It makes me feel good to help people, whether that help involves holding a door open or spending an afternoon with a special needs group. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about a particular opportunity that you can be a part of and the history of how it came into my life.
I took my first press trip in 2002. On that trip, I met this awesome lady who is a mom and a travel writer – Nancy Schretter. She was on assignment for her site, FamilyTravelNetwork.com and was traveling with her daughter. I was at the start of my journey of being a travel writer after launching my first travel website. Nancy was the nicest, kindest soul and offered loads of advice on being a mom and a travel writer.
Nancy epitomizes the word “friend”. A friend is someone with whom, no matter how long it has been since you’ve spoken or met, your relationship continues right where it left off. It doesn’t make a difference with the mistakes you’ve made along the path of life, as there is no judgment, no jealousy, nor greed. Nancy and I have met through the years in various spots all over the world. They weren’t planned. They just happened. And each time the conversation continued where it left off.
We traveled together in Brazil, and one of the adventures from that trip landed in one of my books. That story involved a few horses, a visit to a hospital where English wasn’t spoken, and a cast on Nancy’s arm! The next meeting was many years later in Florida. I was so excited this past February when Nancy and I crossed paths during Disney’s Resort Showcase. After meeting her daughter a few times, I finally had the opportunity to introduce my own daughter to Nancy.
Nancy is the kindest, most giving person I’ve ever met. This past May, I found myself at National Harbor and called Nancy, who lived near there. She and her husband met me for lunch and she approached me with an idea that had been something I’ve always wanted to do but just didn’t know how to do it. It came at a time in my life where I really needed something positive.
So what is this awesome opportunity and what does it have to do with you? It is a chance to take a vacation and use some of your time to help children in need. It is a chance to do more than just make a monetary donation. You can volunteer as much or as little as you are comfortable with. Nancy has put together an awesome itinerary with Norwegian Cruise Lines and local charitable organizations at the various ports.
This Christmas, instead of purchasing that expensive piece of jewelry, give yourself a gift that not only is good for you, but will help put a smile on the faces of hundreds of children. You’ll get a vacation, assist school children in getting a better education, and you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime.
Nancy and I invite you to join us January 3-10, 2010 on a cruise out of New Orleans with NCL. You can email The Trip Chicks (or call them at 770-454-7205 or 404-320-3033) to book or get in touch with your favorite travel agent. The full details with itinerary and how you can participate is at the Together for Good website. This is the first of many events of this kind we’ll be hosting throughout the year with individuals, companies, and possibly a celebrity or two. (Even Celebs want you to participate!)
Join us and get more than just a cruise!
Help us spread the word through social media. Here’s a quick note you can tweet: Join the #NCLTweetup4Good Jan 3-10 w/ @kidtravel @cajun_mama & @NCLFreestyle http://bit.ly/2f6SIx
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Just so you know, I think you’re one of the kindest, most giving people I’ve ever met!
Barbara @ Hole In The Donut Travels´s last blog ..I Won! I Won! I’m Going To Miami!