Sustainable Travel

Hoping to redefine the terms “philanthropic travel” and “sustainable tourism,” luxury safari operator, Micato Safaris, is pleased to announce an unprecedented new initiative, One for One. Simply put, for every safari that is booked, Micato will ensure that an African child receives an education. Almost 50 percent of all children living in the Mukuru slum near Nairobi currently do not attend school – that equates to an estimated 100,000 children, ages 6-13. Thus, the potential to invoke change is tremendous.

Long a leader when it comes to giving back to the African community, Micato’s nonprofit arm, AmericaShare, has been working to improve the lives of Mukuru’s residents for over 20 years. In 2007, Micato Safaris and AmericaShare opened Harambee Centre, a community center in the heart of Mukuru that serves as headquarters for many life-changing programs. And for many years, the School Sponsorship Programme has placed Mukuru’s orphans in reputable boarding schools.

Inspired by Tom’s Shoes and its One for One model, which provides a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased, the folks at Micato are committing themselves even further to providing an education to children who would otherwise go without.

“While primary education is fundamentally free in Kenya, the reality is that there are myriad mandatory fees involved, from buying the child’s desk to paying for term exams and wood for the cooking fire, as well as miscellaneous purchases, such as school books, uniforms, writing supplies and notebooks,” states Dennis Pinto, Managing Director, Micato Safaris. “This is simply much more than families living in extreme poverty could ever hope to afford. We realized that we could make a huge impact by covering these costs, thereby changing the trajectory of these children’s lives forever.”

A journey to Africa with Micato Safaris has always enabled guests to encounter magnificent wildlife, charming people, and breathtaking landscapes, but now the trip will truly be life-changing – and not just for the travelers.

For more information about Micato Safaris, call 1-800-MICATO-1 or visit www.micato.com.

For more information about AmericaShare, call 212-545-7125 or visit www.AmericaShare.org.

Posted by BrianM at 2:24 PM | Permalink

By Ben Abramson, USA TODAY

Travelers in search of umbrella drinks on warm beaches have plenty of appealing options across the USA. For those looking for a different type of trip, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has just released its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, highlighting "cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination."

With an emphasis on places that combine vibrant street life and a well-preserved past, this year's list is more than just charming small towns with gallery-strewn streets – though there are plenty of those. St. Louis is singled out for its historic neighborhoods, and Huntsville, Ala., for its combination of southern tradition and thriving aerospace industry.

David Brown, executive vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, says the list is targeted to travelers seeking an authentic American experience: "Instead of traveling to Disneyland to see Main Street, USA, they can travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to see the real thing that was the model for Disneyland."

The list also provides great fodder for budget travelers. While some of the sites like Provincetown, Mass., and Rockland, Maine, are prime vacation destinations, visitors are likely to find relative bargains in towns like Cedar Falls, Iowa and Bastrop, Texas. "Because many of these communities are off the beaten track, visitors can (go) without busting the family budget," says Brown.

This year, for the first time, the National Trust will allow travelers to choose their favorite. Have a look at the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list below and then go to PreservationNation.org/ddd to cast your vote.

Cedar Falls, Iowa. The list extols this Midwestern city for the way it "delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings" and recommends kayaking on the Cedar River and shopping on its "acclaimed Main Street."

St. Louis, Mo. The Mississippi River city sports "historic brick buildings that line cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the 'Gateway to the West.'"

Marquette, Mich. This far-northern city "offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown," and has earned accolades for its assortment of art galleries.

Fort Collins, Colo. In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins' Old Town Square "so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for 'Main Street, USA' at Disneyland."

Provincetown, Mass. This popular Cape Cod resort town "positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches." It also played an important role in U.S. history as the site where the Mayflower Compact was signed in 1620.

Simsbury, Conn. The list calls Simsbury a "quintessential small town" with "top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream."

Rockland, Maine. A renowned Mid-Coast Maine gallery town, "Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums."

Chestnut Hill, Pa. This Philadelphia neighborhood offers "a unique combination of colonial and modern history" and "features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park."

Huntsville, Ala. With "the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become "America's Space Capital."

The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, Va. Part of the hot travel trend of linking thematically related historic sites, "The Crooked Road celebrates the region's rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture."

Bastrop, Tex. Due east of Austin, "Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River."

Sitka, Alaska. A popular cruise port of call, Sitka offers "diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore."

Posted by BrianM at 11:11 AM | Permalink