3 Easy Ways To Give Back When You Travel
Trying to make a difference in the world? Whether you're booking hotels that contribute to those who are less fortunate or want to try a hands-on conservation vacation at one of your favorite national parks, we've got three easy ways you can help others and make the world a better place while you travel.
Affinia Hotels in New York City and Washington D.C.
When you book a room at any Affinia Hotel by July 31st, your room rate (from $149 a night in D.C. and from $199 in New York City) will include a $10 donation to Operation Smile, a non-profit organization helping to provide surgeries for young children around the world who were born with facial deformities. As a special thank you for participating in this summer promotion, you'll receive complimentary WiFi at the hotel—a value of $14.95 per day—as well as a list of popular area attractions and a promotional Smile Kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, mints, and floss to take care of your own pearly whites. Guests at the Affinia Shelburne, Affinia Dumont, Affinia 50, and Affinia Manhattan will also receive complimentary wine while attending Evening Libations, Affinia's signature wine hour. Click here for more information and to book your room or call 866/246-2203 and mention promo code SMILE.
Aqua Hospitality Hotels in Hawaii
Book a room at any of Aqua Hospitality's 21 properties on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and the Big Island of Hawaii and you'll pay from $99 per night and receive a copy of the controversial New York Times Bestseller, Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg, one of Fortune's 50 Most Powerful Women and CEO of Facebook. You'll get to learn a little more about LeanIn.org and 10 percent of every reservation will benefit the Patsy Mink Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Hawaii that provides educational opportunities for low-income women and mothers. Click here to book this package online and travel by Dec. 31, 2013 to receive the special rate of $99 per night or call 866/940-2782 and mention the Lean In Promotion.
Conservation Volunteer Vacations in U.S. National Parks
If you're interested in helping to preserve America's great national parks, volunteer with the American Conservation Experience this summer and gain access to volunteer vacations normally reserved for AmeriCorps members and long-term volunteers. After a wildly successful program in California's Catalina Island last year, the organization has expanded this year's program to include Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon National Park as well, with 11-day volunteer vacation packages priced at $600 including your accommodations, supplies, and meals. You'll spend time preserving the parks during the day on weekdays and have nights and weekends to explore these natural wonders. Dates for Catalina Island are Jun. 17, Jul. 22, Aug. 5, 19, and Sept. 2, 2013. Dates for Grand Canyon National Park are Jul. 15 and Aug. 26, 2013. Dates for Bryce Canyon National Park are Jun. 17, Jul. 15, 29, and Aug. 12, 2013.