THE MOTHER OF ALL HOLIDAYS
Our dear mothers, they deserve a break don’t they? They spend years bringing us up, taking care of our every whim, and even when we FINALLY fly the nest, we still keep our mums close. We NEED them; at the end of the phone for that good old motherly advice; for that Sunday dinner that no-one does better. Some of us even continue to take a pile of washing home at weekends. The shame of it!
So this year should be the year that we give our mums a break; let THEM fly the nest. According to holiday trend forecasters, 2012 is the year of the parent gap; the year they take that extended holiday they’ve always dreamed of, and explore the world. For Mother’s Day, give your mum the gift of your blessing to head off on the mother of all holidays.
Children, if you no longer live at home, it’s time to let go. They shall return (although there’s no guarantee) feeling happier and revitalised, looking more bronzed, and, if it’s even possible, just a little bit wiser about the world.
The Mother of all Nature Holidays: Galapagos Explorer
On this 20 day trip with Inspired Breaks, travellers will have the chance to volunteer in one of the most bio-diverse and stunning destinations in the world. Cut adrift in the Pacific Ocean 1000 kms off the coast of Ecuador, volcanic forces deep under the sea have thrown up a unique wildlife paradise that’s so popular, the Ecuadorian government are about to limit the number of visitors dropping anchor on its unique shores. Time on this trip is spent hopping across three beautiful and amazingly varied Islands; Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Isabela, learning about each of the local traditions and culture. It also includes two nights in Ecuador’s capital city Quito.
Volunteers will be living and working on a reserve in a rural and tranquil part of the islands San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, helping to improve the natural habitat. With the help of the volunteers, the projects are able to carry on doing their day to day work such as eradicating invasive species, reforesting the Galapagos forest, keeping up an organic agriculture project and more. It would not be possible for the project to reach its goals work without the help of the volunteers, since they do not have the funds to hire paid staff for these activities: their resources are limited and the amount of work to be done is huge.
The reserve is located on a 200 hectares site in the stunning highlands of the island, 45 minutes by truck from the capital of the Galapagos Province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where there is still local native vegetation. The reserve is mainly an organic agricultural and habitat restoration project.
The last week is spent exploring the wonders of the Galapagos, in such magnificent destination this is the ideal opportunity to make the most of the many tours and extra activities locally including the amazing Giant Tortoises, snorkelling in saltwater lagoons and discover the mangroves.
Prices start from £1,699 per person land only for 20 days. Accommodation is provided in a combination of hostels, a research station, volunteer houses and family hostels. The trip also includes some meals, airport pick-up, boat transfers, in-country orientation and 24 hour support. For more information visit www.inspiredbreaks.com or call Inspired Breaks on 0844 573 4100
