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Myanmar Disaster Relief – Volunteer Vacations Can Help

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Girlfriend getaways for the greater good

Vacation time doesn't always need to be me time - especially if you've got some spare vacation hours this year. Pack up your girlfriends and head somewhere you can really make a difference, from a region needing year-round assistance (check our our volunteer vacation ideas) or somewhere that's been brutally hit.

Cyclone Damage in Myanmar (AP)Cyclone Damage in Myanmar (AP)Myanmar is reeling from a cyclone that wiped out over 10 000 people, and many more are missing. Televised warnings gave too little notice, especially in a country where not everyone has tv, according to AP News:

"The government has given no explanation for the high death toll, but most people in the worst-hit region live in fragile bamboo homes with thatch or zinc roofs, which would have been swept way with their inhabitants by the onrushing tidal surge."

Aid agencies are still gathering workers and supplies, so if you can book some time off this spring or summer, pack your bags and head out to help. Taking a girlfriend, sister, or family member with you will give you a friendly person to debrief with at night, but don't expect much quality time in the day. The infrastructure has been hard hit, and you'll be putting your construction, medical, and administrative skills to the test.

For information about volunteer opportunities in Myanmar, contact the Red Cross, Save the Children or Doctors Without Borders.

To learn more about the cyclone in Myanmar, try one of these accredited news sites:

AP News

Reuters

Fox News

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Comments

If you're frustrated that

If you're frustrated that you don't have a response yet, I can understand. Right now the agencies are still dealing with a lot of paperwork to get into Myanmar. However, once they are in, they need names and applications on file so they can call on you when they are ready to go. If your vacation dates are more structured, why don't you contact an agency which runs volunteer programs all the time, you'll be able to make a difference somewhere without driving your boss nuts waiting to find out when you're going. Good luck!

come on. get real! the

come on. get real! the official agencies can't even get into mynamar yet - the government isn't giving anyone permission to help there. it's a terrible situation, but if you want to help you're beffer off sending money to a charity you know will be doing something. and if you really want to do a volunteer vacation, there are thousands of agencies begging for help all the time.

Cheers, GG! It's nice to

Cheers, GG! It's nice to see a travel publication stepping up to the plate and telling people how they can make a difference :)

Okay....I have sent an email

Okay....I have sent an email to all of the organizations that you recommend; in regards to volunteering my time to help those in Myanmar. I am ready to go. Have Passport; Solid Head on Shoulders; and Heart in the Right Place. I'm ready. Now what? Why are the organizations not returning my emailed offerings to volunteer?

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