Be honest; you were saying "Sure I'll volunteer to take a vacation...any day!" Let me clarify; these days, there are more opportunities than ever for combining travel with humanitarian outreach. There are dozens of organizations arranging "voluntourism" trips-some of them broad-reaching nonprofits with branches all over the globe; others are smaller operations that specialize in a particular culture or destination.
 
The programs offered run the gamut from living and working in indigenous Amazon villages to helping to build houses for Hurricane Katrina victims. But all of them share a common goal: improving lives in the communities where they work.
 
Of course, doing this requires certain sacrifices on the part of the program participants. Volunteers pay program fees that cover their room and board and supplies needed for community outreach (like medicines and schoolbooks). Also, the travelers are nearly always responsible for getting themselves to their program destinations.
 
This is where MTS TRAVEL comes in! As a leader in cause-related travel, MTS TRAVEL has maintained a position as a primary provider of humanitarian travel for over five decades. We can help with special pricing and air tickets that allow refunds, changes, and, in some cases, extra luggage. We offer 24-hour emergency service and travel insurance for a complete travel package.
 
Call or email your MTS TRAVEL consultant today. New to MTS TRAVEL? Call 877 908-8899; or email service@mtstravel.com. Let us help you plan a trip where you get more than you give!

We are all deeply affected by the devastation in Haiti. Our common humanity demands that we act. Passport Health has direct links for volunteer opportunities, as well as information on critical vaccines, medical issues, security tips, and transportation.
 
Get complete information by visiting http://help-for-haiti.passporthealthusa.com.

January 31, 2010 marked the end of our "Easy Group Travel" promotion. Thanks to all the group leaders that responded to our email and snail mail reminders! Indeed, you are all wise group leaders. It is too late to qualify for the drawing, but not too late to book your group with our MTS TRAVEL group experts. Call 877-244-9343 or email groups@mtstravel.com.
 

The winner of the Delta ticket to Europe is...
Cindy Powell of Southern Nazarene University, School of Business.
 
Congratulations!

American Airlines will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights, beginning May 1.
 
Safi Airways, international carrier from Afghanistan, has announced interline agreements between Safi Airways and Lufthansa, United Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. These agreements, effective February 1, will facilitate connections and ease compliance with the Fly America Act.
 
American Airlines will charge all customers, including those sitting in premium cabins, $50 for confirmed same-day changes on domestic and Canada flights. This will apply to all tickets purchased after
February 22, 2010. Elite frequent-flyers, active U.S. military personnel and customers redeeming miles for AAnytime Awards travel can continue to standby for free.
 
United Airlines is currently offering one time passes to their Red Carpet Clubs in the U.S. for $39. The passes can only be purchased via www.united.com. They are, however, transferrable so could make great gifts.

How do I maximize the value of my travel dollars?

• When should I use the internet?
• Go directly to the airline?
• Use a travel agency?

Sign up for the MTS Travel Webinar...
 
March 25 at 2 pm Eastern / 1 pm Central
/ 12 noon Mountain / 11 am Pacific
 
You will learn how to navigate among the various travel-purchase choices. Find out how to earn frequent flyer miles three times on the same ticket. Determine when the least expensive ticket is or is not your best option. Discover how you can get free excess baggage or mitigate excess baggage charges. Tips on international visas, passports, vaccinations-and more!
 
The webinar is conducted by Gwen Kuebler, MTS general manager of client services. Gwen has worked in various operations and client services capacities at MTS TRAVEL for over 20 years, after having served at SIMUSA for nine years.
 
Sign up is limited to the first 15 people who contact Gwen at gwenk@mtstravel.com.

Sail roundtrip on the ms Rotterdam from Seattle with Holland America Line to Alaska. Based on the departure date, guests receive up to a $50 shipboard credit, and other special benefits. Virtuoso fares FROM $899 per person.
 
Every fifth night is on the house at the St. Regis Princeville Resort courtesy of Classic Vacations, where Virtuoso travelers enjoy guaranteed upgrades to Prince Junior Suite accommodations when booking a premium ocean view room, buffet breakfast for two daily and a $500 air credit. Virtuoso rates FROM $1,659 per person.

Contact us at vacations@mtstravel.com or call 877 908-8899.

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