Have you been thinking about a holiday that includes overseas volunteering? National Volunteer Week is coming April 12 – 18.

Voluntourism has begun to boom as of late.  BenefacTours has been arranging volunteer tours for over 8 years. Over half of our volunteer clients are women travelling on their own, so naturally they want to feel secure and know what to expect upon arrival in a foreign country. I personally visit each volunteer placement site regularly before sending any travellers. You can read about my own 5 month volunteering experience in Uganda in 2004 here.

I caution you to know what you are getting when you sign up to volunteer overseas.  CBC’s Doczone ran a program recently about this subject. Some people have been fooled into thinking they are going on a life-changing experiential tour when they are sadly disappointed. This gives international volunteering a bad rap, and that is sad because you really can make a difference in people’s lives by your contribution. Watch Global TV’s interview with me.

You need to ask questions like:

• What is the reputation and credentials of the organization that is arranging the volunteer package for me?
• Does the charity really need me and my skills?
• What are the goals of the charity that I will be working for?
• What will an average day look like?
• Do I get time off and what can I do in my spare time?
• What sort of accommodations will I have?
• Will I have to share a room, and if yes, with how many others?
• What sort of toilet/shower facilities are there?
• Which meals are included in my fee?
• Will I be met at the airport and transported to the site?
• What about health issues, ie vaccinations required and/or anti-malaria protection?
• Anything that makes you feel hesitant or nervous.

If you wish to look into volunteering overseas, have a look at our volunteer tours, starting at $635 US. Contact us with any questions. BenefacTours is licensed by Consumer Protection BC and we are members of ACTA, The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.

Planning a holiday with your family? Here are some family adventure holidays that are designed for the whole family. You may be surprised at the exciting destinations that cater to the young and not-so-young.

Costa Rica
Kick back on Costa Rica’s pristine beaches, visit a local family to learn to make tortillas, spot nature in dense cloud forest, enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, kayak and paddle-board in La Fortuna. Hotels 8 nights. 9 days 25% off from $1162 CAD ($928 US) on select departures Jun 27 – Aug 08, sale expires April 15. Age 5+.

Galapagos
Encounter incredible wildlife, snorkel and swim with sea turtles and manta rays, kayak at Tortuga Bay, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Hotels 7 nights. 8 days from $2199 CAD ($1755 US) + $120 US entrance fees. Age 6+.

Peru
Search for wildlife along the Amazon River, explore the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, sample the seafood in Lima. Hotels (6 nts), Amazon Lodge (2 nts). 9 days from $1849 CAD ($1476 US). Age 6+.

Turkey
Sailing Fethiye to Bodrum – Discover tiny villages and secluded islands with deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail a catamaran, hike through ancient ruins, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan, sail into the ancient port of Bodrum. Sailing aboard a 12m (40 ft) catamaran (9 nts) with fully licensed skipper. 10 days from $1599 CAD ($1276 US) select departures May 31, June 20 – Aug 9. Age 12+.

Other family destinations include Vietnam, Burma, Morocco, India, Thailand, Egypt, and Cuba. Contact us for more on these tours or any other destination you desire.

If you really want a challenge, have you thought about taking on trekking tours at high altitude? Popular destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Nepal and Peru’s Inca Trail. Here are some unusual trekking destinations that you may never have thought of, at 4500m – 6000m.

You need to consider health and safety while trekking at high altitude as everyone’s acclimatization is different.  If you have never been to high altitude, you need to arm yourself with knowledge.  Start with BenefacTours’ blog for a bit more on this issue.

Ethiopia – Simien Mountains Trek – 4543m, 13 days from $3230 CAD($2529 US). The dramatic skyline of peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland plateaux of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and deep gullies to form what is, arguably, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa. As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land. We may come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the escarpment; and, with luck, spot Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves.

Ecuador  – Avenue of the Volcanoes – 5897m, 15 days from $2960 CAD ($2318 US). Ecuador is liberally sprinkled with some of the world’s highest peaks. Our acclimatization starts with the Pinan Trek in the highlands of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve before we head south to discover Otavalo Indian market and relax in the hot springs, ready for our first climb of Imbabura Volcano. Ice skills practice on Cayambe’s glaciers will prepare us for the tough (but optional) ascent of Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. On Cotopaxi we climb with a ratio of one guide to every two trekkers to maximize our chance of summiting.

Peru – Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit  5030m max. 13 days on sale now $1844 CAD ($1444 US). Select Departures June 20 – Jul 31,  Expires in 28 days. Take in the glacial alpine scenery along the Huayhuash Circuit, challenge yourself conquering the high-altitude mountain passes, sleep in tents under the stars in the remote wilderness.

Chile – Patagonia Trekking – 10 days from $3770 CAD ($2952 US). Visit South America and travel to Patagonia to experience the ‘W’ Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Experience Chile and Argentina’s best wilderness on this trekking adventure.

France – Mont Blanc Ascent – 4810 m, 8 days from $3800 CAD. Looming over the climbing mecca of Chamonix, the majesty of Mont Blanc has captivated climbers for centuries and calls all would-be explorers to join them atop of Western Europe’s highest peak. Attempted over three days, this itinerary is designed to give you the very best chance of reaching the summit.

Contact us for information on these and any other trekking destinations you are interested in.

Are you interested in volcano treks? Intrigued by the sight of lava flowing or the idea of hiking over a trail where volcanic eruptions in the past have changed the geography of an area? Is it the view from the top or at a distance that gets your spirit adventuring? There are many countries with active volcanoes, where you can hike partially or all the way to the top in order to peak over the rim into a crater. Did you know that to be considered active, a volcano has to have erupted in the last 10,000 years? Below are a handful of sites, known for their volcanoes, to be explored, hiked, viewed or amazed at.

Costa Rica – Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica in the district of La Fortuna.  The Arenal volcano measures at least 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) with a crater spanning 140 metres (460 ft).

Ecuador – Avenue of the Volcanoes – is a 325 km. long valley between the major Cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. They also provide mountaineers a rare opportunity to achieve very high altitudes without technical difficulty. Volcano climbing offers an exciting, unforgettable challenge.

Iceland – has a high concentration of active volcanoes due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Of the 30 volcanic systems, the most active is Grimsvotn. In the past 500 years, Iceland’s volcanoes have erupted a third of the total global lava output.

Nicaragua – Nicaragua has one of the most impressive volcanic chains in Central America. It features more than fifty volcanic cones of which seven are active.

Sumatra, Indonesia – Mt. Sibayak is a small stratovolcano overlooking the town of Berastagi in northern Sumatra. Geothermal activity, in the form of steam vents and hot springs, remains high on and around the volcano.

For more information on these or any tour, contact us.

Cycle a little or a lot – cycling holidays can be experienced all over the planet.  Here are just a few examples. Other destinations not listed here, that include cycling, are in Nepal, Tibet, France, Switzerland, Namibia, Morocco, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Iceland and more. Contact us for more ideas on where you can add some cycling.

Cuba 8 days from $1299 CAD ($1040 US)  Cycle through pincushion hills, sample Cuban rum at the distillery, hear Cuban salsa music float through the streets of Havana, walk across one of Cuba’s famed white-sand beaches, gaze out across the crystal-blue Caribbean.

Thailand Hike, Bike and Kayak 12 days from $1520 CAD ($1218 US)  Jump aboard an active tour of Northern Thailand. Visit Bangkok, explore Chiang Mai, take a hilltribe trek and kayak down the historic River Kwai.

Italy 7 days from $1449 CAD ($1161 US) Cycle through Tuscan countryside and stone-walled hill towns, visit quaint Pienza and medieval Montepulciano, learn traditional recipes and eat delicious Tuscan cuisine.

Danube: Vienna to Budapest  8 days from $1050 CAD ($841 US) Ride through the beautiful and peaceful scenery that links these two historic cities. Meander back and forth from the river bank through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills.

Spain 8 days from $1549 CAD ($1249 US) – cycle through glorious countryside, learn about Catalan culture and customs, savour tapas and local wines.

Turkey Turquoise Coast – 8 days from $1050 CAD ($841 US) On this active cycling holiday we cover dry single tracks, forest fire track trails and some country roads provide a modest challenge for novices, whilst providing a more relaxing break for the experienced rider.

Burma 14 days from $3849 CAD ($3083 US) Bike around the villages and gardens of Inle Lake, visit the ancient cities of Ava and Amarapura, cycle around the incredible stupas in Bagan, hike through limestone caves at Pindaya, marvel at the pilgrimage site of Mt. Popa.

Contact us for more information on these tours or others around the globe.

 

 Here are some travel tips to consider before you head out on your next adventure.

•  Carry-on bag restrictions. Here is some clarification.

• Packing tips – fit a ton of stuff into one small bag.

• Need help picking a seat on a flight? Check out Seat Guru for the best seats and seat pitch (distance between rows of seats) before you book a flight. The more legroom, the better.

• Be aware of some common tourist scams. 10 worst tourist scams

• 17 rules of Airplane etiquette – ie. give both armrests to the person in the middle, etc.

• Aeroplan Flight Rewards – where can you travel using your points.

• 50 top cities to visit in your lifetime.  From Bagan to Varanasi, which ones are still on your list?

• Be sure to find out if you require a visa ahead of time. Some countries allow you to buy your visa upon arrival.  Check your country’s travel reports.