Dear Ageless Traveler,
In this issue of Travel Tuesday, I am delighted to focus on voluntouring.
There’s a lot of talk about life’s purpose after retirement. For some, that means giving back to others using the skills accumulated through our work years. Voluntouring is a pathway to that type of life fulfillment.
This week’s podcast features Hero Holidays, where you can use your skills and adventure in South Africa.
To find the right volunteer program in your local community, our archived episode introduces you to AmeriCorps Senior. Please enjoy our newsletter, which includes the following:
- Inside Voluntouring with Hero Holidays
- Community volunteer opportunities throughout the USA
- What to watch out for when you voluntour
- A course to create your volunteer mission and to be a better advocate
- A glimpse into my international volunteer work and how to join me
- Invitations to a Play in LA and a Safari in Kenya
P.S.
May 11th is Mother’s Day. You and the women around you deserve the best travel products, gear, and booking convenience. Discover The Ageless Traveler picks I use whenever I travel. You’ll even find the famous traveling hat!
And… please subscribe to Travel Tuesday here. You will get a welcome gift and more eBooks and perks to keep you traveling.
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This Week’s Highlights
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Voluntouring
Dive into the heart of South Africa with Lorraine Keenan, the visionary behind Hero Holidays.
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Hero Holidays is a unique organization combining the joy of travel with the fulfillment of voluntouring, EMPOWERING YOU to make a meaningful impact while enjoying game drives, music, and art.
From the heartwarming ‘Babies in the Bush’ program to the empowering ‘Curious Kids’ initiative, Lorraine shares the transformative experiences available for voluntours.
Tune in to learn how to become a hero while exploring a vibrant culture and making lasting memories.
Check out our two blogs, on Soweto and on Johannesburg, to get a glimpse of what’s in store if you combine a Hero Holiday with sightseeing.
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Unlock Your Potential: 3 Steps to Fulfilling Volunteering
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1. Create a life mission. Watch this 2-minute video on how I help startup businesses create their mission.
Yes, it’s for business, but at our life stage volunteering is life’s work. You need to love what you do and be rewarded. To get clarity on your voluntour mission, ask yourself:
- What do I love to do?
- Who would be helped by what I do?
- What organization needs me to help them by doing what I love?
#2. Tune into this life-changing podcast. Atalaya Sergi, visionary Executive Director of AmeriCorps Senior, walks you through the USA’s LARGEST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM with 40,000 of your colleagues. Discover how to choose the best volunteer program in your community. And in some cases, you even get paid to volunteer.
#3. Take our on-demand course, Speak Out Communication 5 Minute Recipe to Move, Touch and Inspire Anyone, Anywhere at Any time. I created the course because mature folks often get marginalized when we volunteer. I don’t want you licking envelopes when you are capable of changing the world. Use code agelesstraveler for a 50% discount ($47 total).
Voluntour trips can be fraught with issues I must bring to your attention.
Some organizations offer high-priced tours with the draw that you will do good for a needy cause. If a trip is overly expensive, that should be a red flag.
Also, do not volunteer if there is a danger that children will bond with you and have no one to care for them properly when you leave. A good organization has people on the ground who care for the children. You are not a substitute for full-time care.
Finally, some of our best US tour operators include one visit to a school or other community groups in the itinerary. That’s a wonderful experience, but it is not voluntouring. Bring a gift and read in English for a few hours. It is a pleasure for all. But to make an impact, take two weeks with an actual life-changing voluntour experience.
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If you’re in Los Angeles in May let’s meet at Mostly Midsummer
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