April 28, 2011
Message from my Heart
Spring is in the air, summer is around the corner, and many of us have either just taken a vacation over spring break or are already planning summer vacation trips with the family and can’t wait to start packing.
I was inspired to write today’s newsletter as I helped my husband pack his bags for his recent business/personal trip to India. I packed several items that I knew his family in India would appreciate, especially since they have lived in the United States and miss some of the products that are nice to have but unavailable in foreign countries. I also packed a few extra clothes and knick knacks that the local kids would appreciate to give away as gifts.
The way we pack has changed so much in the last several years since baggage fees were implemented by the airlines, although most foreign carriers still allow 2 free bags for international routes. But if you’ve mastered traveling lighter, then you probably have a little room to spare, especially if you plan to shop and bring back any souvenirs from your travels.
Some of us who have the opportunity to travel will likely leave space or even take along an empty bag to bring back gifts from the places we visit. So why not use the extra luggage space to take along a few items that the local people could use and would greatly appreciate. Did you ever think to pack a few extra clothes, pens, pencils, and activity books for kids, or even inflatable balls to share with those in need in the foreign countries you visit?
I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t mind taking the little extra luggage, but how will I distribute these items? Who will I give them to? What if I don’t have time to deliver them? How do I know what they really need?” Well, check out…www.packforapurpose.org and see if you can make a difference while traveling. It certainly inspired me to fill every last ounce of my husband’s baggage allowance.
Today's Inspiring Story
During their first trip to Africa, Rebecca & Scott Rothney learned that while they had a limit on the amount of luggage they could take on safari, the airline had a greater allowance for checked and carry-on luggage. So when planning their second trip, they decided to visit a school near their lodge in Botswana. They contacted their safari company, to see if they could determine any specific needs of that school. Armed with that information, they were able to deliver 140 pounds of school supplies, including soccer balls, to the school. It was enormously rewarding to be able to help the people in the community that had given them such a life-changing experience. Since then, the Rothney’s and other fellow-travelers have made several trips to other countries in Africa and have been able to deliver an estimated 1,000 pounds in donations of clothing, school and medical supplies.
From their experiences they learnt that taking large amounts of supplies required a great deal of time and close logistical cooperation with the touring company. So they came up with a simpler and more direct way for travelers to take supplies to their destinations. By asking travelers to pack 5lbs of supplies, they can add value to their trip and deliver the supplies directly to their accommodation. This allows every traveler to contribute and requires no logistical support. It takes only a small space, requires little effort and still makes a big impact.
Their Philosophy
There is need everywhere in the world, however, it can be difficult to identify specific needs in places far from home. They believe people fortunate enough to travel to other countries often wish they could make meaningful contributions to help meet the needs of the places they visit. It’s one way of expressing appreciation for the experiences and hospitality they enjoy in other lands.
Their goal is to assist travelers who want to say thank you, or who simply want to expand their generosity beyond their own communities. The supply lists for destinations on their website are provided directly by the local community-based projects that receive them, enabling travelers to make informed decisions and bring items which meet the needs of the people who will be using them.
Meet Rebecca and Scott Rothney in their latest video
Vacations That Matter Recommends
Join SAMARITANS FEET in Peru, Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, and Zimbabwe May - August, 2011 to help distirbute shoes and enjoy the many sights & cultures of these amazing destinations.
If you prefer alternate dates, please call us and we can customize your trip to meet your needs.
RWANDA June 18-26, 2011 or MALAWI October 6-17, 2011
Imagine yourself exhilarating in wildlife safaris, Gorilla trekking, meeting fascinating people & experiencing nature while spending time introducing new sports, life skills, and the importance of fitness & health to African children in schools and orphanages.
JAMAICA, SEPTEMBER, 2011
Indulge in sugar white sand, warm tropical sun and crystal clear turquoise water and
Spend a day or two visiting the Children of Jamaica and their school
SCOTLAND, MAY – AUGUST, 2011 or 2012
Enjoy Golf, Castles, Distillaries & Gardens and
Spend an evening helping out at the local soup kitchen
CARIBBEAN, YEAR ROUND
Experience an all-inclusive resort or cruise vacation and
Spend a day visiting schools, orphanages, or a senior center as a shore excursion or day trip
MEXICO, YEAR ROUND
Treat yourself to beautiful beaches, Mayan Ruins, culture, food, & adventure activities and
Spend a few hours visiting a women’s shelter or cleaning up a beach
LATIN AMERICA, YEAR ROUND
Soak in the sights of Machu Picchu, Patagonia, the Galapagos Islands, Rainforests & Volcanos in Costa Rica, the Amazon, Rio and all that Latin America has to offer and
Spend time visiting local villages, builing playgrounds, distributing wheelchairs, monitoring turtle nests and countless philanthropic opportunities.
For bookings or inquiries please contact
NINA PATEL
Vacations That Matter
714-925-1769
nina@vacationsthatmatter.com
About Vacations That Matter
Vacations that Matter specializes in planning customized group vacations for families, friends, collegues, church members, associations, corporations, clubs or any affinity groups who would like to enjoy their vacations and make a difference while bonding, sharing gratifying experiences, and memorable journeys together.
Our customized group vacations will be about having fun, sharing dreams, and giving hope, by incorporating a few hours to a couple of days of volunteer work such as visiting a school, orphanage, women's shelter, and soup kitchen, or working on projects including wildlife conservation, trail maintenance, building, painting, sharing professional expertise, and much much more.
Matters of the Heart is an electronic newsletter serving as an inspirational tool for anyone who wishes to pay it forward while enjoying their vacation, published by VacationsThatMatter.
If you have any questions or comments please send them to: hello@vacationsthatmatter.com