Extended Stay America

Giving While Traveling

Giving While Traveling

After years of traveling and moving around the globe every now and then, I can’t help but ask if there is anything new to the how and why of traveling.

Of course, we go out to explore new cities, get a glimpse of their culture and enjoy the whole experience while we’re at it. But, is it possible to have MORE than just this?

I found the answer in my latest trip to Indonesia. I was invited by a good friend of mine. It was a hiking trip to Kota Kinabalu. The hike itself was interesting but what stayed with me was the sense of fulfillment I achieved after spending a day volunteering for a medical mission in one of the villages there.

I did not spend a dime in the mission – in fact, it was more of an accident that I got to participate. All I did was smile as I gave away small medical kits. I received smiles in return and plenty of heartfelt thank yous. The exchange of words between me and the villagers were brief, but the experience of being a recipient of their sincere smiles of gratitude easily puts the excitement of seeing a spectacular view to second best.

Perhaps it’s the fact that somehow, no matter how insignificant, I served a purpose that day. A purpose that is bigger than my own personal gratification.  It gave the trip a deeper sense of meaning, a special kind of significance – which made me realize that there is in fact more to traveling. That is, making the trip instrumental in serving a purpose for the benefit of others while I pursue the joys of traveling. It gives traveling a higher level of importance - a trip to a particular destination is no longer just a trip but a journey with a specific goal to accomplish.

Imagine being able to touch lives while you are traveling. It may not change the world, but it might make a difference in one person’s life. That makes it worth taking, right?

You don’t even have to do anything dramatic or extraordinary. All you need is a spirit of volunteerism and good humor to accomplish the task assigned to you. What you get in return is so much more profound and special – a priceless experience if you ask me.

If you are interested with the idea and would like to incorporate a spirit of volunteerism in your travel plans, coordinate with international organizations and find out if they have any existing projects where you are going.

You just might be given a chance to paint a bright color of hope in a family’s first home, teach an orphan how to ride a bike or inspire a child to love reading. The experience may even lead you to participate in bigger projects or lead you to discover something interesting about your passions and talents. Whichever way it goes, both you and the recipient community benefits in more ways than one.