Among the many interesting trends reported in a Yahoo round-up of travel is volunteering while on a vacation. In a survey conducted by TIA, 24% of respondents expressed an interest to take a vacation that would contribute to the environment, community or local life.
Any reason why travelers would go on vacation to work for the environment or others? Undoubtedly, the media (especially the web) has had a major role to play in the reality check! Images of a hurricane-ravaged New Orleans or a terror-stricken NYC from years ago are still fresh in people’s minds. The desire to do good while on a holiday also fits in well with the trend of user-generated content – as travelers take to volunteering, they will have richer experiences to share. Travel takes on a whole new meaning with activism and the ecosystem as backdrops. The traveler of today is not a passive bystander!