Travel Trend: Vacation Volunteerism

According to this article, people have turned to volunteer vacations because they’ve become restless with typical trips, which consist of “idling away [their] vacation time on a beach or a cruise”, but, “best of all, [they] can save a few bucks.”

I’m a huge advocate of work-study adventures, non-profit ventures and helping out through Habitat for Humanity, but let’s get real; there are ways to contribute to a worthy cause without sacrificing your sun and fun-drenched vacation. In fact, you can start tomorrow morning.

Welcome to The Carmel Beach Clean-Up

Hosted by The Carmel Residents Association the last Saturday of (almost) every month, from 10 AM – noon, The Beach Clean-Up is a great way to mingle with new friends and learn about the Carmel community first hand. Warm fuzzies, awesome orange vests and a complimentary breakfast on the beach are also pretty stellar perks.

Best of all, for the hard-working, leisure-appreciators among us; you get to follow your volunteer efforts with a day of basking on an extra clean beach, probably followed by newfound vacation activities, courtesy of your friendly breakfast companions.

Maximize Your Vol-fun-teering Adventure:

• Bring your own gloves; just say no to sandy blisters.
• Bring sun-screen and comfy, protective clothing. Whip out that new designer beach wear post-lunch.
• Chat up your neighbor — Carmel’s known for their super friendly close-knit community, and when you’re visiting, you’re family.
• Want to preserve Carmel’s character and enjoy our little town on future vacations? Consider donating to The Carmel Resident’s Association.

Know of another fun way for vacationers to help out? Party-down in the comments.