{"id":30673,"date":"2019-03-11T15:55:08","date_gmt":"2019-03-11T15:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=30673"},"modified":"2019-03-11T15:55:08","modified_gmt":"2019-03-11T15:55:08","slug":"travel-for-good-tips-for-empty-nesters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/travel-for-good-tips-for-empty-nesters\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel for Good: Tips for Empty Nesters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your nest may be empty, but your heart is full. After the kiddos move out is the perfect time to plan a meaningful vacation<\/a> to bring some goodness into this world, as well as some relaxation and adventure into your world. Follow these tips from our fellow Travelocity Gnomad Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Travel for Good 101<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some people call it \u201cvoluntourism,\u201d but I like to think of it as \u201ctraveling for good.\u201d And it\u2019s a huge trend among Baby Boomers. One of the most prominent traits of Boomers is a deep desire for growth and learning. In addition to a hungry mind and adventurous spirit, some empty-nesters have more time (after retiring and the kids leaving home). Many others may have extra money. Put it all together, and you\u2019ve got the recipe for a vacation with purpose<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Baby Boomers love to travel \u2014 as in 99 percent of them told AARP they were planning on traveling in 2016. That\u2019s pretty much everyone.  <\/span><\/p>\n

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Noahs Ark Volunteers – Photo by Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Most of those travelers want to contribute something meaningful to society as they leave the traditional workforce, according to Discover Corps. One great place to volunteer is Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary<\/a> near Atlanta, GA. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here to Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Not sure where to go or how to make it all happen? Travelocity offers a unique Travel for Good program that aims to inspire travelers on different ways they can give back, whether big or small. Visit <\/span>Travelocity.com\/TravelForGood<\/span><\/a> and look at the map; you\u2019ll find all kinds of destinations and charities that need help, such as a food bank in Florida or Green Light Orleans, a nonprofit that helps sustainability rebuild New Orleans and fight climate change. Here, volunteers can help install energy-efficient light bulbs, help build backyard gardens and more. Travelocity makes it easy to take action by then linking to the information you need to book your trip to the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Baby Boomers Recycling – Photos by Ava Roxanne Stritt of Spa Travel Gal <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Baby Boomers Give Back<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most popular international destinations for Baby Boomers is the Caribbean, according to Discover Corps. You can start your day there by helping locals in needy communities in the Dominican Republic ridding the ocean of debris, and then unwind by the beach with a cocktail by night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ocean Cleanse – Photo by Ava Roxanne Stritt<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The \u201ctravel for good\u201d concept also appeals to Baby Boomers because many of these trips are family-friendly<\/a>, and Boomers love traveling with their crew, studies show. While not all major tours can cater to various group sizes and the needs related to traveling with extended family or friends, it\u2019s less likely you\u2019re going to find a nonprofit that turns away all the help. It can bring people closer together to solve problems and spread hope together, and it can set a good example for the younger generation, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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JJ Yosh Volunteering with Life Straw for Clean Water<\/p><\/div>\n

All Travel Can Be Good<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ultimately, any vacation can be mindful and meaningful<\/a>. You can often find local nonprofits that welcome volunteers, and you can set it up on your own. Or even if you don\u2019t participate in an organized volunteer effort, every traveler can make gestures toward leaving the world a better place<\/a>, such as minimizing your travel footprint with reusable or recyclable products, supporting locals when possible and even just picking up trash wherever you go. <\/span><\/p>\n

I always think you can give back on any trip<\/a>. Travel just widens the net for you to make a positive impact on more lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

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JJ Yosh Volunteering with Soda Stream Against Plastic<\/p><\/div>\n

Get Inspired<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Want more inspiration? Follow these leaders on Instagram for great ways to turn your travel into something positive: <\/span><\/p>\n