Give Back While You Explore
I often scour the internet looking for the best deals for all those places I’m dying to see: Nepal, Patagonia and West Africa. However, when I think of what’s going on lately (the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, unemployment and our economy), travel seems a bit selfish. So, it occurred to me to turn selfishness into selflessness. Why not give back while I see the world?
A new twist on adventure travel is philanthropic travel. There are many organizations to partner with but I found one in particular that struck me as having the balance of a vacation and the opportunity to lend a hand while you’re enjoying your adventure. This is not luxury travel with all the bells and whistles, more likely it is shared accommodations and basic conditions. But if you’re passionate about the cause, you’ll likely relish the local way of life in the place you choose to make a difference.
Global Vision International (you can check them out at www.gviusa.com) has trips all over the world and in several areas of interest: wildlife and marine conservation, children, teaching English, construction projects and adventure expeditions. Wildlife in particular is of great importance to me and I’ve found a trip to Cameroon to aid in surveying the cross river gorillas as well as community education. Those who know me are aware of the effect the critically endangered gorillas have on me. During my gorilla trek in Uganda I came face to face with an 800lb silverback who gazed at me as if I were a friend, and allowed his baby to play within a few feet of me. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life to be close to this gentle giant and his family (see the picture). My heart aches to know that only 250-300 cross river gorillas are left in the wild, and only 700 mountain gorillas. Now I have an opportunity to get involved and do something hands-on instead of simply writing a check.
If you want to get involved and make a difference, check out GVI’s site to see their available trips, as well as video diaries of those who have followed their hearts and ventured beyond the typical tourist spots.
As GVI says, “You are the difference”.
