Volunteering on Vacation - A Great Idea

I'm thinking about my next vacation and volunteering, and how I can try and do them at the same time. Monday, January 19 is Martin Luther King's birthday and a national day of service which got me thinking about the idea of combining my vacation with volunteering.

I do love to hike and while planning my vacation this week discovered this group sponsored by the American Hiking Society that allows me to combine these things together - what a great idea!

Getting Dirty
They offer trips in every state. They label the difficult of each from easy to moderate up to very strenuous. You won't have to worry when you show up with your camping gear - just be ready to get dirty.

Accommodations range from cabins and shelters to primitive tents. And they offer family friendly options as well as trips for ages 18-21 or 21 and over.

CNN listed eight volunteer vacation ideas back in June - with most being overseas. The American Hiking Society sponsors excursions focused on building and maintaining trails across United States, including Alaska. You get to learn skills that you can take home with you afterward.

Volunteer Vacations
Besides the American Hiking Society, you can find lots of places to combine your volunteer efforts and your next vacation. Consider some of the following:

• Global Volunteers International

• Senior Friendly Volunteer Vacations

• EarthCorps

• Experience Corps
  

• Sierra Club Outings