Diversity is known to all of us in different ways, depending on our experiences and what we remember from those experiences.  Some of us may claim we have experienced prejudices and discrimination.  Some of us may know of stories where we felt belittled and insignificant because we did not fit in the group or culture we entered.  Some of us are oblivious to any of these experiences, so we wonder what others are relaying.

There was a time when our differences were relegated to the color of our skin, what cultural heritage supports us, to which ethnic group do we belong, what racial affinity do we acknowledge, our sexual orientation, religious backgrounds, age and claimed disabilities. Affirmative Action, equal employment opportunity, and military equal opportunity ensured we are in compliance with the law in these matters.

Nowadays, we allow further segregation by including family structures of blendedness and birth orders, career choices and social economic breakdowns, educational attainment and diversified connections, neighborhood demographics and political loyalties.  One step further takes us to the various levels of consciousness.  We divide ourselves whether we are five-sensory or six-sensory beings.  We split ourselves considering the acknowledgment of the presence of God.  We often ask ourselves if God does exist, in what form and gender?  Even within a cultural aspect, we stratify the many hubs within that cultural framework.  We break it down further by coming up with several sub-categories.  The loop becomes endless as it is within our nature to breakdown and analyze our surroundings.

So when it comes to interacting with one another, it truly is not difficult to find what we seek.  If we seek differences, we are able to discern then quickly.  If we seek similarities, we equally become adept at locating these traits and qualities.  If we look for what is missing, we will see it.  If we search for what is working well, we are also able to spot them instantaneously.

Our history is filled with trails of heart-wrenching stories of people who dared to have their differences be known. Some received tireless encouragements from mentors, coaches and teachers who saw potential beyond accepted norms and dared to light up the fire of greatness.  Time and time again, history records triumphs and victories over adversities and challenges, illustrating to others that the power of our greatness lie not only in our differences, but also in our uniqueness.

The camps featured here are a few of the many camps designed for children and adults to learn to appreciate one another, to accentuate their own specific uniqueness, and to learn to esteem themselves in the lightest form possible.  These camps seek volunteers, paid and unpaid, who love children and wish to impart this love through experiential learning.

How are you making a difference in the life of a child?

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE

World travel is our classroom in motion, with our life experiences as curriculum and the people we meet as resources to learn the lessons of the day. Once in a while we come in contact with people who become life-long friends. They appear as if by design to accompany us through our journeys to self-discovery.

I found the world a rich playground to play and create, all for the sheer joy of having fun. I also discovered the world to be a sophisticated theater, complete with themed settings and dramatic interplay among actors who are perfectly developed characters in our stories. Along come ideas and concepts to create ways to network with one another just so we could maintain connection to ourselves as we do serve as mirrors for one another.

I found such wonderful networks of like-minded spirits in human forms, aimed in making a difference in the world through shared wisdom and blessings. They are my companions on my journey to spiritual path, offering me encouragement when the fog surrounding me becomes so thick, giving me the illusion I walk alone. On other days I offer light where darkness permeates in the recesses of my companions’ minds until their own light finds radiance once again.

These free membership networks are available for all to share with me, to find friendships in loving circles, to share the beauty and joy of creativity, and to marvel at how delightful it is to connect body, heart, mind and spirit. I am looking forward to meeting you along the way of your inner journeys to your souls. Namaste.

Friends of Holistic Life Designs: A circle of international collaborators making a difference in the world through writing, broadcasting, humanitarian aid & right actions. Please visit www.holisticlifedesigns.ning.com.

World Tours and Cruises: A global network of fun-loving people who love learning about the world through traveling & experiencing diverse cultures on land & at sea.  Please visit www.worldtoursandcruises.ning.com.

Divine Romance: A global network of passionate and romantic people with a shared love for world travels and diverse cultures.  Please visit www.divineromance.ning.com.

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE

Our creativity is only limited by our imagination. The more we experience the world, the wider is our expanse of knowledge to work with in creating new ways of living. The more people we engage from all walks of life and from various parts of the world, the more ideas we encounter to add richness into our lives. When our resources are limited, we draw from our reservoir of experience and connections to make the most of what we have. Even though we may be short on time, money and networks, we could at least have fun and travel the world on a shoe-string budget.

10 Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget

World Tours and Cruises Talk Radio

Here are 5 More Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget:

Tip #1. Visit family and friends who live in the area you wish to explore.

Many of us have family and friends around the world. A few of us keep in touch with many of them, and some of us do not. Perhaps this is a great time to be re-acquainted with people we enjoyed spending time with at some point in our lives. Plan ahead to make sure everyone will be available to have fun creating new memories with you. Moreover, the Internet has made the world a lot smaller, allowing us to have collaborative associations with people in far flung places. Many of us have befriended several associates through the nature of our work and interests. Why not explore meeting them in person? For those who are adventurous, there are home exchange programs and couch surfing programs available as well. Exercise caution and discernment when you get into these programs as they require reciprocal services. Meaning, if you spend time at someone’s home, you are allowing others to spend time in your home. If you sleep on someone’s couch, you are allowing for someone to sleep on your couch as well. For those who would like to have a bit of privacy but not spend much money on hotels, there are youth hostels and pension houses available to you in some parts of the world as well as bed and breakfasts. To further extend your circle of friends, travel with someone who knows someone in the areas you wish to visit.

Tip #2. Host a foreign exchange high school or college student, or professional.

If you cannot leave town or you only have minimal vacation time, how about hosting a foreign exchange high school or college student, or professional in your home? If you wish to host a foreign high school student, you are not required to provide him or her a private room, but he or she must have his or her own bed, share a room with same gender roommate, and the local school allows foreign high school students to attend. For college and professional exchange programs, accommodation requirements differ depending on the organization’s hosting them. These programs are worth looking into since you will be bringing diverse cultures and languages into your home. You will develop friendships across the miles, and you would most likely be invited to visit with them in their countries.

Tip #3. Explore nature and go camping in the wild or at a state campground.

If money is tight and you only have a few days of vacation, why not explore nature. Some of these places are in the mountains, some are near the beach. Go backpacking, hiking, biking and camping in the woods. Some camp and sports gears can be rented or borrowed from family and friends. Explore state owned campgrounds with bathroom facilities, or check out privately owned campgrounds. Not only will you be stretching your vacation money, but also have the chance to breathe fresh air and get back to nature. Make sure you pick up your trash and others’ garbage you find in your campsite as to not invite wild life to come near you. Do not feed the wild animals or leave food out in the open. Exercise fire safety. Pay attention to Park Rangers’ warnings and advice on how to enjoy nature safely.

Tip #4. Take advantage of timeshare presentation offers and gifts.

Timeshare units are condominiums with living and dining rooms which allow for larger families to stay together. Many have full kitchens which allow families to save up on eating out as food costs take a huge portion of vacation budget.  Since many of these units have laundry facilities either in the units themselves or in the building, it would not be necessary to pack too many clothing for the trip. This is especially convenient for families with small children and babies as they tend to soil their garments often. Most timeshare resorts have entertainment programs, fitness centers and activity centers for all ages. Timeshare presentations are usually an hour long and they come with breakfasts or lunches. Attending presentations also come with gifts which could be dinner and/or show tickets for a luau in Hawaii or musical shows on Time Square in New York City, reduced fees to theme parks such as Disneyworld or Universal Studios, $100 worth of tokens in participating casinos in Atlantic City, among others. However, be astute as to how long you are kept in the presentation. Hold the presenters accountable for the time as a few of them will stall the presentation process so that you would have the chance to go through several sales pitches. Be amused as to how these sales pitches are conducted with strategies such as tough sell then soft sell.  It is part of the timeshare sales technique to engage you on how you fit certain criteria, so just be aware of the many closing tactics that will be employed to get you to buy a unit. Have fun with the ping-pong game with the salesperson, but just keep an eye on your time. If you wish to buy a unit, read all the fine print and ask for the time to peruse through. If you signed a contract, know how much time you have to rescind it. Be careful not to be swept away by fast talkers and unproven math logic you are guaranteed to see.

Tip #5. Offer your services to house sit with travel options (have use of vehicles).

A few real estates for sale require the presence of a caretaker while the property is up for sale. The person must be willing to do upkeep of the property such as housekeeping, being available for show at anytime which requires the property to be on a Show Mode all the time. Other owners who may be away for an extended period of time need caretakers to house sit while they are gone, take care of pets, water the plants, pick up packages and junk mail, mow the lawn and sleep in the premises. A few owners allow the use of their vehicles. These opportunities are usually found by word of mouth.

There are more fun ways to travel the world on a shoe-string budget. As there are many cultures in the world and as many minds to come up with ideas, these are just starting points. Have a wonderful time exploring the world for more options and have fun learning along the way.

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE

Travel is still the best way to learn about the world and its people. When you travel with your loved ones, this learning is even more pronounced as you are now operating out of your comfort zones which can be unnerving. Add cultural nuances and language barriers, and you have a recipe for stressful interactions. However, when money is tight your imagination and creative problem solving then become your best allies when you seek fun ways to travel the world on a shoe-string budget.

10 Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget

World Tours and Cruises Talk Radio

Here is a list of 5 Fun Ways to Travel the World on a Shoe-String Budget:

Tip #1. Take advantage of Frequent Travelers or Rewards Programs.

These programs are offered by various cruiselines, airlines, trains, rental cars, casinos, hotels, credit card services among others who have a Rewards Programs for repeat customers or users of their services. Some benefits can run from companion fares reduction or free airplane tickets, points systems with multiple levels of rewards, free accommodations in hotels, onboard credits on cruiselines, free train tickets, free meals and/or rooms at casinos, etc. If you volunteer your seat on airplanes, you could receive travel vouchers for a free airplane ticket or certain amount of money towards a ticket, perhaps an overnight stay at a hotel, and/or voucher for meals at certain restaurants.

Tip #2. Take advantage of vacation packages, group and interline specials.

Vacation packages combining flights, hotels, and/or cars reduce vacation costs. As a bonus, free tickets to obtain souvenirs on destination points may be included. City passes also offer reduced pricing as they not only include unlimited public transportation, but also admissions to famous sights in the city and discount coupons good at specified retailers and restaurants. Employees of interline industries need to watch for periodic specials and discounts applicable to their specified groups. Interline rates are applicable to employees of passenger airlines, cruiselines, Amtrak, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), NACTA (National Air Traffic Controllers), IATA (International Air Transport Association). Ask for discounts if you are in the military, in law enforcement, a firefighter, a paramedic, a teacher or a retiree.

Tip #3. Secure work that involves travel or work assignments at a foreign site.

Some work involves travel or working at a foreign outpost. If you are in the US military service or civil service, be sure to explore your benefits involving space availability or government-sponsored recreational facilities such as Shades of Green in Disneyworld Resorts or the Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Other work involving travel may be as government contractors, teachers of English as a Second Language in a foreign country, a staff member or teacher at semester at sea programs or study abroad programs. A few foreign exchange student programs also have summer programs where they require chaperones for traveling high school students. Enjoy the world where you are standing. Many cultures are within your reach, in your neighborhood, in the arts and literature. Many people come from diverse backgrounds where they offer you semblances of their cultures through their languages, music, dance, cuisine and mannerisms.

Tip #4. Offer your services to teach on a cruise ship or present at a conference.

Other venues to travel for work are short term Instructor/Facilitator positions for Enrichment courses on luxury cruise ships or to be asked as Speaker at a state or national conference. Both would require you to turn in proof of your expertise and a synopsis of what you would be teaching or speaking about, preferably in video format with attached documentation. Another way is to conduct your own seminars or workshops at sea which World Tours and Cruises specializes in helping facilitators take their courses to the sea with partner cruiselines. Since you would be organizing your group, you may qualify for group discounts.

Tip #5. Take advantage of seasonal, off-peak seasons and last minute specials.

Airlines and cruiselines also offer Last Minute and Seasonal Specials. Amtrak and hotel chains offer Weekend Getaways. If you have a timeshare with RCI (Resort Condominium International) or II (Interval International), check out their last minute offers which would allow you to buy a week or days of resort time for less without using your Weeks or Points. See  5 Tips to Book a Cruise Cheaper for ways to cruise any where in the world at minimal costs.

There are many other fun ways to travel the world on a shoe-string budget. But this list would at least get you started. With your own creativity and connections in hand, you will find there are so many innovative and creative ways to explore the world. You only need to explore them and you are on your way to having fun.

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE

Cruising is no longer relegated to the well to do. It is becoming more of a mainstream choice for vacation as people are realizing the value of a cruise when it comes to dollar sense. If you are looking to stretch your hard-earned money and still dream of seeing exotic destinations with pampering to boot, look no further than your nearest online travel agency like World Tours and Cruises. Cruising is not only about roaming an elegant ship the height of a 12-story hotel and nearly 6 football fields in length, but it is also about having your hotel with amenities and entertainment on a floating island.  

The trick to extending your vacation budget is to know how to book a cruise cheaper.

How to Book a Cruise Cheaper

World Tours and Cruises Talk Radio

Here are 5 Great Tips To Booking A Cruise Cheaper:

Tip #1. Book Early. The farther the departure date is from your booking date, the more affordable becomes your cruise fare and the better your cabin choices. Last minute pricing is expensive and the cabin choices are minimal. Make sure you purchase travel insurance just in case your travel plans change. Travel insurance is highly recommended if you are traveling outside the country as your own insurance may not cover you.

Tip #2. Organize a group. Group rates are the best discount rates. Your group could be an affinity group like family gathering for a reunion, a wedding party, fundraising group, interest group, or workshop. If your group reaches 16 people occupying 8 cabins with double occupancy, you as the group leader could negotiate a better rate with your travel agent. The more people you have in your group, the better you can negotiate for a cheaper cruise fare for all or a free cruise for yourself.

Tip #3. Travel during shoulder seasons. These are the times of year when it is neither high-peak nor low peak. This leads you to the question, “Where do you want to cruise?” High peak seasons are mostly summer months, from late May to early September, when school is out. Shoulder travel seasons are April - May and September - October. As a general rule, stay clear of special holidays or festivities if you wish to cruise for less. If you are on a holiday vacation then, most likely, so are the rest of the cruisers. Try to avoid major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and special event like Valentine’s Day. The cruise ships will be full so the cruiselines have no problem selling the cabins at higher prices.

Tip #4. Take advantage of repositioning cruises. Repositioning is when cruiselines position the cruise ships at port of embarkation from one end of the world to another. Cruise lines must reposition their ships from Alaska to the Caribbean in the fall, and then move them back to Alaska in late spring. Most cruise ships spend their summers in Europe then cross the Atlantic in the late fall to spend the winter months in the Caribbean, and vice-versa. This allows you to cruise for longer days at sea. This is perfect for workshops at sea as you have many days at sea to host your courses. Rather than sail empty, the cruiselines offer these cruises for a lot less.

Tip #5: Ask for special discounts. From time to time, cruiselines offer discounts for the following groups: Age 55+, Firefighter, Police, Military, Teacher, Interline, Past-Guest, and Singles. When you speak to your travel agent, make sure you note that you belong to one of these groups. To qualify for the discounts, an identification card is required to provide proof. Keep a close relationship with your travel agent. Get on their mailing list to receive notices from cruiselines about cruise specials or offers of shipboard credit discounts. Your travel agent will also keep a tab on your likes, dislikes, preferences, and circumstance so you would have your cruising experience more customized to meet your needs and wants.

When you combine all these tips, you definitely will be cruising for less and still have all the fun. What would you do with all the money you save?  Why not book another cruise for yourself or a loved one ahead of time?

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE