Mexico trips to dirt strips, lots of trips to the coast with approaches near mins. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have minimums, just put it in persective when you see accident reports on T.V. Also, all of our trips have a kids component to them (Lego Land, Whale watching in Mexico, Orca watching in Washington State, Zoos in San Deigo, Aquariums in Long Beach and Monterey). My kids have it pretty good! BTW: Don’t forget to warn them about the teenagers with M16s before landing in Mexico.
Also, as circumstances would have it, the volunteer vacations trips have included unscheduled stops, also known as human endurance diversions. Others may see it differently, but even though I planned 200-250 mile legs (~2.5 on the hobbes), there have been at least three legs where we did not make the airport of intended landing. It was good, for-real diversion practice. It can add in-flight workload, but I think it’s good to actually execute diversions. When the weather is not as planned, it’s always good to be ready to execute a plan to go where the weather is better. Having done it, I can say that the replanning and refilling are no big deal. In other words, I know the consequences of a diversion and would have no issue executing one, no matter how precautionary.
I’ve used a Pur Scout filter <purifier> several times, and it has worked very well. At abot $50 <I think> it’s a great value, since it filters and purifies at the same time. The only drawback is a slight iodine taste, which is probably less noticeable than with tablets. I recommend bringing a little Kool-aid or other powdered mix, it breaks the monotony of plain water, and covers the iodine taste. I’ve used it on volunteer vacations family trips and scout trips, and also have used a plain filter. The filter removes larger things, but if we used the filter only, we also boiled the water for added security
Most of the people interested in some new ideas for field trips for low functioning special education students. Age groups range from 7 – 18. I have successfully done apple orchard/apple picking volunteer vacations trips and guided tours of grocery stores, as well as the more traditional library, play, concert events.
Most highly suggest Sanibel Island for volunteer vacations. It is tropical (similar to Hawaii), and is accessible by a causeway from Fort Myers, FL. The island is connected to another island called Captiva. While there, we go “crabbing” for blue crabs in Ding Darling Nature preserve (where there are egrets, great blue herons, flamingos, spoon bills, horseshoe crabs). Nets are about $5.00 at the local grocery store, and the crabs are so plentiful, they “limit” your catch to 30. (We throw ours back in anyway). There are cruises that leave from Captiva to out islands (reasonable). While you are on them, dolphins swim and play in the wakes of the boat.
Medicare will kick in but I understand it does not cover any out-of-country expenses should medical care be required. From their past experience, can someone tell me the best way to ensure medical coverage during this time period (July/Sept). Volunteer vacations travels may also involve Ostpreussen (Poland) genealogy trip. The German automobile club ADAC offers special and affordable insurance packages for visitors to Germany.
Depending on your group, you could get a camping permit ahead of time (mail or online depending on the location) for a few days or 2 weeks ~$10 a day. The weather is beautiful so that’s not usually a concern. You will sleep on the beach and if you find something to rent great. We rented a car to get around and camped at various locations on 4 islands for 3 weeks and had a beautiful volunteer vacations.
This summer we went to Chattanooga as a part of our volunteer vacations. After spending the night in Chattanooga, we set three goals for the day: collect some Tennessee counties that neither of us have been to, go up and see Lookout Mountain, and drive up and hike around Cumberland Gap. Unfortunately, the weather in Chattanooga that morning comprised of low clouds, mist, and occasional showers, so we had to pull the plug on Lookout Mountain.
Hawaii is beautiful! If you can spend some $$$ on hotels – if you go to Maui, stay at the Westin on Kaanapali Beach. My DH and I were married there — it is very beautiful. Another wonderful hotel on Maui is the Grand Wailea — it is on the other side of the island, a little less commercial. We have not stayed there – but have seen it and it is just glorious. I have also stayed at the Hyatt in Kaanapali Beach in Maui which is nice, but the Westin is nicer. Maui has some great sites, but it is a little more commercial than I expected. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE it there and plan to go back.
