While we’re all looking for ways to add more meaning to our lives, we sometimes overlook the obvious. Millions of American families end each year with unused vacation days still on the table. What if we all used that hard-earned time off to do something positive in the world?
This recent article in Fast Company highlights Global Family Travels as a company that offers the chance to use vacation time to make a difference in the world. We’ve seen firsthand how connecting with other cultures and becoming better global citizens can be key ingredients for the best vacation you’ve ever had, because the experience can have a lasting power to transform the way you view your own life and the world.
Photo by: Lisa Merrill
This holiday season, consider giving your loved ones the gift of meaningful travel. We’ve got two bucket-list trips to South America coming up this summer that are kid-friendly adventures that include opportunities to make a difference.
Give the Gift of Meaningful Travel: For the month of December, take $250 off per person if you book two or more people on one of Global Family Travels trips. Deposit must be made by December 31, 2018.
Galapagos Family Adventures
Are the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands at the top of your family’s wish list? This 8-day Galapagos trip (dates are customizable!) includes a day volunteering with local school in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you can become immersed in the ways of life in these enchanting islands.
On this incredible trip, you’ll discover these islands as you swim and snorkel with sea turtles, horseback ride up a volcano, explore the islands by kayak, and enjoy up-close encounters with seals, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other fascinating wildlife.
Got a shutterbug in your family? Consider joining our 7-day family-oriented Galapagos Islands Wildlife & Photography Adventure, where you’ll get hands-on instruction from photographer Lisa Merrill as you discover the extraordinary wildlife on San Cristobal, Santa Cruz and Isabela islands.
Both of our Galapagos trips support community projects and engage with the locals, giving travelers the opportunities to volunteer and learn about environmental and cultural challenges that come with increased tourism in these fragile islands.
Photo Adventure in Ecuador’s Cloud Forest
Looking for an edifying experience that’s also jam-packed with adventure? Join us in the Andean Cloud Forest on our 12-day family photo adventure in Ecuador. You’ll explore beautiful historic cities and haciendas, immerse yourselves in local culture at a farmhouse homestay and help out with a community service project in Patate.
A highlight for wildlife lovers is a bird-watching excursion in the Imbabura province and visit a renowned rehabilitation sanctuary for the endangered Andean Condor.
Photos by: Lisa Merrill
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of your amazing adventure. Your family will also go horseback riding at Tilipulo, hike in the Amazon, go jungle rafting on the Jatunyacu River, tackle a ropes course in Cotopaxi, and more!
Best of all, you’re guaranteed to come back with amazing photos of your incredible experience. You’ll be traveling with photographer Lisa Merrill, who will help you create images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
