New Orleans Vacationers Help with Katrina and Oil Spill Recovery
Hands up Holidays brings needed tourists and volunteers to region
London, England – June 29, 2010 - Travelers can refurbish housing damaged by Hurricane Katrina, sort food donations for Gulf Coast communities, or help fisherman affected by the oil spill submit compensation paperwork. Then, give again as you experience the region’s incomparable hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations with a trip through Hands Up Vacations.
“We’re looking at the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and there is still so much redevelopment work to be done. Add the new Gulf oil spill to that, and you have a region still in desperate need of not only volunteers but tourists too,” says Christopher Hill, founder of Hands up Holidays.
It’s that tourism element where Hands up Holidays differs from many other “voluntourism” providers on the market. Trips include private guide services and time off to view local sights. Guests can even opt for luxury hotel accommodations.
“Our aim is to provide travelers with an amazing vacation experience, which enables guests to engage in meaningful ways with the local people, enjoy the sights, and have a fulfilling and enriching taste of volunteering.” Hill said. “We are delighted to find many of our guests become inspired to be long term donors and advocates for the communities they give back to as a result of their volunteering experience.”
The U.K.-based travel company offers guided volunteer vacations all over the world. This New Orleans experience is Hands up Holidays first trip in the United States.
New Orleans trips are customizable, with pick-your-own dates and experience options that can be adapted to meet vacationer’s exact requirements. One suggested itinerary—Building the Big Easy—includes luxury accommodations at per person rates of US $2,980 for eight days. Air transportation not included.
Another more mid-range option is the Stemming the Spill trip at US $1,490 per person for seven days. Volunteer days may include constructing containment booms, helping residents (such as fisherman who lost their income in the fishing ban) complete compensation paperwork, or packing food donations for affected communities.
Guests for both trips will enjoy guided tours of the French Quarter and Garden District plus free time to explore area plantations or Cajun country and the swamps, while still open to the public.
“Our guests want to really experience their destinations. That means time for traditional touring, but also hands-on volunteering that allows you to really get to know an area and its people,” says Hill. “We use the best available accommodation in terms of quality, as well as environmental and social responsibility, so our guests can travel with a conscience.”
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Hands up Holidays (www.handsupholidays.com) launched in 2006 offers a selection of trips to 36 destinations worldwide, blending travel with meaningful “voluntourism” experiences. In the US, call 201-984-5372.
Itineraries are suitable for anyone who has a sense of adventure and community spirit including singles, students, and honeymooners who want more than a ‘flop and drop’ holiday. Luxury lovers and companies seeking team building experiences are also catered for.
All carbon emissions from flights are offset through a partnership with Climate Stewards. Hands up Holidays also gives at least 10% of profits back to project partners for further community development.
Hands up Holidays is a founding member of the Ethical Tour Operators Group (part of Tourism Concern) and an affiliate member of Green Globe (an environmental standards organization).
Contact:
Lisa Lazarczyk
laz pr
lisa@lazpr.com
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