CheapTickets.com and United Way of America are launching of a new website to support consumers who want to book a volunteer vacation and be part of the growing trend of “vacationing with a purpose.” The new website (http://volunteer.cheaptickets.com) is accessible from both the CheapTickets.com home page and United Way’s web site.
Volunteer vacations are a growing trend among individuals seeking to give back during their time away from work and home. Travelers can dedicate a full week to their volunteer vacation of choice or simply take a day or two out of an already pre-planned getaway.
Through this new website, CheapTickets and United Way will focus on travel to communities across America to help people in areas of need. The organizations will also educate and arm travelers with information about volunteer opportunities available across United Way’s national network of over 1,300 local United Ways.
“CheapTickets customers want the opportunity to support communities like New Orleans with their volunteer efforts during the day, while experiencing attractions like Bourbon Street’s jazz clubs and restaurants by night,” said Steven Barnhart, president and Chief Financial Officer of Orbitz Worldwide, which operates the CheapTickets brand. “We’re proud the United Way chose us to encourage travelers to volunteer throughout America, and equally proud that our organization is announcing an employee program to support this worthwhile mission, led by CheapTickets and the United Way.”
Orbitz Worldwide, a division of Travelport, Inc., is announcing to its employees today plans to support this core value in partnership with the United Way. Details to be announced.
“Volunteers are an essential part of what United Way does and how we make a difference in communities across America,” stated Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way of America. “One important new trend in volunteerism is ‘volunteer vacations,’ where volunteers travel to a location in need and spend anywhere from a few days to a few months on a project. United Way is pleased to partner with CheapTickets to promote these unique volunteer opportunities and make them easy-to-arrange and cost-effective for those wanting to participate,” Gallagher continued.
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