By Nicole Rosenleaf Ritter
GoNOMAD ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL GUIDE
While the image of island travel usually involves four-star resorts, beach chairs and Ricardo Montalban, it is possible to have a "fantasy" island stay without ever hearing "Ze Plane!" Here’s an eclectic list of vacation and longer-term alternative travel possibilities on some very different islands around the world:
Learning in Cuba
More and more Americans are traveling to Cuba, despite the American-government-imposed barriers to travel there. One of the best programs for thoughtful travel to Cuba is Cross-Cultural Solutions’ Cuba Insight Program. Participants explore cities and towns throughout Cuba and have the opportunity to meet Cubans where they work, study, and live. www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Ecotravel in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands, with their uniquely preserved flora and fauna, are a natural draw for travelers and tourists. However, the popularity of the islands has made degradation of the islands’ precious natural resources almost inevitable. Sensitive travelers will want to consider Galapagos Travel, a tour operator focused on providing insightful, environmentally friendly travel to the islands. www.galapagostravel.com
Research Expeditions in Hawaii
Why not get something more than a tan on your next trip to Hawaii? Earthwatch offers several expeditions in Hawaii, including one to Kihei, one of the most pristine islands of the Hawaiian chain. Team members work one day each at six streams to study the effects of stream diversion on mollusks. Help the environment, learn some basic research techniques, and contribute to the fantastic work that Earthwatch does around the globe. Trip fees are usually tax-deductible. www.earthwatch.org
Build an Artificial Reef
The Reef Ball Coalition has a kind of clunky name but a very intriguing concept. They organize trips to tropically-based island project sights -- currently to Dominica, St. Lucia, the Turks and Caicos -- where travelers can help the coalition make and then place reef balls in areas best suited for artificial reefs. On your vacation, you'll not only have a chance to swim with parrotfish and sea stars, but the opportunity to restore their habitat. www.reefballcoalition.org
Dig in the sand in St. John
The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park encompasses about three-fifths of St. John's Island, protecting its pristine beaches and offering an off-the-beaten-path means of experiencing the Caribbean. Camping facilities and rustic cottages are available at Cinnamon Bay Campground, as is the opportunity to work as a volunteer archaeologist and assist an ongoing excavation of the area's pre-colonial history. www.cinnamonbay.com/index.htm
Steve Outram, a travel photographer and instructor, offers guided photo workshops to Crete that promise to "reach behind the façade" of the island. Outram, who is a resident of Crete, knows both the country and the techniques necessary to help travelers take the photos of a lifetime. www.steveoutram.com
Cultural Studies in the Philippines
The National Meditation Center offers trips to the Philippines that encompass cultural studies, international volunteer programs, and sustainable development training. Participants travel in small-groups and learn about local language and culture on all NMC trips, and a portion of the trip fees is returned to the local community. See the Special Offer for GoNOMAD site visitors in the GoNOMAD NETWORK SPECIAL DEALS. www.nationalmeditation.org
Working for Club Med
Never thought you’d see Club Med on GoNOMAD, did you? While it’s true that Club Med vacations are not exactly typical GoNOMAD travel, working as a GO (gentil orginasateur) for the French company can be. Club Med resorts are located on some of the most beautiful places in the world -- including islands like Bali -- and a six-month stint as a GO will teach you about living and working in an international environment. www.clubmed.com
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