“My Village, My Lobster” documentary film project about Nicaragua, official trailer release!

August 18th, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

Independent filmmakers Brad Allgood and Joshua Wolff have been toiling to bring the story of Nicaragua’s lobster fishermen to international viewers for years. They have just released a hard-hitting movie trailer (which you should watch if you have any interest in Nicaragua — or where that lobster tail on your plate came from) and they have started a Kickstarter to complete the final production. Please consider helping them, so they can spread this story about the fishermen of Puerto Cabezas.

I talked with Brad (who is a fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Nicaragua) about the project. (more…)

Volunteer Opportunity! Alternative Breaks in Nicaragua and Mexico

April 21st, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

One of the best volunteer programs out there: American Jewish World Service. I used to lead spring break trips for them. They write: “Attention 18 to 25-year-olds: Want to have a transformative travel experience to learn about social change in the developing world? Apply for AJWS’s May Alternative Break programs in Nicaragua and Mexico! Applications accepted on a rolling basis.” http://bit.ly/h1JKWh ”

5 Ways to Give Back during Your Travels, article on Gadling.com

January 12th, 2011 | By Joshua | 1 Comment »

“Under ideal circumstances,” reports Laurel Miller, voluntourism is “a sustainable, experiential way to see the world and give back at the same time.” Amen to that. Miller breaks down the ways you can help out in her article:

Five easy ways be a philanthropic traveler

Miller offers excellent advice for being “a philanthropic traveler regardless of your income, physical ability, educational background, or destination,” and her article has some interesting side links. Enjoy.

Easy way to make a difference: Buy a water filter, save a Nicaragua family from disease

December 7th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

ERSLA is ramping up their water filter campaign again for 2010 in northern Nicaragua. They need your help:

Give a gift that could save a life. (more…)

Colonial homes walking tours of Granada, Nicaragua, proceeds go to library and school projects

July 20th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

A friend asked me to share this, sounds like an excellent opportunity for anyone visiting or living in Granada, one of the most beautiful cities in the world (and the oldest on the North American continent!):

Enjoy a morning walking tour of some of Granada’s most beautiful and historical colonial homes. Learn about the history and the Spanish colonial architecture while viewing  the city’s private homes. Proceeds benefit the children of Nicaragua by providing books, education and other activities through Biblioteca Puedo Leer and Sacuanjoche Kindergarten. (more…)

Power to the People mixes renewable energy, voluntourism, on La Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua

July 18th, 2010 | By Joshua | 1 Comment »

This short film abut a solar energy installation in rural Nicaragua was produced by Brad Allgood, an independent filmmaker, and Jenean Smith, founder of Power to the People, both of whom, I’m proud to say, are fellow Peace Corps Nicaragua brethren (I love hearing about RPCV compas who have found creative ways to stay connected to their host countries … but I digress).

The video opens with a wonderful, marimba-filled tribute to Nicaragua, then follows a group of volunteers as they travel to La Isla de Ometepe to assist with a solar panel installation. Beautiful scenery, interesting story, worthy cause. Enjoy.

“Strap ‘em on and hit the road!”—Tranquilo article on adventure vacation with young children

June 22nd, 2010 | By Joshua | 3 Comments »

My family and I make an appearance in this article about voluntourism and family travel. It was written by Amy Hatch for aol.com’s parenting website:

Not Your Ordinary Summer: Taking A Family Adventure Vacation

I’m quoted about what age is appropriate to take a child abroad (I aimed low), but I especially like this line by Richard Webb, co-founder of ProWorld: “No matter what kind of adventure travel experience you decide on, the effect it has on your family will be immeasurable. There is so much learning that we get when we expose ourselves to others.” READ THE ARTICLE->

Volunteer opportunity in Belize: animal lover and vet wanted on Caye Caulker

June 13th, 2010 | By Joshua | 2 Comments »

This just in from the Voluntary Traveler: “PAW (Protect Animal Welfare) Cat Sanctuary and Humane Society on Caye Caulker … needs a long-term volunteer and a long-term veterinary volunteer. Stay three months helping the sanctuary and your beach-side accommodations plus a continental breakfast are provided for the duration of your stay.” MORE about the position and how to apply –>

P.S. I took this Belizean kitty photo in Placencia (not Caye Caulker), at the Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro

New guide lists 700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die

May 29th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

Are you deciding where to go next? Voluntourism guru Nola Lee Kelsey’s collection of alternative travel opportunities, 700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die: A Traveler’s Guide (Dog’s Eye View Media, 2010), is a remarkable resource for travelers looking for a different kind of trip. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a complete, detail-filled listing which spans the entire globe. The book includes 11 opportunities in Nicaragua and 5 in Belize, and of course, hundreds of others around the world (there are actually 758 listings).

700 Places to Volunteer Before You Die also features an introduction with advice by “industry experts,” including yours truly (Kelsey’s interview with the Tranquilo Traveler begins on pp. 23), making it even easier to recommend. My only criticism of the book is that its organization is a bit tricky, especially since there is no index. But it’s still fun to browse the pages, looking for your next trip to pop out at you.
Check out Nola Lee Kelsey’s blog and podcast to learn more about volunteering abroad.

Your Mom. This Mothers’ Day, honor her with a small (or large) donation for education in Nicaragua

May 5th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

Does your mother really need another doily? Here’s a different way to honor her: support the mothers of Empowerment International, who live in outlying barrios of Granada, Nicaragua:

“We’re seeing an increasing trend of mothers involved and engaged in supporting their children’s school work, and they’re proud of what their children have achieved. This is a real measure of the success of the EI program—only a few years ago it was difficult to convince the families that their kids attending school was worth the lost income from them not being able to work in the streets.”

Watch the slide show and honor your mother here.