{"id":421,"date":"2009-11-01T12:35:37","date_gmt":"2009-11-01T17:35:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.familycrossings.com\/?p=421"},"modified":"2026-06-07T11:30:07","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T16:30:07","slug":"your-family-can-help-change-the-world-while-on-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.familycrossings.com\/index.php\/2009\/11\/your-family-can-help-change-the-world-while-on-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Family Can Help Change The World While On Vacation"},"content":{"rendered":"

OK, we realize you\u2019re going to want to take a vacation for more than 15 minutes (even with that pesky recession on!). But making the decision to take the family on a trip that involves helping others or respecting the environment instead of lounging at the beach can be made relatively quickly. There are a number of Eco tours and activist travel or work exchange programs that might even cost you less than that trip to Disneyworld and leave you or your family feeling more fulfilled upon your return home.<\/p>\n

ResponsibleTravel.com<\/a> \u2013 Listing thousands of options for a more sustainable vacation respecting the environments and local inhabitants, Responsible Travel is searchable by budget level, region, country, and even type of holiday and activities you\u2019d like to do. Travelers are encouraged to review the tours they take, so you can also see others\u2019 feedback on the trips you might be interested in.<\/p>\n

Ecotour Directory<\/a> \u2013 This site currently lists 95 different eco holiday and responsible travel options, searchable by continent.<\/p>\n

TrekAmerica<\/a> \u2013 TrekAmerica hosts tour programs focusing on appreciating and respecting the natural environment throughout North America. You get the opportunity to experience some unique environments while simultaneously having a positive impact on the land.<\/p>\n

Volunteer Vacations<\/a> \u2013 Instead of taking ad nauseum \u201cI was here\u201d photos in front of tourist traps on your next vacation, you could use your next trip to volunteer abroad. This site offers a number of 1-4 week vacation options from helping at children\u2019s clinics to preserving wilderness trails to teaching math to kids in developing countries.<\/p>\n

Global Volunteers<\/a> \u2013 A clearinghouse of volunteer international service programs, Global Volunteers typically requires you front your own travel costs. They do however offer assistance qualifying for discounts or fundraising the cost of your service program fee. <\/p>\n

Do you have other great world-changing ideas that don\u2019t necessarily require an enormous time commitment? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n

\n

🔒 Looking for a Private Alternative to Facebook?<\/h4>\n

\n Your family’s private moments shouldn’t be shared with advertisers or viewed by public strangers. Join thousands of families who share photos, coordinate calendars, and exchange news safely on FamilyCrossings.com<\/strong>.\n <\/p>\n