Philadelphia, PA - Context, the network of scholars who design and lead critically-acclaimed walking tours of major world cities, has partnered with St. HOPE to offer a one-of-a-kind travel fellowship aimed at youth achievers from economically-disadvantaged communities.

The Context Travel Fellowship includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations and at least six days of on-site classes, seminars, and workshops with the scholars in the Context network. The Fellowship aims to expose intellectually curious students to the history, art, and culture of Europe, and use the power of travel to broaden the horizons of promising youth who may not, for economic reasons, have the opportunity to travel abroad.

“Although there’s much talk about the ill effects of travel on the environment, indigenous people, and fragile economies, travel is still one of the most transformative experiences anyone can have—especially a young, intellectually curious, and creative person who is open to its possibilities,” says Context founder Paul Bennett. “This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to broaden the reach of travel and make a difference in a young person’s perception and understanding of the world at large. It’s a new way of thinking about sustainable travel—travel that sustains society.” (more…)

As we mentioned previously, we headed for the Adventures in Travel Expo several days ago, and were pleased to see how many companies and destinations are thinking more about families. Families with older children are being urged to get active together, and those with tots are increasingly being given childcare options so that those more adventurous trips needn’t wait several more years.

Of all the operators we came across, the one that excited us the most was WAC Travel, a luxury adventure company that has designed several breathtaking trips for families. First, their family trips don’t feel like something thrown together just to tie into a trend. All of their trips, family and otherwise, were clearly well thought out, and they’ve already been vetted by the company’s owners and several clients, with the promise of excitement and pampering for all ages traveling.

We also like that their trips cover some vast terrain and climates. Snow bunnies will get a kick out the dog-sledding trip in Vermont, while those with a yen for farther and warmer shores might prefer the Ruins, Rainforest and Reefs package in Honduras.

All of WAC’s itineraries are personalized; they’ve devised a framework for each destination but what you do and don’t include is ultimately up to you. Travel dates are customized too: call today about an itinerary you like and you could be out the door tomorrow. Which reminds us of another thing we love: the prices. No, they’re not cheap, and they are just estimates, but they’re air-inclusive estimates, which gives you a better sense of what your final outlay will be. Drool over their website where a peek at the destinations, accommodations and activities they’ve put together will get you in the mood to start planning your next trip.

The Cultural Explorer, a tour operator specializing in culturally authentic and philanthropic trips throughout South Africa, has created a unique Mothers & Daughters - African Adventure tour that focuses on women’s experiences and triumphs. This special itinerary, with stays promised at boutique properties and luxury coastal hotels similar to those pictured above, includes visits with South African women like a traditional healer and entrepreneurs who are working to make a difference in their communities, and offers travelers the opportunity to work with several organizations themselves. (more…)