FFFs (Frequently Faced Fears

I WANT TO... GIVE SOMETHING BACK

Knowing where to start when it comes to giving back in a constructive way can be difficult, but we're here to help. Responsible travel and conservation are things we feel very strongly about (see page 64), so if you want to help reduce your carbon footprint by planting trees or do research to help protect your favourite species, we can introduce you to the right experts and best projects to make that possible.

RESEARCHING RHINOS IN SOUTH AFRICA Teetering on the brink of extinction, rhinos across Africa are reliant on the efforts of conservation organisations for their very survival. We can arrange for you to join a conservation team to witness first-hand as they dart and notch individuals, providing crucial data for researchers and helping rangers keep track of these magnificent creatures for ongoing support. For the super keen, there is even the option to take part in a rhino relocation.

PROTECTING TURTLES IN COSTA RICA They've managed to survive for more than 130 million years but today six of the seven species of sea turtles are considered endangered. Conservation programmes which monitor nesting activity and hatching success play a crucial role in protecting them from threats such as plastic in the sea or poaching. One project in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula offers volunteers the chance to spend two weeks taking part in essential research and nest building to help protect turtles. REBUILDING BIODIVERSITY IN INDIA The number of mangroves in India’s Sundarbans region is rapidly dwindling due to climate change, heightening the risk of devastating floods. Visitors to our project here are encouraged to spend time getting their hands dirty while planting trees and meeting the local communities our work benefits. To date, volunteers have replanted 11,110 acres of mangroves, helping restore biodiversity and countering 700,000 tonnes of CO2.

COMMUNITY FOCUS IN BOLIVIA As globalisation takes root and traditional ways of life are passed over in favour of factory work in cities, people in rural areas are struggling to make a living. For example, in José Manuel Pando Province, Bolivia, 98% of the population lives below the poverty line. To help counter the problem you can spend an extended period helping local women learn skills to turn their traditional weaving trade into a viable businesses, while learning the art of weaving yourself.

I WANT TO... SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY

It can be hard to carve out family time together. Taking a family sabbatical not only ensures oodles of quality time spent exploring, playing and bonding, but also opens your children’s eyes to life outside their little bubbles. What better way to learn Egyptian history than by visiting the Pyramids, or to speak Spanish than with a month in South America? And as for the practical stuff, we’ve got that covered too (see page 54).

ROAD TRIPPING IN THE USA A California road trip is iconic, especially one chock full of Original Travel insider tips and activities. Over the course of several weeks you'll have the freedom to take to the road for as long or little as you like, stopping whenever someone spots a national park ripe for tree-climbing (read: Big Sur), or beach break perfect for a surf lesson (say hello to Santa Barbara). And whether you crave the freedom to roam in a motorhome, or prefer hotels each night, we can organise it all.

ALL OUT ADVENTURE IN OMAN With desert, mountains and coast to explore, Oman is a dream family sabbatical destination. Channel your little monkeys' energy into rock climbing in the Hajar Mountains, spotting dolphins on boat trips, ‘defending’ sandcastle-like forts and canyoning through dramatic wadis (river valleys). Then, for some real bonding time, journey off the beaten path to go glamping in the Empty Quarter, home to vast sand dunes, sunset camel rides and nobody else for miles around. CULTURE IN VIETNAM & CAMBODIA The captivating culture of the Far East makes for a great living classroom for children to learn about food, religion, traditions and more. Visit crumbling temples filled with statues of otherworldly creatures and fall for the sights, sounds and smells of cosmopolitan cities before visiting mountain villages and getting messy making traditional dishes in kitchens across Vietnam and Cambodia.

SAILING IN THE IONIAN ISLANDS Messing about on boats is a wonderful way for families to bond. Sail between tiny fishing villages and harbourside towns, drop anchor and leap into the water whenever you find an inviting spot and generally spend all day soaking up the sun on deck and playing endless games. A few weeks sailing around these beautiful Greek islands is the perfect introduction to life on the high seas for children as they muck-in, master their ports and starboards and generally learn to sail.