What do the H1N1 virus and PLAY it Forward have in common?

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

They’re both contagious! If you’ve enjoyed your experience as a Sojourner, you can carry on the PLAY it Forward legacy.

After having gone on a PIF Adventure, my travel mindset has been forever changed.  I wanted to try to incorporate the elements of adventure and a local connection (whether through service or local businesses) in any trip I take.  Recently I planned a trip to Denver, Colorado and wanted to experiment with making it like a PIF excursion. It was easier than I anticipated and so I wanted to share some tips so that my fellow sojourners may be encouraged to try their own.
  
TIP 1- A great way to find places to stay and eat is to look for charity or community events and follow up on sponsors. While in Denver there was a “Harvest Week” focused on local agriculture.  They had a full list of restaurants that were providing local farmer produce. Needless to say, the experience was delicious.

Also if there is a particular charity you support, ask your local rep if they have a partner or connection in the place you want to go.

TIP 2 – Be ready to explore.  Sometimes the greatest places aren’t easily found on the internet or in the phonebook. Taking time to get oriented in Denver, we stumbled across a local eatery.  It turned out to be an awesome place serving local food (except the coffee which was from GUATEMALA!). They gave back to their community in their profits and through a worker rehab program.  The place is called SNOOZE.  Please stop by if you are ever in the Denver area.

TIP 3 – Ask the locals.  If you find a local place to stay, ask the owner about places to go and see.  The people who live in area typically have had the time to explore and know the places to see and the hidden gems. 

Hopefully these little tips will help get you on your way. If you have a great trip, please share and we can keep the FORWARD part going.

Nathan Worrell
PIF Sojourner, Guatemala October 2008

Tags: Adventure travel, Outdoor Adventure, PLAY it Forward, Volunteer Vacation, voluntourism
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