Incorporating 'Voluntourism' Into Existing Holiday Travel Plans
Hotels.com suggests how to help and where to stay
DALLAS, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The growing trend of voluntourism attracts 1.6 million participants each year[1] and gives travelers the opportunity to experience destinations in a different but helpful way. Hotels.com® suggests travelers spend a few hours giving back during planned holiday travel this year.
"We've seen the trend of travelers visiting communities to volunteer reach an all-time high," said Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert for Hotels.com. "But consumers don't necessarily have to travel far or plan a separate trip around philanthropic activities to make a difference – you can find a way to give back your time in just about any community you find yourself during the holidays."
Hotels.com offers tips for travelers seeking to volunteer a little bit of their time:
- Bring gently used shoes, clothes or toys to donate to a local shelter during your trip. Or donate your carry-on clothes instead of packing them to take back home.
- Collect your toiletries from recent hotel stays and donate to area shelters
- Regardless of destination, visit the local mall and pick up some gifts for the hotel staff, cab driver, orphanage, or community shelter
Holiday travelers visiting these popular destinations can find a number of ways to help.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Travelers can indulge in endless activities in Las Vegas – the most-searched destination for Americans during the holiday season (check-in 12/20-12/31) according to Hotels.com data – including volunteer opportunities. Visitors can volunteer a day or for just a few hours via one of the many programs and services offered by The Shade Tree, a shelter for women, children and their pets. If time is limited, guests can pick a toy or gift from the holiday wish list and seek one of their many drop-off centers through December 19th.
Where to stay: The newly renovated SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Curio Collection by Hilton is conveniently located on the Strip, near many local attractions. The Curio hotel is an all-encompassing resort and casino with more than 1,600 guest rooms, fabulous dining options and unparalleled nightlife offerings.
New York, New York
New York City, the second most-searched holiday destination, is the ultimate location for travelers seeking – and spreading – holiday cheer. From Rockefeller Center's humongous Christmas Tree, to the largest menorah in the world on 5th avenue, there are gentle reminders to give back to the community all over the city. While visiting, travelers can donate a coat at one of 280 coat drive drop-off locations across the city via New York Cares.
Where to stay: Located in the burgeoning and historic Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, Ink48, A Kimpton Hotel is centrally located to New York's iconic holiday attractions. Also known as a wellness oasis, Ink48 is home to Kimpton's in-room yoga mats, complimentary PUBLIC branded bikes, the property's own Runner's Amenity Kit and eco-conscious InkSpa. Visitors can also enjoy the hotel's inviting rooftop lounge and unobstructed sweeping views of the Hudson River facing west, and the Midtown Manhattan skyline facing east.
Negril, Jamaica
A short direct flight from most major U.S. cities, Jamaica is an oasis for Americans during the chill of winter. Visitors can amp up their trips by offering their time at one of Jamaica's many schools, teaching children how to read or painting and repairing educational buildings. Jamaica is involved in a major voluntourism initiative to immerse visitors into the local culture, and help out local communities. Visitors can pick and choose from a variety of organizations at the Jamaica Tourist Board's website, VisitJamaica.com/volunteer.
Where to stay: Nestled amidst tropical gardens and flowering plants at the edge of Negril – Jamaica's "Capital of Casual", lies a unique all-inclusive property called Sunset at the Palms. Guests can enjoy the "treehouse-style" guestrooms and the five acre beachfront facilities. From the martini bar to the beach bar, Sunset at the Palms delivers the best of Jamaica's beauty and endless charm.
Tell us about your volunteer travels on Twitter at @hotelsdotcom with the hashtag #voluntourism.
About Hotels.com (www.hotels.com)
Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with over 365,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.
© 2014 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, Captain Obvious and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2083949-50
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141125/160834
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140226/DA72521LOGO-b
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/incorporating-voluntourism-into-existing-holiday-travel-plans-300001010.html
SOURCE Hotels.com
Share this article