Let’s face it, if you could find a travel deal, wouldn’t you take it? I know I would. Travel is something we all love to do but probably one of the first things we cut when times are tough. It doesn’t have to be that way. For the last few years, I have been travelling all around North America and it has not cost me much at all. As a matter of fact, I have been able to combine my love of travel with a way to get (and stay) in shape and even do my part to make a positive change in this world.
Let’s say for example, that you have a desire to travel to Ontario. Deals are few and far between and you are scouring those discount sites for something reasonable. It can be a frustrating and time-consuming endeavour and you probably wish you could be doing something else with your time. I don’t worry about that. For example, instead of searching for Toronto hotel deals in front of my computer, I am out for a run! Yup, I am getting exercise! You see, I have found a charitable organization that is supported at an event in Toronto, like the Scotiabank marathon and I signed up to fundraise for them. In exchange, my race entry, hotel, and perhaps even my transportation to Toronto are paid for!
There are many charitable organizations that are doing this as it is becoming a popular way for them to raise the much needed funds for their cause. In addition, there is an ever growing number of participants in these athletic events. People are becoming more and more health conscious and are signing up to participate in events like marathons, half-marathons, and 10km runs. These events are open to the public and people of all abilities are participating. Everyone has their reasons, but at the end of the day, what counts is that they are out there doing some good for themselves, and very often, for a charity of their choosing. Some examples of charitable organizations that have an event -related fundraising program include Team in Training, Team Diabetes, and Miracle Marathon. Obviously they are not limited to travel in Ontario, either. You can find events all over the world like the Great Wall of China, Alaska, Hawaii, Dublin, Kilimanjaro, just to name a few.
So the next time you are thinking about a vacation and find yourself looking for hotel deals, or thinking it might be too expensive to travel, why not consider an option that is a better deal than any you’ll ever find and at the same time, your body and your soul will thank-you for it.
Patch is a Boston marathon finisher and veteran running philanthropist. He has been actively running and supporting charities for the last 4 years and has completed 10 marathons during that time.
He recently started a Travel Lifestyle blog and is currently training and fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
