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 | Last week I mentioned Thailand as a great destination for families: an exotic locale where travel logistics are oh-so-easy. This week highlights a terrific volunteer vacation idea near Thailand's historical city, Chiang Mai. Many families want to make a contribution while on a getaway together, yet some "volunteer vacations" have troubling issues. So it's great to find a place where it's all good... | |
Volunteer for a Week at Elephant Nature Park
 Visitors here have wonderful opportunities to get up-close and personal with these amazing animals, most of whom have been rescued after years in logging or the tourist trade. Some, happily, have been born at the Park never been put to work; visitors can feel good about supporting an alternative to the usual "elephant tourism". The Park has a lovely setting, food is delicious, volunteers have daily tasks such as preparing elephant food or gathering up poo (actually pretty fun, and not gross) and also have plenty of time for relaxing. Plus there's a bonus for dog-lovers: Elephant Nature Park has 200 happy dogs -- rescued from the Bangkok flood-- who love visitors. Families can also visit the Park on day-trips from Chiang Mai, or on multi-night trips.
| Eight Great Ideas for Family Trips in France
Here's another great travel destination that's trans-oceanic for most of us, but this one's across the Atlantic instead of the Pacific. There are so many ways that families can have a wonderful trip in France. Explore free sightseeing in Paris; take a side-trip to Disneyland Paris; try out some vacation ideas that are popular with French families; stay at an all-inclusive Club Med; or try a charming and budget-friendly hostel with family rooms...
| Travel Like A Local: Use the Subway
For travelers, taking advantage of local transportation-- such as a subway or skytrain-- can save both money and time: in some cities, jumping into a taxi might just get you stuck in a traffic jam. Yet often, travelers feel hesitant about trying out a subway or skytrain. So I was happy to find "Travel Like a Local" tips, posted by the American Public Transportation Association, to encourage visitors to use local transport in Boston, Chicago, DC, New York City, Seattle and San Francisco.
| Happy Trails...
On a final note: this will be the last Family Vacation newsletter from yours truly; after sixteen years, my role as your Guide for Family Vacations at About.com will end this month. All those years ago, About.com got its start as The Mining Company; the Family Vacations topic got its start as Travel With Kids; and my own traveling kids were 3, 6, and 8 years old. A lot has changed since then-- not least, the incredible evolution of travel planning on the internet. This has been a great gig, enriched with many wonderful memories of family trips. It's been a great pleasure to offer tips and ideas to millions of visitors at the website, and I hope that all of you dedicated family travelers who read this newsletter will give a warm welcome to the Guide who'll cover this topic in future months.
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