Favorites

Here is a list of my favorite travel and hobby websites:

  • Adventures Abroad – We used this Canadian tour company for a trip to Australia and a second trip to Mongolia and had a fantastic time. My friend Doug and I also visited Colombia with them. Several more trips are planned.
  • Airbnb – Travel and stay in private homes. We hosted and we have stayed in other Airbnb homes. It’s an excellent way to save money and meet new people.
  • Bridges to Prosperity -I worked with this organization, through the Rotary Club of Alamogordo, and participated in two volunteer trips – one in Bolivia and one in Nicaragua. (Their programs provide access to healthcare, education and markets by teaching communities how to build footbridges over impassable rivers, in partnership with organizations and professionals.)
  • Changes in Longitude – Mike & Larissa – Travel Writers who visited our home. They started their journey in August 2011 from their hometown of Philadelphia. After visiting six continents they returned to the U. S. in October 2012. Since they had no home to return to, they decided to keep the adventure going and are now true global nomads with no fixed address.
  • Collette Tours – A high-quality/high value travel & tour company that we’ve used in the past.
  • Earthwatch – Assist in Research. Advance Science. Travel the World – I’ve done two of these trips. One in Borneo and the other in the outback of Australia. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.
  • Fantasy RV Tours – This tour company provides exceptional RV adventures around North America. We traveled with them to a polar bear expedition in Manitoba in our RV. We also went to Baja, Mexico on a whale watching tour with them. As the official Good Sam Travel Partner, they offer members the opportunity to save on organized RV travel and events. We have additional trips planned with this organization.
  • Gate 1 Travel – Gate 1 has provided quality, affordable escorted tours, river cruises and vacation packages for over 30 years. We have done numerous trips to various parts of the world with them.
  • Global Entry Trusted Traveler – Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.
  • Good Sam Camping Club – We are members of the camping organization. Members also get discounts of up to 10% at Camping World Super Centers along with 5% instant fuel discounts at select Pilot & Flying J locations. Plus, Good Sam Club members enjoy savings on propane, Camping World installation fees, free online RV trip planning, savings at Gander Outdoors retail locations, show discounts and much more!
  • Habitat for Humanity of El Paso – I served as President of the Board of Directors for this organization for 2 years and most recently served on the Board as Treasurer.
  • Harvest Hosts – Free RV Camping at 4277+ Wineries, Breweries, Farms & Attractions That Invite RVers to Stay Overnight! we’ve camped in these “free sites” in various places around the US.
  • Insight Vacations – A high quality/high value travel company. The “Art of Traveling in Style.”
  • KOA Campgrounds – Their wide variety of family-friendly campgrounds and amenities provide the perfect place to get away, unwind and enjoy camping in the great outdoors.
  • My Heritage – Discover your family story. Grow your family tree, find new relatives, and explore billions of historical records. This is the site I use for my family genealogy hobby.
  • NMRA – National Model Railroad Association – One of my favorite hobbies is model railroading.
  • Passport America Camping Club – The “Original & World’s Largest” 50% Discount Camping Network
  • Recreational Vehicle Fellowship of Rotarians (RVF) – We are members of this Rotary Fellowship and camp with them frequently. The RV Fellowship has many regional rallies scheduled in each of their four designated areas each year. At these events the rallying Rotarians collect around a campfire to exchange tales. And they also gather for an attitude adjustment early evening social hour to discuss the past days events and hear from the Wagon Master about the next days schedule or where the next rally will be held.
  • Rotary Club of West El Paso – This is my Rotary Club. I have served in numerous “official” capacities, including President, Executive Secretary, District RYLA Chair, etc. Rotary is the largest, most successful civic organization on Earth, with over 1.2 million members worldwide.
  • SBJ – Siguiendo los Pasos de Jesus, Inc. – SPJ is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization which assists hardworking families who reside in the colonias of Juarez, Mexico. Each family has at least one working parent and yet still lack basic essentials. Jane Fuller is the founder of the organization. Both Donna and Carey have volunteered with SPJ through our church.
  • Southwest Model Railroaders: The Southwest Model Railroaders website, more appropriately known as Roadrunners – Division 07, is a part of the Rocky Mountain region of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) of model railroaders. Our members have a deep appreciation for the rich history of the Southwest United States region and its contributions to the development of railroading. Our Clubs and Associations are where hobbyists of all ages can come together and share their love for model railroading. 
  • The Novel Tourist Book Club – My daughter – Audrey’s – Travel/Book Club – The Novel Tourists Book Club is where she pairs fun adventures with great books and book discussions. This is not your average book club! You’ll find exciting social outings and activities that allow people to make new friends, try out new places, and immerse themselves in the world of the novel. From strolling through museums to dining in a Tibetan café there is always something new and exciting to explore with the Novel Tourists Book Club!
  • United 4Change – Bolivia – United4Change (U4C) is a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for vulnerable populations, especially women through improved literacy, a better understanding to access and utilize healthcare resources, and economic empowerment. U4C specializes in serving people and communities who have suffered extreme, sustained and multigenerational poverty. The primary focus of their work is in isolated and remote communities which have little or no access to education, healthcare or economic opportunity. Carey has volunteered in Bolivia.