What makes PLAY it Forward different?
I spend a lot of time on the internet looking at travel sites and researching companies. Many companies have similar offerings but with all these companies adventuring around the globe, how does one choose who to go with?
All this research really makes me appreciate the factors that set PLAY it Forward apart.
Differentiators:
ALL-ENCOMPASSING. There are outdoor adventures and there are volunteer vacations, but the combination is what makes PLAY it Forward trips spectacular! It’s this combination that gives it that special feeling, the thing that takes it from an “average” experience to an “exceptional” one.
True, there are other companies out there that mimic this concept, but the mission and values of PIF are unlike any other. Three key words, explore-volunteer-connect, summarize every PLAY it Forward experience and describe exactly what you can expect as a PIF traveler (otherwise known as a Sojourner).
After all, if you’re going to take a meaningful PLAY-cation once each year, why not make it an all-encompassing experience where you can explore the landscape, give back to the locals and connect with like-minded people, locals and yourself?
AWARENESS. Improving quality of life is more than just “spending time” or donating money to a cause you believe in. Making a financial contribution to a charity is a wonderful gesture, but PIF takes it one step further by allowing you to see where your money goes through hands-on volunteering.
With studies showing that serving others increases a person’s overall well-being and happiness, why not add this component to your adventure PLAY-cations abroad? When you’re able to connect with a stranger in another part of the world, it gives your experience more meaning and your memories longevity…. not to mention the change in perspective you get from seeing how others live out in the world.
“Improving quality of life” also goes beyond the people we aim to aid in other countries. PLAY it Forward aims to improve the quality of life of their travelers. Our hope is that people return a little more evolved and self aware than they were before they left.
REAL ADVENTURE. On a PLAY it Forward adventure you’re not just exploring the country from the backseat of a motorized vehicle or taking a city walking tour, PIF actually immerses you in a country’s landscape.
Imagine yourself cruising on your bike down a Guatemalan road, paddling a canoe through Amazonian waters, or rappelling down 100’ waterfalls in the Rain Forest of Costa Rica. Sound like fun? PLAY it Forward offers “real” exciting adventures for the adventurous at heart. (Couch potatoes need not apply.)
SAFETY. If this all sounds somewhat dangerous then let me reassure you of our motto, Safety First. With all our Tour Leaders being Wilderness First Responders and our local guides highly trained and qualified, PLAY it Forward is prepared to handle whatever situation may arise to keep you safe and excited while exploring the back country.
ECO FRIENDLY. PLAY it Forward believes in giving back to the local economy. Locally owned and operated hotels and restaurants are sought out in every destination. Transportation on foot, by bike or boat is preferred whenever possible. Even the office administration stays green by doing most business on-line and printing double-sided copies to minimize waste!
There are tons of companies out there, but for me these are the reasons I have chosen PLAY it Forward. Through all my research and my own experience, I see what sets this unique organization above the rest. Choosing PLAY it Forward means shaking the “tourist” stigma and becoming a Sojourner. Stepping off the beaten path, exploring a country for the true adventure and culture it has to offer, and going further by giving back, firsthand, in the places you play.
Nikki Williams
3-time PIF Sojourner
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