Tips for Planning a Volunteer Vacation
DENVER, CO, April 117, 2007. National Volunteer Week (April 15-21) is a time to recognize volunteers and to think about how you yourself can make a difference.
According to the Travel Industry Association*, one-quarter of travelers say they are currently interested in taking a volunteer or service-based vacation. With this increase in interest, it is important that travelers know how to pick the right volunteer opportunity for them.
Before jumping in to help others, help yourself by asking the following important questions recommended by i-to-i, a meaningful travel provider:
o How long has the volunteer organization been around?
o Is the staff knowledgeable and able to help you select a suitable trip?
o Do they provide pre-departure advice about visas, inoculations and insurance?
o Will you have an orientation once you land at your destination?
o Do they have support people in country for daily questions?
o What emergency measures are in place should anything unforeseen happen?
o Does the fee include food, accommodation and airport pickup?
o Can you speak to past volunteers?
o Can a friend or partner come with you? If so, are there discounts?
Given proper planning, volunteer travel can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Imagine the face of a lion cub looking up at you waiting to be fed at a reserve in South Africa, being at the heart of a small community in India making a difference in the lives of poor children, or preserving ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands that are as fragile as they are spectacular.
Alan Rousham helped children on four i-to-i volunteer trips in Santiniketan, India. "My volunteer experience put me back into the stream of life, and I thoroughly enjoyed contributing what little I could to the people of Santiniketan," said Rousham. "Volunteering overseas was brilliant and rewarding."
To learn more about volunteer vacations, visit www.meaningfultravel.com or call 800-985-5882.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
