Families Making a Global Impact
Have you ever dreamed of taking your family on a vacation that not only offers adventure and cultural immersion but also leaves a lasting positive impact on a community? Welcome to the world of humanitarian travel, where families making a global impact is a rising trend. Families like yours are trading in traditional vacations for experiences that are truly life-changing. In this article, we’ll explore the journeys of three inspiring families who have made significant global impacts through their travels. By the end, you’ll see how your next family vacation can be more than just a trip — it can be a meaningful contribution to the world.
The Rise of Humanitarian Travel for Families
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how families are choosing to spend their vacations. Gone are the days when lounging by the pool for a week was the pinnacle
of holiday bliss. Today, many are becoming families making a global impact by seeking more purpose-driven travel experiences. This trend, known as humanitarian vacations, combines adventure with altruism, offering families a chance to explore new cultures while making a tangible difference.
The benefits of humanitarian vacations are profound. For children, it’s an unparalleled educational experience that fosters empathy, resilience, and global awareness. For parents, it’s a fulfilling way to bond with their kids while contributing to a greater cause. Plus, the impact on the communities served can be transformative, often providing critical resources and support.
Profiles of 3 Inspiring Families
1. The Peterson Family: Clean Water Initiatives in the Dominican Republic
Meet the Petersons, a family of five from Utah. Three summers ago, instead of heading to a theme park or a beach resort, they went with us, Legacy Tours, to the Dominican Republic. Offering five service projects over the course of the week, the Petersons were enamored with the value of service in this community. The mission to impact took them to the small village of Mocha in the Dominican Republic. Here, they were introduced to the local non-profit organization of “Wine to Water.”
Wine to Water has a mission to make and bring water filters to local families in the DR, providing them with clean drinking water in their own homes, as well as teaching good
water hygiene practices. Uniquely, Wine to Water makes water filters out of clay. Using a concoction of silver and other cleansing materials in the clay, this interesting filter is both durable and affordable to make.
The Peterson’s efforts didn’t just provide immediate relief; they empowered the community with the knowledge to maintain and improve their water systems, fostering long-term sustainability.
2. The Johnson Family: Educational Support in Guatemala
The Johnsons, from Texas, decided to spend their family vacation in Guatemala, working with local schools to enhance educational resources. Partnering with a local NGO, they brought books, school supplies, and their own teaching expertise to rural schools that desperately needed support.
Sarah Johnson shares, “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they received new books was priceless. My husband and I taught English and math, while our teenage daughter, Anna, helped with art classes. It was incredible to see her connect with the kids through creativity.”
Their efforts not only improved literacy rates but also provided much-needed encouragement and resources to the local teachers, ensuring a lasting impact on the students’ educational journeys.
3. The Becker Family: Building Houses in Mexico
John and Alissa Becker have always been service oriented people, but they took their service to the next level by becoming one of many families making a global impact on their journey to Mexico. There, they spent a few weeks with their children laying concrete foundations, and building houses for those in a small community in Mexico.
Since then, their journey of service has taken them to live in the Dominican Republic for the last four years. There, they offer service throughout their new community, whenever possible. Taking their vacation days to a whole new level.
Through their efforts in teaching their family about service, they have shaped their lifestyle
into one of compassion and altruism, looking out for the community around them, and planting themselves where they know they are needed.
How to Plan Your Humanitarian Family Vacation
Planning a humanitarian vacation might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. Start by choosing a destination and project that aligns with your family’s interests, skills, and values. Organizations like “Wine to Water” and local NGOs in Guatemala and Mexico often have family-friendly projects.
Research is key — ensure you partner with reputable organizations that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. Prepare for your trip by considering logistics like travel, accommodations, health precautions, and cultural sensitivity. Involving your children in the planning process can also make the experience more meaningful for them.
Families Making a Global Impact: Making the Most of Your Experience
To truly immerse yourselves, engage with the local community beyond the project work. Participate in cultural activities, learn a few phrases in the local language, and be open to new experiences. Reflect on your journey together, discussing what you’ve learned and how you’ve impacted the community. Continuing your support from home, whether through donations or raising awareness, can extend your impact.
Legacy Tours: Humanitarian Vacation
At Legacy Tours, we understand wanting to find a reputable organization to guide you through humanitarian work. We also understand that with different members in your family, come different skills or preferences for project types. With our humanitarian vacation, we offer a total of five service projects, spread throughout the week you are there. Each project is meaningful and impactful to various groups, and in different ways.
Like the Petersons, join Wine to Water in their mission to help educate and provide the Dominican people with clean and filtered water. The Johnsons found their calling in teaching to the children of Guatemala, get a taste for it in the Dominican Republic. Help teach English to children, teenagers, and adults alike! All trying to better their opportunities and reach by learning a difficult language. And the Beckers found their love for service through building homes in Mexico, putting all their sweat and energy into selfless creation for others. Experience the same thing on a smaller scale, by turning a dirt floor home, into a home with a fresh concrete floor to aid in illness prevention.
Other service opportunities include: Working at a women’s cooperative chocolate factory and making recycled paper, and then crafting jewelry out of the finished product. Plus, adventure activities for the whole family, as well as beach-front resort accommodations for a chance to experience the beautiful island life.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us for more information and assistance in organizing a humanitarian vacation that suits your family. Go with a tour group, or customize your own experience! Take the first step towards an unforgettable journey that blends adventure with helping others. Your next family vacation could be a transformative experience for both your family and the community you serve. Become one of the families making a global impact, today!
