New life recipe: Mix travel with volunteer work

Diane Dennis is a life transition coach appearing monthly on television’s “AM Northwest.” Contact her at 503-972-3441, Dianeden@centurytel.net or www.lifetransitionguide.com.

By Diane Dennis

Lifestyles Northwest, Jul 31, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Portland residents Wendy Mitchell, life coach and child therapist, and her husband Raymond, a marriage counselor, sat down in front of the computer one day to make a retirement plan. Their family mission has always been to serve the underserved.

“After researching, the idea of the Red Cross appealed to both of us because they have sites in all countries around the world. We can spend a month in each country to volunteer as well as be available for local or global disasters,” Wendy says.

What better way to travel, see more of the world and be of service? Their decision follows a growing trend.

The first of the baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) turned 60 in 2006. Wouldn’t you think after raising kids, tied down from nine to five day in and day out while mortgaged to the hilt, upon retirement we would have a hankering to kick up our heels, find a sunny beach and suck down fizzy drinks? Maybe not.

Workshops around the country are popping up focusing on recruiting seniors for “volunteer touring.” You know the saying: “Two birds, one stone.” While seniors have more time and will be dipping into their retirement funds, what a notion to mix travel with philanthropic ventures.

And it is catching on. More and more, people are using their holidays to help others. Whether it is rebuilding homes for Habitat for Humanity in impoverished or disaster stricken areas, or promoting HIV awareness, socially responsible travel is on the rise.

Mixing travel with volunteering translates well to a population identified by idealism, passion and privilege. “Baby boomers were raised in the lap of luxury in the ’60s. Now in the last phase of life we can be role models for giving back. Look at Bill Gates,” Wendy adds.

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