with Albi [23th August 19]

Get my ideal body

Do 5 chin-ups at once

Handstand for 10 secs

Learn 10 K-Pop choreos (full) 

Learn and practice yoga (on a regular basis)

Complete this bucket list

Notes:

- I have already done some of them, like the painting one or read more than 200 books, but I am counting since January 2019.

- It is a very random list, because there are a lot of travel related stuff,  things that take a lot of time (like the new language or publish a paper) and the most silly things like 24 hours of silence or the rainbow cake one. This is a personal list of things I want to do or experience, there is no main topic or theme.

-  Maybe I will add things in the future if I came up with anything I want to do or try

[skonnaris]

60 Things To Do in Retirement

Compiled by Alison Gregory

Retirement might leave you with a lot of time on your hands. Resist boredom and discover more about your family, your friends and your world with these ideas to get you started.

Learn More

Whether you want to explore new subjects or expand knowledge in old interests, make it a goal to learn something new everyday.

Attend college courses

Tour an arboretum

Go to a Town Hall meeting

Mentor or teach classes

Join a book club

Visit an astronomical observatory

Naylor Observatory in Lewisberry invites the public to view stars through their enormous telescopes on several days throughout the year. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Find out about observation days, star parties, astronomy classes and more at astrohbg.org.

Pick up a new instrument

Day trip to the Smithsonian museums or other museums

Take an acting or improv class

Learn a new language

Help More

Think about all the times someone has done something nice for you, then be that person for someone else. Helping out makes a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

Donate old clothes to thrift stores

Create care packages to hand out to homeless people

Donate to charity

Host a fundraiser

Volunteer at a food bank

Leave a server a large tip

Adopt a senior pet

Adopting an older pet means taking on a huge responsibility, but older pets and retirees can be the best companions. Senior pets are usually much calmer and obedient than younger ones, and adoption can save their lives. The Humane Society of Harrisburg (humanesocietyhbg.org) even waives adoption fees for “Mature Pets for Mature People.”

Attend a mission trip

Pay for the next person’s order in a checkout line

Send care packages overseas

Connect More

Interaction is essential to life. Spend more time with your family and friends, but don’t be afraid to meet new people, too.

See a local play, comedian or musical performance

Write a letter to a loved one

Travel big with your family

Invite your family to an Escape Room

Try date night at the drive-in movie theatre

Taste and tour at a local brewery or winery

Discover your heritage through Ancestry.com or 23andme.com

Tune in and take part in protests or movements you care about

Standing up for your beliefs can be difficult, but it’s become more recognized as an important way to create change in your world. Educate yourself on political or social movements through pamphlets, reliable websites and books, then find ways to connect with like-minded people and make a difference. CNN suggests knowing your legislators, communicating with them and campaigning, no matter which way you lean (Read more: cnn.com/2016/11/15/politics/ways-to-be-more-politically-active-trnd/index.html).

Take a community painting class

Join a club that interests you

Be Healthier

It might be tempting to kick back and relax when you don’t have any tasks for the day, but staying healthy can prevent disease, control your weight, improve your mood and help you live longer.

Ride horseback

Learn a new recipe

Take a Zumba or dance class

Try going vegetarian

Learn yoga

Take a self-defense course

Learn to meditate

Grow your own fruits and veggies

Not only does gardening allow you to exercise and spend time in the sun, but your homegrown produce contains more nutrients than those mass-shipped as well. Take it a step further and create a new recipe with your fresh food. Here’s a list on how to begin: sonima.com/food/growing-your-own-food

Get a massage

Train and participate in a triathlon

Save More

Make or put aside extra cash for a rainy day. You’ll thank yourself if you get strapped with a large bill or if you decide you want to splurge.

Apply for senior discounts

Dedicate a jar for loose change and use when needed

Go thrifting

Organize a yard sale

Try mystery shopping

Handcraft your own cards and gifts

Become an AARP member

AARP allows members 50+ to receive major discounts on everything from travel to prescriptions for under $20 a year. They also offer services which match you to jobs appropriate for your experience, if you’re interested in a retirement gig: aarp.org. Similar companies to AARP include AMAC and ASA.

Seek information and assistance from a financial advisor

Sell unused items online

Utilize your local library

Travel More

Retirement lends you time to discover areas you’ve never been before without the worry of work the next week. Let yourself relax in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

See the Northern Lights

Go on a cruise

Visit at least one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Maybe it’s unrealistic to visit all seven, but each wonder is incredible in itself. The modern-day seven wonders include: Chichén Itza, Mexico; Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil; Colosseum, Italy; Taj Mahal, India; The Great Wall of China; Petra, Jordan; and Machu Picchu, Peru. Find inexpensive international flights at kayak.com.

Dive in the deep sea

Road trip Route 66

Go pub-crawling in Ireland

Vacation on Hawaii’s beaches

Discover National Parks (A/N: seniors above age 62 can purchase a discounted lifetime pass at nps.gov.)

Whale watch in Mexico

Visit a country of your heritage

[eatyourbeans]

Want To Know More About Nordic Destination?

Another term for you to get excited about! Adventure tourism is a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to remote areas, where one is about to experience the unexpected. Rapidly growing, adventure tourism experiences great competition from other outdoor industry types of tourism, but the most important feature, or what is referred to as its unique selling point, is the fact it offers to those seeking unusual vacating times, a radically different perspective from the typical beach resort vacation.I strongly suggest you to visit nordic-destination.com/mols-bjerge/helgenaes/sletterhage-fyr to learn more about this.

With thousands of active vacation specialists, adventure tourism is the fastest-growing sector of tourism and a worldwide trend for adventure travel outfitters. Recommending a variety of trips to countless adventure destinations, from Alaska to Patagonia and beyond, adventure tourism can help you add that extra "spice" to your annual vacation holidays and enjoy the pleasures associated with ranch-based horseback riding, cycling through a wine country, or floating through the deepest canyons of Earth.

Through a variety of different organizations and with experts' assistance, interested individuals can enjoy how it feels for example to be a member of an adventure camp community, the satisfaction one enjoys while following the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the eco-spiritual adventure in the Himalayan Mountains, or learning a foreign language while volunteering for the rebuilt of a village in Central America. The choices and destinations are endless and the only thing you will most certainly need is to follow the advice of professional adventure guides and to be open to experiences that will increase your understanding of the world we live in and will make you less subversive to your child's future choices in life.

These special vacation services are usually offered to small groups of people, who have a lust for life and a curiosity for culture and wish to explore adventure tourism's immense capabilities and immerse in the addictive world of adventure travel. Although some tend to confuse adventure tourism with that of extreme tourism -also known as shock tourism- which involves traveling to dangerous destinations or the participation to dangerous events, the adrenaline rush one experiences as an adventurous tourist, is of a lower risk level. Its greater difference is the degree of engagement and professionalism. Thus, before you decide to accept an interesting invitation from that old friend of yours who has disappeared once backpacking in South America, you should better examine the specifics of the amazingly low cost deal he or she offers. Wilderness is not something one should take lightly, especially when it might cost your own life.

[notyoureverydaycircumstance]

Kim’s List

Finish more than half this list before I’m 55

Attend a session of R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy)

Visit Toad Rock Motorcycle Campgrounds and sleep in a bus

Visit Ainsworth hot springs

Take a nap under a cherry blossom tree

Skydive alone

Hang-glide

Jump down a waterfall taller than a pine tree

Spend a week surviving off the land in a forest, jungle, or tropical island

Rent an island

Send a message in a bottle

Go to a theme park & ride EVERYTHING (KID SHIT INCLUDED)

Swim with dolphins

Have a bonfire on a beach

Go spelunking

Learn Morse Code

Learn to drive stick-shift

Climb a mountain

Ride in a hot air balloon over some place beautiful

Learn how to sail a boat (Tie the ropes, steer, ready the sails, everything)

Make a snowman family, carrot noses and all

Visit my childhood homes

Blow glass

Create a family crest or symbol

Make a candle

Write a few books (Children’s book, Novel, & Short Story & Poetry book)

Publish at least one book

Design & sew a dress from scratch

Start a flash mob

Choreograph a new type of classy, celebratory dance

Learn a different song on 10 different instruments

Write, perform, record, and publish an original song

Ride a mechanical bull in heels

Set a world record for hula-hooping

Throw beads at a Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans

Learn pole dancing and do it well

Try acupuncture

Sit with monks in the Himalayas

Get glamour photos done

Get a palm reading

Spend a week travelling with Gypsies

Learn archery and own a self-bow

Build a tree-house and sleep in it for a week

Partake in a food fight

Pick fruit straight from the tree and make a pie

Complete a 1000+ piece jigsaw puzzle

Have a collection of something meaningful and beautiful

Mentor someone for a year

Help someone check something off their bucket list

Teach someone a new language

Plant a tree in every country I live in

Spend a week naked

Go a week without speaking

Write a letter to my future self

Go to a meditation retreat

Learn to swordfight

Survive at paintball

Fly in a helicopter

Visit each continent & do something memorable there

Go on a train ride to a different state or country

Go to the top of a lighthouse

Spontaneous road trip from beach to beach!

Sleep in a haunted house

Throw a dart at a map and just go

Touch the pyramids

Visit a ghost town

Make daisy chains with someone I love

See Aurora Borealis with my own eyes

Ride a horse bareback through the wilderness

Vacation at Niagara Falls

Eat a famous dish in the country it originated from

Finish the Walk Of Faith in the Tianmen Mountain

Explore the Galapagos Islands & photograph 50 kinds of wildlife

Click a padlock in Via Dell’Amore and throw the key into the water

Give a memorable speech about something important to me

Photograph a beautiful sunset in 50 countries/states

Hear Andrea Bocelli sing opera in Milan with my dad

Make a wish in the Fontana di Trevi in Italy

Float in the Dead Sea

Hike through a famous forest/trail (Maybe the Inca Trail?!)

Make it to the top of Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka

Release a floating lantern in Thailand

Climb mount Kilimanjaro and sing “Africa” by Toto before climbing back down

Attend 5 events or festivals around the world

Spend time at a hostel in the 5 countries/states I most want to live in

Own an exotic pet

Learn welding

Help change someone’s life

Run a marathon with someone

Ice skate on a frozen lake at midnight and recreate the scene from ESotSM

Play in a rugby match

Go deep sea diving

Get good at skiing

Try an extreme sport

Make a piece of furniture out of hand-collected wood

Send a thank-you letter to someone from my childhood

Send a bouquet of flowers to a stranger

Sell everything (minus things of sentiment) and start over

Volunteer at a prison

Spend a day at a nursing home playing games

Volunteer reading to kids

Say something inspiring to a stranger on public transportation

Send hand-written letters to a pen pal I’ve never met

Buy a drink in a cafe for a stranger

Paint a mural in a public place

Learn to travel by the stars, then spend a night walking with their guide

See penguins in their natural habitat

Give a public speech in front of 100+ people

Throw a mega party

Learn how to play the harp, and own one

Take dance lessons with someone else

Learn 10 classic dances

Learn a martial arts practice

Be on the news (for something good)

Experience the four seasons in a foreign place

Provide support and kindness for someone in a hospice

Make a kite from scratch and fly it in a famous place

Fold 1,000 origami cranes for someone

Start a movement for something I believe in

Have a picnic somewhere incredible

Learn sign language

Go exploring underwater in Tulum, Mexico

Go backpacking in Galicia, Spain

Photograph beautiful monasteries

Hammock under palm trees on a beach

Visit Venice, Italy and Maldives before they sink

Go on the 10-Night Walk and meditate in The Alps before they melt

Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

Conquer something in my way

Visit Machu Picchu in Peru (and play the song Machu Picchu by The Strokes)

Earn an award

Catch fireflies in a jar and write a poem by their light

Jog through a misty night

Design and build my own home

Witness a meteor shower

Bury a time capsule with sentimental objects

Open said time capsule in 20 years

Go white water rafting

Meditate by Gandhi's tomb and thank him for his words

Go ziplining in a jungle

Ride and sing to an elephant

Plant a rooftop garden

Make a family heirloom by hand

Create some new family traditions

Go to a drive-in movie dressed in 50’s style clothes

See Led Zeppelin live

Build an igloo and sleep in it

Get a henna tattoo in India

Study herbology and learn how to make medicine in the wilderness

Save someone’s life

Have 15 INCREDIBLE stories to tell by the time I’m 35

Drive all the way across an international highway

Collect sand in a jar from 50 beaches

Inspire and support someone and watch them do something great

Write a letter to an inspiring famous person

Name a star

Have $1mil in savings

Have a paint fight

Wingsuit fly

Photograph a different stranger’s smile every day for a year

Take photos with a polaroid for my kid’s baby books

Have a new years jar of happy memories written on little slips

Get certified in something useful

Do something memorable with someone I just met

Build a blanket & pillow fort in a hotel

Take a homeless person out for a meal

Give my grandkids advice

Make 10 good new habits

Break 10 old bad habits

Collect leaves in a journal from every place I visit

Pet a raccoon

Participate in GISHWHES

Participate in a community event

Perfect a pie recipe and teach it to someone else

Fill a pool with floating flower candles

Swim in Puerto Rico at midnight with the bioluminescent plankton

[melissagarcia8]

What Does it Mean to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu and volunteer with Discover Corps here.

Travelers, adventurers, and tourists alike have all heard of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re usually considered gorgeous “must-visit” places, especially if you are looking to get to know a different country. But what is a UNESCO world heritage site, really? How do they earn that status, and why should they be protected?

Believe it or not, this idea has not been around for long. Declaring structures and land masses world heritage sites began in 1959 when Egypt requested assistance from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, to protect and rescue endangered monuments and sites. Since then, countries all over the world have added significant sites to the ongoing list of recognized world heritage sites. To date there, are 878 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the world.

How are Sites Added to the List?

UNESCO administers a World Heritage Program, which maintains a list of sites worldwide with cultural or natural significance. Countries can submit their own sites to the program which are then added to a tentative list for review and approval. In order to have cultural or natural significance, UNESCO has developed the following ten criteria for determining what constitutes a world heritage site:

Represents a masterpiece of human creative genius and cultural significance.

Visit Stari Grad Plains on our Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition here

Exhibits an important interchange of human values, over a span of time, or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.

To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared.

Is an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural, or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates a significant stage in human history.

Is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture, or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.

Is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.

Contains superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance.

Is an outstanding example representing major stages of Earth’s history, including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.

Is an outstanding example representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, and communities of plants and animals.

Contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

Add a Tikal Ruins extension onto our Belize: Wildlife Safari trip here or our Guatemala: In & Beyond the Classroom trip here

The Benefits of Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site

There are a few benefits to being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Press and Popularity. The first benefit, however, is all about tourism. Once a site has been recognized, it becomes more attractive to travelers and therefore travel writers and other news organizations will help spread the word. The site suddenly has a certain status that it didn’t have before, and for many countries, this could help bring new economic benefits.

Funding. The site is eligible to receive funds for its protection and conservation. Since it is declared something of historical significance, it is understood worldwide that it needs to be preserved. The site will also have access to global project management resources if a repair is needed or if more options for tourism is needed to ensure the site’s protection.

Protection during a war. Once declared, the site becomes protected under Geneva convention against destruction during a war.

Visit the vast plains of Kruger National Park on our South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience here

Today, some of the most recognized UNESCO world heritage sites including Serengeti National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal. Again, each world heritage site receives not only recognition, but protection from encroaching industrialization, mistreatment, or misuse. World heritage sites are not permitted to be used in support of military efforts and are to be an inspiring example of how recognizing the importance of art, cultural heritage, and natural beauty can transcend borders and political differences.

Experience these UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Discover Corps

Machu Piccu on our Peru: Children of the Andes trip

Taj Mahal on our India: Wildlife Volunteer Adventure trip extension

Leshan Giant Buddah on our China: Panda Conservation Adventure trip

Summer Palace on our China: Panda Conservation Adventure trip

Stari Grad Plains on our Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition trip

The city of Trinidad on our Cuba: Building Bridges trip and our Cuba: Celebration of Arts & Culture trip

The Biosphere Reserve Las Terrazas on our Cuba: Preserving Nature’s Wonders trip

Old Havana on all of our Cuba trips

Visit the Galapagos Islands on our Galapagos: Family Volunteer Vacation and Galapagos: Wildlife Odyssey

Mt. Fuji on our Japan: Cultural Odyssey trip

Visit Antigua and opt for a Tikal extension on our Guatemala: In & Beyond the Classroom

Kruger National Park on our South Africa: Wildlife Conservation Experience

Mt. Kilimanjaro on our Tanzania: Safari & Service trip

Which UNESCO World Heritage Site has been your favorite? Which site is on your bucket list? Let us know your story and your thoughts in the comment section below!

The post What Does it Mean to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site? appeared first on Volunteer Vacations | Discover Corps.

from Traveling News https://discovercorps.com/blog/mean-unesco-world-heritage-site/

[kiyasurvivors]

Summer break is over and the last part of my adventure begins

I have now entered my last week of my volunteer program here in Peru. A hole in my stomach has started to grow every time I do something with the kids for the last time. But even though it might take some years before I come back to Peru to visit the kids (yes, it’s 100% sure that I come back one day) I know, that I can keep my self updated from all of my friends, and that I will have a lot of happy memories to warm my heart with!

So…. I’ve been here in Urubamba for a month now, and since the summer vacation just ended this week, I’ve spend almost all of my time with the kids in the Rainbow House (the orphanage).  We’ve done all kinds of fun stuff together; baking, going to the park, aerobics, art workshops, studying to get ready for school start, done water fights in the carnival week, whent to tours around the sacred valley, celebrating Mathilde’s 12 years birthday (one of the girls) and even cooked Danish food together. Summed up, we’ve done whatever we felt like whenever we felt like it because it was vacation, and there’s only one rule for vacations – you have to have fun ALL of the time! The small orphanage in the valley has become my Peruvian family. We tease each other, laugh and have fun just like siblings. It’s been such an amazing experienced to be welcomed into their home, hearts and life with love and laughter. These kids are all very different and they require unique attention, and that is what makes the group dynamic so exceptionally amazing. All together I’m going to miss all of their unique characteristics and amazing personalities!

So how do I sum up my last month here in Urubamba when I by far have way to many stories to tell to fit it into one blog? I travelled to Urubamba a bit nervous about what my adventure might bring me. I travelled here by my self, which meant no one to rely on if the work wasn’t as expected or if it would be hard to make new friends here. But the thing is I’m glad I’ve done this month on my own. I’ve been able to follow my own pace, get a part of the Rainbow House family and make new friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. I was so lucky, that there was another volunteer, Issy, here when I arrived and we’ve literally done everything together along with the coordinator Foncho. They’ve both become closer friends than I would ever have expected to find on my travel. The three of us have packed the weekends with fun trips and adventures – yes, I’ve seen Machu Picchu and it’s even more amazing than expected. Last weekend Rosie, the other volunteer whom I spend my month in Mancora with, came back from about to month in Mancora. My afternoons and evenings have been spend either with the kids at the Rainbow House, doing aerobics with Henna (the coordinator), Issy and Rosie, dinner and a movie in bed with Issy or long evenings of laughter, jokes and story telling with Foncho and Issy. Put into short, I haven’t felt or been alone for one second of my stay, and I’m now sure that it will be okay to travel alone for three weeks exploring more of South America’s wonders.

My last week is already lacking towards its end. We’ve started work at the Rainbow School, which has been an amazing experience as well. Working with kids with special needs requires a lot of energy and focus, but the amount of energy you put into the work will be given back a hundred of times by laughter, love and the appreciation of the work you’re doing. I’ve worked with the physiotherapist and assisted the teachers in the classrooms. It’s amazing to see how far they can move the kids here at the school. I’ve just started to know the kids at the school and they have already done a big impression on me all of them.

Tonight I’ll bring my laundry in, start packing my backpack little by little, and make my self ready for my last day tomorrow. The last part of my journey is just around the corner. Together with Issy, Foncho and Louisa (the mom of the Rainbow House) we’ve planed a goodbye ceremony at the Rainbow House. Louisa will cook amazing Peruvian cuisine, I’ll bake a Danish cake with the kids and then we will all play rounders in the park after lunch. I’m looking so much forward to spending a last amazing day with my Peruvian family. Now there’s only two things left for me to say: thank you all for everything – I’m going to miss you!

[werovolunteers-blog]

How to make a difference with social enterprises. You want a fun and local experience while you travel? Contact Reach Out Volunteers For Memorable Travel & Voluntary Work in Africa.

[werovolunteers-blog]

Changing the world, one village at a time! Reach Out Volunteers give the opportunities to travel With purpose in Machu Picchu. What are YOU waiting for! Join us today!

[melissagarcia8]

8 Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers [2018 Edition]

For many of us, the holidays start by sitting down at the computer and thinking “what does this person enjoy.” In many cases, this leads us to typing in the search phrase “gifts for people who like to travel.” The truth is, if you’re not a traveler yourself it can be hard to find practical gifts for someone who wants to go everywhere and see everything the world has to offer. If you are the person with the travel bug, then asking for specific gifts from family and friends can be helpful during the busy holiday season (and ensure you get something you’ll actually use).

If you’re looking for a gift for the traveler in your life, check out these 9 awesome gifts for travelers below that won’t break the bank:

Chacos | Approx. $70

Photo via Soniamack. Source.

As far as water-sandals go, Chacos  are the bomb. These shoes can be worn from the shower to the beach to the city, and everywhere in between. With a plethora of colors and patterns, this efficient and durable shoe is also stylish and might just be the most practical gift on this list.

Microfiber Towel | $21.90

These lightweight, quick-drying towels are a must for any type of travel. From poolside to beachfront, a microfiber towel won’t take up a ton of space in your bag, and will actually dry in a humid climate. Towels are always an overlooked necessity when traveling, but if you’re staying in a hostel or a third-world country, bringing your own towel can be incredibly important. Something that dries quickly is also key for those backpacking. 

Converter and Adapter | $39.95

This is a great gift for someone who may be going on their first international trip because electricity and outlets are often the last things thought of when packing for an international trip. Luckily, there are Converter and Adapter kits to ensure you’ll always be able to plug in. (Converters decrease 220 V to 110 V, and adapters change to the actual shape of the outlet.) Though slightly different in function, they’re both super important to remember!

Kindle | $49.99

Photo via PC Mag. Source.

Kindles are an amazing travel companion. Take a few books on the trip in a durable device the width of a pencil to keep anyone company. The no-glare screen is perfect for sunny days and gives the eyes a break from LEDs. If you’re giving this away as a gift, consider downloading a book related to travel on the Kindle before wrapping. This adds an extra personal touch to the gift! Check out some awesome travel novels here.

Portable Power Pack | $45.00

For the long flights, bus rides, or navigating through a city all day, it’s always a good idea to have a portable power pack in your pocket. Tesla just came out with a super-sleek, super-powerful battery pack. Although it may be a little bit expensive depending on where someone is headed, it can also offer peace of mind knowing that you won’t be stranded without communication should something happen.

Daypack Backpack | $39.95

This little REI daypack will roll up for easy packing in your main bag, and is perfect for day-to-day use in-country. It’s lightweight, durable, and the perfect size for a day full of essentials. Travelers often bring big backpacks to trek across different countries and continents, but a small backpack is crucial for those day hikes to Machu Picchu or the daytime whitewater rafting excursion. 

Lifeproof Phone Case | Approx. $79.99

The Lifeproof phone case is the phone case for the true adventurer. Available for many smartphone models, this case makes any phone virtually indestructible. Plus, you can even use it while submerged; go ahead, take the perfect snorkel selfie.

Moleskine Travel Journal | $14.95

Photo via MotorTrend. Source.

It is said that our experiences alone are not what makes an impact, it’s the reflection of them. For the Jack Kerouak on your gift list, the classic moleskine journal is both durable and slim, perfect for keeping travel chronicles safe. Plus, it always helps to have a notebook available to write down directions or recommendations locals offer along the way. 

Bonus: Discover Corps Gift Box. If you’re interested in traveling abroad with friends or family this year, you can break the news with a Discover Corps Travel Gift Box. When you book any Discover Corps trip, you get a box free with a notebook, backpack, water bottle, Lonely Planet travel book, and stuffed animal. Learn more here!

What is the best travel gift you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 8 Unique Gift Ideas for Travelers [2018 Edition] appeared first on Volunteer Vacations | Discover Corps.

from Traveling News https://discovercorps.com/blog/9-perfect-gifts-for-any-traveler/

[melissagarcia8]

10 things to do in Thailand (even with the kids!)

One-of-a-kind sights and experiences are around just about every corner when you fancy yourself a seasoned traveler. There’s the Great Wall of China running along the northern borders of China. There are breathtaking pyramids in Egypt. There’s Machu Picchu in Peru. The list is virtually endless.

Then there’s Thailand. This beautiful southeast Asian oasis and hot pot of culture and shockingly peaceful people has more unique things to see and do than you can possibly fit into one trip. To help narrow it down a bit, we’ve gathered 10 things to do in Thailand – many of which you can do with your children, too! (If these aren’t enough, here are 16 more!)

From the lush green mountains of Phuket Island to the absolutely charming elephants found throughout the region, you’ll want to plan your next trip before your first trip even ends! Before your actual vacation, let’s take a virtual trip through some of the best things to do in Thailand.

1. Wade into one of the world’s most recognized (and pristine) natural backdrops.

Whether you’re a beach-loving nomad, a #travelgram follower, or just a huge fan of The Beach, there’s no chance you haven’t seen the iconic photos forever coming out of the Phi Phi Islands. A “things to do in Thailand” list wouldn’t be complete without a traditional longtail boat ride to the famous Maya Beach in Koh Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Southern Thailand. Bonus: We have a deeper dive into the Top 5 Thailand Islands ready for you.

2. Pay a visit to Phuket’s Big Buddha.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Big Buddha as one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring things to do in Thailand. Arguably one of the island’s most famous, important, and revered Thai landmarks, this site brings you to the top of Nakkerd Hills (between Chalong and Kata). In addition to its top-of-the-mountain location, the huge image is 45 meters tall – making it easily seen from far away.

3. Visit the markets – both in ‘locals’ areas and touristy areas alike.

One of the most readily available (and some would argue, culturally immersive) things to do in Thailand is to shop. Mingle with the locals, buy handmade goods, grab some (dried) spices to bring home with you, barter with the sellers, and experience a slice of real Thai cities. (Pictured: “Lard Yai,” an old town night market located in Phuket.)

4. Spend time (and even volunteer!) with the elephants.

Easily one of the most sought after things to do in Thailand, getting up close with local wildlife (elephants, specifically) is more accessible than you’d think. Tucked in the lush green mountains of Northern Thailand sits a family-created village that exists solely to allow elephants to flourish in their natural habitat. While you’re here, you’ll even have the opportunity to help give these gentle giants a bath!

5. Learn to cook iconic (and scrumptious) Thai dishes.

With certain groups and on certain trips, you absolutely can learn how to cook like a local. Try your hand at barbecuing in Bangkok or go a little off the beaten path and whip up your own quick stir fry! (If cooking isn’t really your thing, ordering some authentic Pad Thai is a must when it comes to foodie things to do in Thailand – but, we’ll get to that shortly).

6. Visit a Thai temple or two.

Chock full of history and culture, temples dot the landscape of Thailand from coast to coast. Even if you’re on an elephant-based adventure (which many Thailand trips are), be sure you take enough time to add ‘temples; to your list of things to do in Thailand. Equal parts history and art, each temple is slightly different from the next and has stories all its own. Pro tip: Do your research before visiting! Some temples have very strict dress codes & policies – and you will be turned away if you don’t abide by them.

7. Travel locally… like a local.

Depending on where you are, you’ll either be a stone’s throw (definitely walking distance) from markets and entertainment, or deep in the throes of gorgeous wildlife. So long as you’re not heading anywhere it would be prohibitive, give local travel methods a try! “Riding a scooter” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things to do in Thailand. But, truly, it can be an absolute experience zipping around, weaving through locals and tourists alike, and exploring places you’d otherwise never venture on foot.

8. Take your taste buds on an adventure.

Whether you like it spicy or sweet, fried or stewed, fresh or preserved, Thailand literally has something just for you. Better yet, there’s an extensive number of locations for you to try nearly any local delicacy. Grab some street food on the go from friendly local vendors. Sit down for an elegant meal and a luxury resort or an upscale restaurant. Stop by for a bite a local restaurant. Any way you cut it, “eating” will fast become one of your favorite things to do in Thailand.

9. Slow down for a stroll through national parks and ancient ruins.

Thailand’s history is rife with diverse landscapes and quintessentially Thai architecture. With absolutely no shortage of beauty (or size!), Thailand boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to the many opportunities to learn and experience Thai culture, you’ll find some incredible biking and hiking trails rounding out as much time as you like to spend on historical things to do in Thailand.

10. Pause in Chiang Mai to learn from monks.

Completing this edition of “things to do in Thailand” is an experience you won’t have many other places. Learning from genuine monks isn’t something you can do just anywhere. This isn’t a “tourist attraction,” show, or entertainment venue. These are real life monks, imparting real life wisdom and sharing their culture with those who seek enlightening experiences. Traditional Buddhist monks are waiting to teach you about Buddhism in Thai society!

There are so, so many more great things to do in Thailand – a list of 10 would never cover them all. If experiencing as many of them as you can in one built-for-you trip, take a look at our Thailand – Cultural Kaleidoscope vacation.

Been to Thailand? What was your most memorable experience? Looking forward to visiting for the first time? What will make it onto your list of things to do? Share with us in the comments below!

  The post 10 things to do in Thailand (even with the kids!) appeared first on Volunteer Vacations | Discover Corps.

from Traveling News https://discovercorps.com/blog/10-things-to-do-in-thailand-even-with-the-kids/

[melissagarcia8]

Family Vacation Planning Blueprint: Plan Ahead!

Name a few things in your life that you do without much planning. Grabbing lunch, walking the dog? Making a pit stop for an extra cup of coffee, buying that extra accessory you don’t really need? These all probably make the list. But what about family vacation planning? Would you jump into a trip with the family with little to no planning?

Of course you wouldn’t. (And if you would, we wish you all of the luck in the world, brave soul.)

Family vacation planning is all about making your life while traveling easier. From budgeting to booking, coordinating schedules, to finding the right activities for your children – once you’ve gotten the planning down, all that’s left to do is create incredible memories with your family! Let’s go over how (and why) family vacation planning is done.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY VACATION PLANNING

Before we dive into all of the why’s and how’s of family vacation planning, let’s clarify.  When we say “family vacation planning,” we don’t simply mean “sitting down and booking your next trip, just to get it over with.”

Rather than looking at family trips as a once-yearly week-long price-comparing, website-surfing, kids-schedule-coordinating, travel booking free-for-all (no thank you!) – try to look at it in the same way you might view retiring (or even saving for college). With retirement, you’re certainly not going to save a lump sum one time so that you’re totally squared away. Nor will you wait until the very last few months before leaving your career for the golden years to decide what you might do during those golden years. And you most certainly wouldn’t leave your last day on the job with no thought put toward enjoying your future.

Why should family vacation planning be any different? Ensuring you’re able to take the trips your family desires is the name of the game. Taking steps to block out time and money needed (and each family member’s interests!) for traveling need not be daunting. You can knock it all out in small chunks. And when vacation time rolls around everything will be “All Systems Go!”

BUDGETING AND LOWER COSTS

We look at two main elements when it comes to the money part of planning ahead. First, you need to save. Second, you ought to be aware of how and when you’ll get the best deals as you’re doing your family vacation planning.

Budgeting: Setting a (reasonable) budget for travel is your first step. Figure out how much money you can set aside each week (or month, or whatever time period works for you), and how long you’ll have to do that, in order to have the funds you need for your trip. Saving bit by bit over time will lessen the sting of holding back large chunks of cash that may be needed in your daily life.

Be a savvy shopper: In addition to saving money for your trip, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled for deals, discounts, and vacation booking best practices. Think about it: Waiting until the last minute to book flights will have your eyes popping out of your head! Not only will booking your flights further in advance typically bring down the price, it’s helpful to know that most flights are even cheaper on certain days of the week (Tuesday for booking, and Tues/Weds/Sat for flying, for example). Same thing with rental cars! If you plan ahead and watch for specials (all companies have them from time to time), you’ll likely save a bundle compared to just scooping up whatever is available once you land in the airport at your destination.

SCHEDULES & TIMING

Family vacation planning has the added element of coordinating multiple schedules. Taking the time to look at your calendar – for this year, next year, or even the next five years! – gives you a better idea of when travel makes the most sense. Maybe your kids are in school and only have breaks during certain times of the year. Perhaps your job has you on the road 60% of the time and you must plan around that. Remember: Many excursions/tours/destinations are booked well in advance. They may not be available if you wait until the last minute to try to schedule them.

Schedules: Pay close attention to your regular routine, and that of your family as well. If you know that summer is always jam packed full of sports, camp, summer school, work and volunteering, maybe a winter trip (think: Christmas/winter break) would be a better choice. When you’re already aware that the third quarter of each year is the busiest at work, making it hard to get away, you know you should plan around that. Putting these pieces of the scheduling puzzle together in advance takes stress out of choosing dates that work for everyone.

Timing: Once you’ve got your availability in mind, it’s imperative to look at the availability of your desired activities at your destination. Take a look at Yellowstone, for example. There are only a few months of the year where their services aren’t ‘limited’ due to the season. Want to climb the Statue of Liberty stairs to see the view from her crown? If you’re going in the next few months but haven’t already booked that ticket, you’re out of luck – Crown Reserve tickets are already sold out through the beginning of November (even though it’s just now the beginning of August)! Researching these things in advance will help you successfully check off the boxes on your bucket list.

BE SURE TO CONSIDER DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Age 10 and Under

Generally speaking, the younger your kids are when beginning to travel, the better. They’ll be exposed to many different experiences and likely develop a fondness for exploring, adventure, learning, and travel in general. Waiting too long to travel with kids may result in disinterest (ie: if you don’t plant the seed early, your 16-year-old may be a little tougher to convince that seeing Machu Picchu would be life changing). Just be careful to temper the age with the trip – taking a 2-to-6-year-old somewhere rich with excursions and cultural experiences may be a bit of a waste of money. They won’t remember – or understand – quite a bit of it.

Once you move more into the school-age end of the under 10 crowd, start thinking about things that might be in line with their studies. This will make it more exciting to see these things in real life! Also, you’ll need to consider their attention span and physical abilities and safety. Some recommendations for these ages include Galapagos (for the wildlife) and Costa Rica (wildlife, educational experience, and adventure).

Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults

Family vacation planning with slightly older children can be incredibly exciting – the trip options are virtually endless! Working through these years (11-years-old to early 20s or so) brings about many changes, including:

Increased physical ability and stamina, making more physical trips possible (hiking, biking, walking tours, water sports, etc.).

Ability to – and interest in – learning new skills that are age appropriate. This may be things like snorkeling, diving, and rafting with the family.

Older teens/young adults are more apt to be interested in adventurous activities that keep them engaged and entertained. Going on a safari in South Africa, for example, would be a great choice.

Once you’ve got your budget set, your interests nailed down, your plans booked for the best prices possible, and your schedules aligned, all that’s left to do is enjoy your family vacation and make memories that will last a lifetime!

What are some of your best family vacation planning tips? Share them below in the comments!

The post Family Vacation Planning Blueprint: Plan Ahead! appeared first on Volunteer Vacations | Discover Corps.

from Traveling News http://discovercorps.com/blog/family-vacation-planning-plan-ahead/