Families

“Are we gonna take all this stuff?” my kids asked as the pile of donations on our counter grew. After years of far flung trips with their travel junkie parents, the boys had learned to abide by our no mercy rule of packing light, which I mastered out of necessity during my years of writing... Continue reading

My wife, 10-year-old son, 13-year-old daughter and I climbed off the train onto the hot platform of the Udon Thani station having just completed the 9 hour journey from Bangkok on a second class car.  We were conspicuous not only as travelers with back packs, but also, by the four additional large suitcases we were... Continue reading

Our family trip to Jamaica was more than just a fun vacation. My mom did tons of research on the best all-inclusive resorts for families and finally settled on a Beaches Resort in Jamaica. The main reason she decided on this was because of the Sandals Foundation and the programs they offered to help give... Continue reading

When we were invited to accompany my father-in-law and his wife on a trip to Namibia, naturally, we jumped at the opportunity. We knew we were going to see a place that contrasted sharply from our home.  But we wanted our children to come away with an appreciation for a people and way of life... Continue reading

During the February Half Term, Amelia and her Mum ‘went to work with Dad’.  Amelia’s Dad is a airline pilot with British Airways and he was operating into Johannesburg. The family planned to spend 2 days at the Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, that was affiliated with Pack for a Purpose. The Borite Primary School had listed... Continue reading

Last December, my family and I were very fortunate to experience a ‘trip-of-a-lifetime’ adventure to South Africa and Zambia.  Our vacation was made indelibly more meaningful and personal by working with Pack for a Purpose.  Here’s why…. First, just a bit of background about my family and the planning of our trip.  My family is... Continue reading

In our family, we subscribe to the belief that experience is the best teacher. However, it has been a struggle to find appropriate and meaningful opportunities to engage our brood of three children ages 4, 7 and 9 in activities that cultivate their inner global citizen. We’ve tried bake sales and lemonade stands to fundraise for causes,... Continue reading

When I was growing up, I would worry, panic, and stress at life. I worked hard and managed my fears and then my Granddad died. I decided to raise money for the hospice by giving up sweets for a year. It was very difficult, but the feeling I had when handing over the money was amazing, and I decided... Continue reading

We spent Thanksgiving in the British Virgin Islands, and as a last thought during packing, I remembered Pack for a Purpose and saw that one of the islands we were visiting, Scrub Island, was listed with a need.  Together with my sons aged 9 and 10, we bought and delivered 9 lbs of supplies. What a... Continue reading

When I began planning our family trip to Africa way back when in 2014, I knew that I wanted to incorporate some sort of charitable giving into our travels. What I didn’t know at the time was just how much of a profound impact this journey would have on all of our lives. I stumbled upon... Continue reading