Exploring Culture in Southern Mexico and Guatemala

Recently, Jami W. emailed us with a question about cultural travel in Mexico and Guatemala: Hello – My partner and I are planning a trip to Oaxaca, Chiapas and possibly Guatemala around February 2011. We were hoping to get involved with some cool cultural things, possibly relative to the Mayan calendar while down there. Do you have any suggestions about organizations to get involved with or happenings down there around this time? Many Thanks, Jami W. Hi, Jami Our cup overfloweth with recommendations throughout Oaxaca and Chiapas. In fact, Chiapas just hosted the 2011 Adventure Travel World ...

Solo Traveler looking for Group Voluntourism Organizations

Recently, Talia submitted a question looking for organizations who work with solo travelers looking to do Voluntourism as a part of a group. "I would like to go on an Voluntourism adventure. I have no one else around willing to take on a trip with me. I wondered if your organization puts groups together?" Hi, Talia Off the Radar doesn't organize groups, but we do know a few organizations who do. Check out their website, read their reviews, and send them an email for more detailed information. Be sure to include in your email that you specifically want to do a group trip. A ...

Voluntourism and How it Works

Elizabeth recently emailed us with a question concerning volunteer travel, she asked: "Some friends of mine and I are interested in volunteering on vacation. I checked out voluntourism.org but have some questions... Namely, do we pay for the entire trip ourselves? Do group rates apply? Can you give me more info on this? Thanks!" GREAT question, Elizabeth.  Many trips are different, many you have to pay for entirely, yes, although it varies depending on the organization. We have found some great articles that explain why some tour operators will charge a trip fee. If the price seems exorbitant for your ...

Exploring Egypt and the Holy Land

Phyllis recently asked us for advice on travel to Egypt and the Holy Land: We've been dreaming about a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land and we are confused about the best way to see it where we would avoid huge crowds and be able to understand the tour guide and yet have it affordable and especially safe. We attended your workshop at AARP Orlando and thought you might have some suggestions. Phyllis H. Hi Phyllis, Thanks for your question! A great ecotourism company in Egypt is Gateway to Egypt (gatewaytoegypt.com)  - our friend Manal Kelig is a partner in ...

Healthcare and Volunteering Opportunities

One of our readers, Lisa asked about volunteering opportunities that mixed in a little adventure. Her training in nursing love for scuba diving has encouraged her to search for options, ideas, inspiration. Hi, Lisa! Thank you so much for taking the time to contact us about possible volunteering opportunities. There are a myriad of healthcare volunteering opportunities. Take a look at an operator we featured on OTR, Buffalo Tours, they offer a medical trek throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. You might be able to squeeze in a ...

Planning Adventure in Southern Europe

Any suggestions for an adventure-oriented trip for a week in August in southern Europe? Thanks! -Roshni Hi, Roshni! Thanks so much for contacting us, we have featured several different tour operators and stories from others who have ventured through areas of Southern Europe. I'm sending you links to the articles, hopefully you find them helpful, many of them mention tour operators and specific areas and activities to do there. Or perhaps they might spark a few ideas of your own... :) Also, be sure to check out StepUpTravel where you can find local tour operators as well as local accommodations in the area....

Adventure in the Philippines

Mayumi asks:  Hi! Have you looked into the Philippines for adventure travel? What places have you featured? Thanks! Hi Mayumi - we wrote about kayaking in the Philippines here. We can also point you to adventure.travel which has a list of operators who work in the Philippines.  And for some great local opportunities, check out StepUpTravel.org. Thanks for contacting Off the Radar! - Natasha

Surf Camps in Costa Rica

Hello-  I am looking to attend surf camp in the next couple of months. Can you recommend a program? I am thinking of Costa Rica. And, I may be traveling as a single woman.  Best, Kim Hi Kim, Thanks for the question! We checked in with our resident Surf Expert, Dave Aabo, who runs WAVES for Development in Peru.  He suggested you check out Chica Brava, an all-girls surf camp in San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua or Bahia Aventuras in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. In the next two weeks, we will ...

I’m planning a trip to Brazil…

Hi, I'm planning a two week trip to Brazil in August with two other friends. If time allows we would like to take a short trip to one of its neighboring countries as well... Any suggestions? Travel tips? Thank you in advance! Hi Miko! We definitely suggest you do two things: One, visit Chapadas dos Veadeiros in the center of the country, about two hours from Brasilia – its full of high waterfalls and beautiful rivers. If you hook up with Ion from Travessia, he can organize a fabulous three or four day canyoning adventure, where you stay at little inns, make your way down ...

Living with African Tribes?

Dear Off the Radar, I'm interested in a trip where I could live for a short time with African tribe members.  Any suggestions?" -- Tad Hi Tad, thanks for writing.  Check out our December 2008 issue where we featured a trip: Living with Namibian Bushmen. 

How do I get on Off the Radar?

What is the best way for a tour operator to share the adventures they offer with Off the Radar? The best way to let us know about trips, if you would like considered for editorial coverage, is to pitch us at editor@travelofftheradar.com.   If the team decides to pull you into the editorial calendar they'll contact you for more information in order to write the story...!

Volunteering in Turkey

Hey, know of any volunteer activities in Istanbul or thereabouts? - Houston, TX Volunteer Abroad has programs available in Turkey.  Look at their website: www.volunteerabroad.com/Turkey.cfm.

Travel to Asia

My wife and I recently both got laid off our jobs and have decided to travel through Asia for a couple months this spring. We have some money saved up and are past the age of staying in hostels and being complete backpackers. We are looking forward to wandering aimlessly but are also trying to put enough planning into the trip that we're sure to connect with the best people and experiences in the countries we visit and not waste this time. Do you have any suggestions for structuring this sort of trip? Sounds like a great way ...