Christmas has always intrigued me because of its internationality. As a traveler, I consider this time of year a particularly special opportunity to see how others celebrate, or don’t celebrate, the holiday. A Thailand volunteer vacation would very much be an alternative Christmas as the locals don’t celebrate Christmas. For a very different kind of holiday experience, consider a home stay with a local family or attend Buddhist ceremonies, or visit the Hill Tribe Village  — beautiful settings for an incredible Christmas adventure.

Travel to Teach is a non- profit organization that offers volunteer travel placements all around the world. They are based in Thailand and can tailor packages to individual needs. Christmas day can be spent having a blessing ceremony with monks, up on Thailand’s highest mountain with the Karen Hill Tribes, Elephant trekking or simply eating a traditional turkey dinner in the sunshine.

The volunteer projects are devised in conjunction with local schools and communities to service their needs.  Individual programs start from as little as $609 for 2 weeks and include all accommodation, projects, support, language and cooking lessons. Group projects can also be arranged. The advantage to being a single traveler is that you can join in on a group, and select your age or particular interest group.

Volunteers range in age from 17 – 73 and all participants must be fluent in English, have a desire to learn about other cultures and bring with them lots of enthusiasm. Consider a trip of varying lengths for anytime of your upcoming year that suits you best: http://www.travel-to-teach.org/thailand/volunteer-thailand.php

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Volunteer vacations are holiday trips

“I have wanted to try a volunteer vacation,” wrote Virginia, a 57 year old tomato from Syracuse, NY commented after visiting my website, www.ImmersionTraveler.com and reviewing my book, Volunteer Vacations Across America. “My best friend is not into roughing it,” wrote Virginia. “She likes to stay in very comfortable accommodations and it seems to me that volunteering is equivalent to traveling on the cheap.”

No worries, Virginia, there are many options available to today’s volunteer traveler. Yes, there are some trips that come with rustic accommodations, but often other options are available. Check with the sponsoring organization. It’s not uncommon to have a few different suggested accommodations and price range for where you’d most like to stay, depending upon the location.

A rapidly growing trend among grass-roots to high end hotels offers short-term, “bite-sized” volunteer vacations, along with the opportunity to stay in comfortable to most luxurious surroundings. Hands Up Holidays offers travelers a mix and match package for travelers to select from a variety of locations, tours, volunteer opportunities, and accommodations to create the ultimate vacation experience that suits you best. These hotels partner with ongoing local projects, dates aren’t limited, trips can be personalized, a percentage could be tax deductible, and money benefits the local community.

Hands Up Holidays (HUH) helped me put together the perfect immersion and volunteer vacation in Costa Rica, currently a very popular destination for Americans since it’s relatively close by, with competitively priced flights, and accommodations for every budget. November through April are the driest months with a few extra hours of sunshine every day.  I visited during rainy season in June and it rained once a day, particularly in the Rain Forest; however it was still quite comfortable and lovely to visit.

My priorities were to immerse myself in the country, refresh my Spanish skills, enjoy a few adventures, and relax and chill out. Here were a few of my favorite HUH choices:

NBC’s Love in the Wild was filmed at the Arenal Nayara Hotel, Spa & Garden and Trip Advisor named it the most romantic hotel in Central and South America as well as one of the top five most romantic hotels in the world. I stayed there, with a female coworker, and must admit, it was simply a beautiful place with impeccable service. The ‘romantic’ side wasn’t overdone and I didn’t feel uncomfortable or out of place in a non-romantic situation, and would love to take my children there. They would thoroughly enjoy the whirlpool bathtub out on the deck surrounded by a magnificent garden looking out over the

Arenal volcano – Leave plenty of time to walk up the path towards the volcano and explore the park, followed by zip lining in the afternoon. Be sure to also visit the Hot Springs before moving on.

Proyecto Asis offers Spanish classes, volunteer activities in their animal refuge with animals native to Costa Rica, and cultural immersion programs appropriate for all ages, nearby Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica. During my four days of volunteering, I enjoyed a home stay with a local family, gaining insights into their lives with total immersion in the language, food, culture and day-to-day management.

Manuel Antonio National Park has beautiful white sand beaches, multiple islands and forests to watch dolphin and whale off the coast. It is the most visited national park in Costa Rica and has surfing, diving, and hiking, along with fascinating wildlife.

According to a happiness index survey that ranks 143 countries, Costa Ricans are the happiest, most content people on earth. Their attitude and philosophy of life is summed up in two little words that are used as a greeting, a good bye, to express pleasure, thanks, you’re welcome and even confusion or a misunderstanding: Pura Vida. Live the pure life. ###

Sheryl Kayne’s website is www.ImmersionTraveler.com and she has published Volunteer Vacations Across America and Immersion Travel USA are both available in E-books in all formats, for your Nook or Kindle http://tinyurl.com/3vcffwh.

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I boarded my Virgin America flight from Boston to Los Angeles and settled into my  seat for my evening flight. As the flight was at the end of the day I was clearly ready for dinner, but airport food often has a way of going stale in my mouth (and draining my bank account). However, today more airlines are offering in-flight food options and even at a fee, they are worth the cost and often come in at half the calories of the junk food you’re likely to find in the airport. My dinner: a tomato salad, vegetarian lasagna and a glass of red wine (it was the end of my day, after all). The cuisine was part of the airline’s first-class service, but having flown Virgin many times in the past I can attest to the freshness of the food in the main cabin. The hummus and vegetable plate is divine and if you want something a little more indulgent, you can’t go wrong with the cheese platter. Both items sell for under $10 on board, and are big enough to share, if you’re so inclined.

I arrived Santa Monica late-night, checked into The Hotel Casa del Mar, and carried myself up to my room on the 7th floor. After one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long while, I jumped out of the bed the next morning, eager to test out my new shoes. Surprisingly, these guys were very light! I expected toning shoes to be big and bulky but I was pleased with the weight and design. It’s not always easy to pack tennis shoes in your carry-on, but these shoes squished well between my clothes and still retained their shape when I removed them from my suitcase. The true test was still to come…

I’m a stickler for tennis shoes. Having been a ballet dancer for almost 15 years, I have arches in my feet that would make most cobblers crazy, and bad knees and ankles to round things off. Tennis shoes for me need to have supreme stability, support my arches and protect my ankles from rolling inward when I run or walk. I can usually tell within a few hours if a shoe is going to work, or if I’m going to limp home with excruciating plan in my hips. At 7 a.m. I knew I had a long day ahead of me, and I said a silent prayer that these shoes would hold up.

The hotel is perfectly situated on the beach and is two steps from bike trails, running paths and sand volleyball courts. For the morning runners (like me) this location can’t be beat. Knowing I had a full day of exercise ahead of me, I opted for a walk instead of a run and made my way to Le Pain Quotidien, a french pastry shop and restaurant in Downtown Santa Monica. The walk was about a quarter of a mile from the hotel and the shoes, while light and airy, provided amazing support on my ankles.

The patisserie is located near Third Street Promenade and within walking distance to many of the hotels on Ocean Avenue. After a fabulous meal consisting of an egg white and avocado omelette, a side of wheat bread and a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice, I was ready for my first real ‘activity’ of the day: biking.

Pedal or Not, a local Santa Monica bike tour company, offers guided tours of Santa Monica on (you guessed it) bikes. But these bikes offer something a little different – a battery pack. You can pedal, or not, your way around downtown Santa Monica and see just about everything in a three-hour time slot. I started off pedaling and put my shoes to the test – thankfully, Santa Monica is a pretty flat city! About an hour in, I turned the throttle and let the battery pack take charge. It was glorious!

The electric bike concept is the perfect solution for those who don’t like long bike rides, but want to see the city in a unique way. Pedal as long as you want, then let the bike take over and you just steer. The battery lasts for about 23 miles, so it’s conceivable that you can be lazy throughout the entire 3-hour tour. I’m pleased to report I only used the battery pack toward the end of the ride.

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around downtown Santa Monica, admiring the architecture and taking a stroll down Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier. By the time I headed back to the hotel it was nearly 4 p.m. and I was seven hours into my day. My shoes, legs, and limbs felt great – I had no pain and my knees and ankles were still their rightful place.

The next day, however, was a bit different. Stay tuned to find out…

Want to be part of the TravelFIT challenge and try for a chance to win your own pair of New Balance truebalance 850 and a travel gift bag from Passport Boutique? Click here for more info.

*Flights and accommodations were provided by Virgin America and The Hotel Casa del Mar; tours were provided by the Downtown Santa Monica Visitors Buruea. All opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own.

Stay up to date with the TravelFIT Challenge:
TravelFIT Challenge: What Drives Your Travel & Fitness Passion?
Week 1: TravelFIT: Santa Monica
Week 2: TravelFIT: What Happens When You Don’t Stretch
Week 3: TravelFIT: Berry Picking in Boston

Welcome to Bal Harbour, Miami’s up-and-coming area, and home to some of the most luxurious shops and resorts in South Florida. The focal point of the mini-Miami island is the Bal Harbour shops, an outdoor mall filled with luxury designer brands and boutiques, and flanked by upscale restaurants ranging in cuisine from eclectic American to Italian. The trendy shopping village is within walking distance from hotels and resorts, including the newly renovated ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa.

The hotel shares the same driveway as the ONE Bal Harbour Residences and is located only 1/4-mile from the luxury shops. Get ready to embrace your luxe-side…

Arriving at the hotel is just the beginning of the experience. The horseshoe-shaped driveway is staffed by valets and bellman, and the outdoor furniture provides a comfortable place for travelers to sit and relax while waiting for their car. On my last visit, the cars parked along the perimeter of the lot ranged from cherry-red Ferrari’s to dark black Lincoln’s. As the bellman helps you out of your car, take a moment to embrace your surroundings – this hotel exudes elegance from its very front step.

The Hotel: ONE Bal Harbour

ONE Bal Harbour is set apart from the residences, which share the same driveway, but the two are connected via walkways and elevators. The residences can use any of the hotel’s amenities, but as you might imagine, it’s not the other way around. A few things to keep in mind:

• The pool bar is only open until 5pm so if you want to spend the afternoon hours on the beach, plan your cocktail schedule accordingly. You might need to stock up on cocktails before the sun sets.
• Plan ahead if you’re going to the beach. The hotel ‘ran out of the towels’ by 4:30 p.m., leaving no option for covering up on the beach. We made use of our t-shirts but it’s a good idea to bring a towel from your room to be on the safe side.
• The spa is perched along the exterior of the hotel, providing views of the water and the pool deck for guests. Word to the wise if you’re going to the spa: the hotel is on ‘island time’ which means everything is as it comes. Just because your appointment is at 1 p.m. doesn’t mean you’ll start at 1 p.m. My appointment started 35 minutes behind schedule, and while it was a lovely pedicure, it meant pushing back the rest of the day’s activities. You can look at this as a crunch in the rest of your afternoon’s plans or just go with the flow and remember you’re on vacation, time doesn’t exist – I suggest the latter.

The rooms at ONE Bal Harbour are the highlight of this high-rise. Each of the towers are complete with single rooms, one-bedroom suites and connecting suites, offering a family the option of living comfortably for the duration of your stay. The size of the rooms are comparable to a Manhattan apartment, so space is not a concern. Enjoy breakfast on your balcony overlooking the water or take in one of the most spectacular sunsets in South Florida, all from the comforts of your room.

ONE Bal Harbour guest room, living room area

The Shops at Bal Harbour

The Bal Harbour Shops are located about a quarter mile from the hotel. During my stay, the hotel didn’t offer a shuttle service so if you wanted to go shopping, you had to walk or take or car. However, the hotel confirmed they were adding shuttle buses to transport guests to and from. It’s easy to spend half a day in the shops and restaurants so plan according – you might want to enjoy a rainy morning or afternoon shopping in some of Miami’s finest and most luxurious boutiques.

ONE Bal Harbour towers

Nearby Nightlife: Miami

Bal Harbour is the place to relax and be waited on, but if you’re looking for a little nightlife Miami is only a 15-20 minute drive away, depending on traffic. You can head out for some South Beach fun or dine at some of downtown Miami’s finest restaurants, then return back to Bal Harbour for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The Bottom Line

Break out your best Gucci, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Chanel and enjoy the high life. Bal Habour will make you feel like a million bucks, even if you don’t have it. Just remember to check the balance on your credit cards before you go – the temptations are sky-high in this spectacular resort town.

Miraval is easing the burden of cost for travelers with a “Fly Free” promotion that gives guests significant reimbursements during their minimum four-night stay. Here’s how it works:

Miraval’s summer Fly Free promotion offers credit amounts based on the cost of pre-purchased airline tickets. Book a minimum 4-night all-inclusive stay by July 31 and “Fly Free” to Miraval from anywhere in the U.S. Miraval will extend a credit to your account upon check-in with the presentation of your flight receipt, up to $500 per person. Stays must be completed by October 1, 2010.

Included in your all-inclusive resort package, Miraval offers a $130 resort credit per person, per night of stay to apply toward your choice of spa services, private sessions with Miraval Specialists, Chef’s Dinners, Zip-line adventures, trail rides or rounds of golf. Rates for this offer are from $375 per person, per night (double occupancy) and include roundtrip airport transfers from the Tucson International Airport, luxurious casita style accommodations, welcome amenity, three meals per day and full access to Miraval’s resort amenities.

What more could you want?

Miraval is also hosting some exclusive entertainment and spa packages this summer. Some highlights include:

Summer Music Series (June – August): Every Wednesday this summer, guests of Miraval will be treated to an evening of chamber music, featuring members of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. This summer exclusive is the perfect way to spend a special evening with a friend or loved one.

Artists in Residence (June – October): Beginning this summer, Miraval will bring resort guests and local artists together for exclusive demonstrations including painting, sculpting and photography. The artists’ will work in an open setting for guests to enjoy and their works will also be on display throughout the property during their stay.

Native American Yoga: The Circle of Life, according to Native American traditional belief, is divided into Four Seasons or stages of development. Our lives are a beautiful part of the Universal Circle to which we are all connected. Set to live music by Miraval’s Native American practitioner Tony Redhouse, this ceremony unites Hatha Yoga with Native American ritual through a series of Yoga postures that correspond with the Four Directions of the Sacred Circle.

Qi Journey: Balance body, mind and spirit with Qi Journey – a fusion of Naun Bo Rarn (Ancient Thai Massage), Acupuncture and Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Thai massage gently opens the body and joints allowing your muscles to release any tension they may hold. The release of tension within the body simultaneously stimulates the Chinese meridian system. Acupuncture needles are then carefully placed to address any energetic imbalances. Finally, Cranio-Sacral is performed to release any remaining restrictions. Emerge renewed from your Qi Journey in a more balanced body.

For more details about Miraval Arizona or to book the “Fly Free” promotion please call 800.232.3969 or visit www.miravalresorts.com.

The Hamptons is without question New York’s summer hot spot. Whether you’re partying it up on the docks or hanging beach-side with a bottle of SPF and a fresh cocktail, there’s no beating the scene on this island.

Despite what you read about in Page Six and hear from TMZ, however, the Hamptons has a few quiet, but equally as exciting, spots for tourists. On a recent trip to the Hamptons, I checked into the Montauk Yacht Club for some rest and relaxation by the bay.

The Montauk Yacht Club is situated only 6 miles from “the end” of the Hamptons. Surrounded by local fisheries, bait shops, beaches and a quaint ‘downtown’, MYC offers the perfect blend of vacation-relaxation-meets-summertime-activities. The ‘club’ has been a perennial favorite for more than eight decades, and has served as a playground for some of Manhattan’s high-rollers and Long Island’s favorite families.  On any given weekend you’ll sit next to reality TV stars, celebrities, well-known millionaires and local families. There’s a hodge-podge of status at that MYC, which makes this destination one of the friendliest and more comfortable spots in the Hamptons.

Montauk Yacht Club harbor

Each of the 150+ rooms at the Montauk Yacht Club are designed in a simple nautical theme. Blue and white stripes play center stage to light wood furniture and wall decor of boats and slip-knots. French doors separate bathrooms from bedrooms, and most rooms at the club have their own balcony, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or an evening sunset from the comfort of your own adirondack chairs.

The resort’s restaurant offers everything from clam chowder and fresh oysters to burgers and fries. Recently opened this year is Hurricane’s, the MYC’s in-house pizzeria. (Bonus: The club waives the room service ‘delivery fees’ for pizza orders, in an effort to help compete against local pizzarias.) During the daytime, sing along with the club’s poolside entertainment (which did fantastic renditions of Lady Gaga during my stay), or hop a charter boat for a day of fishing or sungazing. If you catch something, the club’s chefs will clean and cook it for you!

Nearby, dockside restaurants offer fresh seafood and BYOB specials. Uncork your favorite bottle or share a six-pack while you crack open a fresh lobster or dive into a bowl of steamed mussels. Take a scenic drive to the Montauk Lighthouse and stop off for some ice cream on your way back to the club.

When night falls on Montauk, the MYC dresses up for the party. DJs are brought in to keep the house rocking – inside and out – and you just never know what kind of mischief and mayhem might ensue on club grounds. Treat yourself to a midnight snack of the club’s amazing key lime pie and enjoy a night of people-watching, or an idyllic moment under the moonlight.

Montauk beach walk

I woke up one morning for a run along the beach and was captivated by how serene the area seemed. I ended my run at the far end of one of the club’s docks, flanked on either side by 30-foot yachts, and took a moment to take it all in – the sun, the lake, the boats and the birds were all situated so perfectly against the backdrop of the Montauk Yacht Club, you almost forget you’re in the Hamptons.
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If you’re looking for a getaway without all the bright lights and big city chaos, head north of Manhattan to Long Island wine country and taste some of the nation’s most unique wines.

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Long Island sound, Long Island’s wine country produces award-winning wines thanks to the region’s moderate climate. After a weekend in Montauk at the Montauk Yacht Club, I hopped in the car with my girlfriends and headed down Route 27 to taste some of what Long Island has to offer. A few rules of the road before you start pouring:

Designate a driver! Long Island wine country has plenty of organized tours to get you from one winery to the next so you don’t have to get behind the wheel. If you are driving, designate a driver and stick to the rules. On our trip, our driver chose one vineyard she wanted to try, and only sipped a taste from a recommended vintage.

You won’t get to all 46 wineries, so choose wisely. We picked our first choice, then asked for recommendations from the locals and vineyard owners once we arrived. Here’s what we discovered:

Our first stop was at Wolffer Estate along Route 27. The Wolffer Estate is known for its rose wine, and to our surprise, you don’t have to be in the south of France to enjoy a rose! The vintage was crisp and clean, with the right depth of a good rose. The bottle was $10.99, a great price for a decent rose. The bonus: A bottle of apple wine, which is a great alternative to Reisling’s or ports as a dessert wine.

Wolffer Estates

We made our way down Route 27 to Route 25, which takes you from one end of wine county to the other. Our first stop along Route 25 was Laurel Lake Vineyards, a gorgeous property that was both inviting to the eyes and palette. I opted for a small tasting of three wines, and was treated to a cheese test as well. I walked away with a deep Cabernet Franc, an earthy Chardonnay, and a tub of horseradish cheese, which goes amazing well with the Cabernet. Total: $31.50

Our next vineyard was Bedell Cellars, a recommendation from the Laurel Lake Vineyard. The design of Bedell was very modern and sleek, a stark contrast to the English countryside-motif of Laurel Lake. Bedell Cellars’ Musee 2007 was rated the best wine in New York from New York Magazine, and while it was good, I enjoyed the Taste Merlot a bit more. It was heavy on the palette, which is how I like my Merlot’s, and would pair well with steak, lamb or pastas. The fun part? The wine’s labels are exclusively designed by local artists. Total cost for the Merlot: $35.99

Bedell Cellars

The Raphael vineyard was our last stop, and worth every moment. It lives up to its Italian name, complete with flags of Italy on the outside and a grandiose entrance to the tasting room. The vineyard was promoting its white wines this year, so I tasted the Reisling, which was surprisingly dry and plentiful for what is normally a sweet wine. I highly recommend it for those who want a crisp white without the acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc. I walked out with a bottle of the vineyard’s Naturale White, a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Reisling. Total cost: $21.99

Inside Raphael winery's tasting room

Next time you’re wondering what to do with the girls, consider a trip through Long Island’s wine country and enjoy the scenery, along with some unique and flavorful wines. Don’t forget to buy yourself a few bottles – coming home to a bottle of wine from Long Island will certainly make you smile!

The Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project is a grassroots, nonprofit group working to educate people and garner support to reintroduce the wolf into its natural habitat on both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon, where it once thrived before being hunted to extinction. With this volunteer opportunity, you can visit the Grand Canyon and take an active part in preserving its future.

You’ll receive two hours of training and education before being asked to donate to the conservation efforts, which take place May through August. You can also receive a stipend for volunteering five or more days.

One guest, Erin, along with her husband and two-year-old son, cousin, in-laws and nephew, camped out for four nights at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and donated a few hours of their time for three days to the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project. Erin was previously trained by the Wolf Recovery Project’s director, Paula Lewis. Erin was provided with pamphlets, bumper stickers, a coyote’s skull, a mold of a wolf’s footprint, a huge stuffed wolf and dog, coyote, and wolf scat.

“Kids of all ages were drawn to our table. I was impressed with the parents who followed their kids’ leads, asking questions and engaging in a lively dialogue about the issues,” says Erin. “Many people wanted to do more. A professional wildlife photographer offered to create a new brochure. Others signed up for an e-mail list to receive action alerts on pending legislation, make phone calls, come to another event, help stuff envelopes, give donations, or educate others. My family and I have already decided we’re doing it again next year.”

And you can do it too. Consider adding volunteering to your next trip to the Grand Canyon.

For more information: The Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project (P.O. Box 1594, Flagstaff, AZ 86002; 928-202-1325; www.gcwolfrecovery.org; info@gcwolfrecovery.org). Training will be provided at the City of Flagstaff Public Library; you can find training session and program dates, along with a Volunteer Request Form, on the GCWRP Web site.

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Founded in 1997, D Acres is a nonprofit educational center that teaches and applies skills of sustainable living and organic farming. Participants share a communal living situation and work together to raise awareness about people’s impact on the environment, to limit consumption of fossil fuels and other resources, and to encourage on-site production and consumption. D Acres provides training for the development of skills relating to organic farming, forestry, landscaping, eco-friendly construction, and cottage crafts.

If you’re anything like me, you find yourself saying, I’d like my life to be a bit greener. I’d like to learn more about accessible things I can be doing that will help me, my community, and the environment. I want to feel better about the way I’m eating, thinking, and living. What’s really great about enjoying a weekend mini-vacation, or a longer visit at D Acres, is that work, learning, relaxation, and the arts are all mixed in together.

You can visit D Acres as a guest, enjoying the activities and workshops while staying in their guesthouse. There are guest artisans at different times and daily workshops in yoga and meditation. Or you can apply for either an apprenticeship or an internship and trade a minimum of 26 hours, for food and accommodations in a tree house, tent site, room in the Community House, or converted barn space.

A solar panel powers a remote treehouse at D Acres

The policy is that no one will be denied access to D Acres workshops and events due to an inability to pay. Work is primarily in the gardens, forest, and on building projects, and is related to the development, maintenance, and long-term economic viability of the community. All residents share cleaning and cooking tasks. Perks include access to a large commercial kitchen, living room, laundry, woodshop, research library, reading library, yoga space, wireless Internet, telephone, and the forested property. In your free time you can explore the White Mountains and the Lake District.

Ariel, a D Acres guest, has always been into farming. She’s was actively involved in the sustainable food campaign to use more sustainable foods when she was in college at Brown University, and has worked in a community garden. She found D Acres online, and says, “it struck me as cool that it was much more than farming, including education, forestry, art, poetry, and animals. Visiting there has taught me a new way of life.”

D Acres is a wonderful experience for people of all ages, eating whole, seasonal foods, and sharing a common space. There is also a hostel on the farm with guests coming and going. The lifestyle will give you a taste of something different, sustainable, and personally gratifying and educational too.

For more information: Organic Farming and Sustainable Living, Rumney, NH: D Acres of New Hampshire (P.O. Box 98, Rumney, NH; 603-786-2366; www.dacres.org; info@dacres.org; interns, $20 per week; apprentices, $125 per week).

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Sheryl Kayne has two new travel books out in the stores and available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble: VOLUNTEER VACATIONS ACROSS AMERICA and IMMERSION TRAVEL USA. Drop her a note toSheryl@immersiontraveler.com if you’d like autographed stickers for your books!

Other Immersion Traveler articles:
Immersion Traveler: Leave No Trace Behind
Immersion Travel: Learn How to Mush
Become an Immersion Traveler

Photo credit/Bill Vaughn Pacific Whale Foundation

I don’t know about you, but living in the northeast, it is too cold for me to currently think about anything other than the warm sun and hot beaches of Hawaii. All of Hawaii is great, but I’m particularly partial to Maui. Rates have never been better. Condo rentals and hotel rooms are 40-50 percent reduced from last year, and cheap flights to Hawaii are constantly available.

But there’s more to do in Maui than get your surf on. Consider a volunteering vacation. The Pacific Whale Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 with support from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and County of Maui Office of  Economic Development, offers a “Volunteering on Vacation” program. This is a way to give back to the places you visit, meet people who share your interests, and learn about the local environment and culture. Combine a trip to Hawaii with volunteer work to help restore native plants, remove invasive species, protect cultural sites, and clean up the beaches.Participants receive a free Volunteering-on-Vacation T-shirt, learn about the history of natural areas and meet local experts. This program is free and you will gain the satisfaction of having made a difference on behalf of Maui’s environment.

If you volunteer in Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park or any venue that charges admission for visitors, your free admission is included in the program. Each Saturday there is a project in Honokawai Valley, an area closed to the public. Learn about this archaeological site and Hawaiian culture and history, and remove invasive weeds and plant native species. On the third Sunday of the month there is a program in Haleakala National Park, led by a Pacific Whale Foundation group leader who teaches you about the wilderness area. This program includes three hours of work and a short hike and picnic.

Volunteer on Friday mornings with the Island Fish Pond Restoration project. A naturalist will talk about the coastal area and its history, birds, and some of the last sand dunes on Maui. Help maintain a new ocean side trail at Hoaloha’aina on Monday mornings, another great area for bird watching.

Join the Kanaha Beach project on Tuesday mornings, removing invasive species, clearing marine debris, and planting native species at Kanaha Park, with time for a swim.

If the ongoing group projects do not fit your schedule, you can pick up a kit and plan your own activities. The Beach Clean-up kit includes directions to a local beach, rubber gloves, trash bags, and instructions on how to dispose of litter. This is a great activity for families with children who can learn to give back to the places they visit. The most phenomenal bonus is sitting on the shore watching the whales go by, or enjoying a trip out on a whale watching boat. My bags are packed. What about yours?

More information: Protect the Environment, Maui, HI: Pacific Whale Foundation (300 Maalaea Rd., Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793; 1-800-WHALE-11; 808-249-8811; fax 808-243-9021; www.pacificwhale.org).

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Sheryl Kayne has two new travel books out in the stores and available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble: VOLUNTEER VACATIONS ACROSS AMERICA and IMMERSION TRAVEL USA. Drop her a note to Sheryl@immersiontraveler.com if you’d like autographed stickers for your books!

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