Finding Alternative Vacations

Want something out of the ordinary for your next vacation? Looking for adventure or someplace off the beaten path? Here’s a listing to help you spin some armchair travel dreams:

1. Transitions Abroad – This organization posts and arranges for international opportunities to vacation abroad but also to work or volunteer in any number of countries. The mission of this group is to provide resources for the person who “wants to travel, really travel, without being a tourist”. The only problem with the website is that you can spend hours in dreaming and scheming about your next trip! www.transitionsabroad.com

1. Want to study butterflies in Vietnam? Record folk songs in Russia? Track wildlife in Alaska? Then Earthwatch Institute (www.earthwatch.org) could have the ideal vacation for you. More than 65,000 volunteers have been placed with field researchers through Earthwatch Insititute since 1971. Volunteers choose from 140 projects in 40 countries. You’ll need to be prepared though to foot your own travel expenses. The great advantage is not so much that you are “on vacation” but instead living and experiencing a community or area.

1. Persons 55 and over can find great learning and adventure opportunities with Elderhostel. Though the vacations and explorations are geared toward older adults, younger guests even grandchildren are welcome to participate in various offerings. Elderhostel has made itself famous not only for the quality of the trips and educational offerings but also for creating an instant sense of community among Elderhostel guests. Elderhostel does offer some opportunity for “scholarships” for older adults who wish to participate but who cannot afford the full cost of an Elderhostel vacation. Visit www.elderhostel.org for more information.

1. Smithsonian Journeys is self-described as the “Best in Educational Travel”. Just visiting the website at www.smithsonianjourneys.org is a heady experience! Trips range from cruises to family adventures to weekend getaways. The hallmark of the Smithsonian Journey is the opportunity to not only visit new places but to have guided tours and talks by renowned experts and academic leaders. These trips offer true “behind the scene” opportunities and tours with an educational emphasis.

Ready, set and go adventure with an alternative vacation that you will remember for years!

 

 

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