I want to introduce you to a travel friend of mine: UNESCO. Many of you see SIX letters, but do you know who my friend UNESCO is? I want to introduce you to my friend, UNESCO’s family. You might know them by a different name, you might have been to their house, you might have taken photos on a trip with a group or a special someone.

You ask “who is this friend of yours that has slipped their way into my personal travel, my celebrations, my dance of life?” That last name does not ring a bell, they were not on my wedding guest list, I never saw them at the pool or the bar?

My UNESCO friend and family have weezled their way into millions of travelers vacations, family reunions, destination weddings and honeymoons, can you believe it? This takes photo-bomb to a Guinnes World of Records, I’d say. I’m pretty sure you’ve met someone in their family, maybe several have interrupted your travel plans, even taken you off the beaten path, offered you the long road home and detours from your original plans. Do you know who they are?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a huge family, Whoever heard of a family with 195 members and they live in 195 different countries?
I’m not kidding, talk about connections and friends in lots of places! The thing that is so amazing is what all those family members do for a living. They’re focused on five major agendas: education, natural sciences, social & human sciences, culture and communication & information.  Let me translate that: a friend to the earth, protector of cultures, protector of children, poverty and world literacy, sustainable developments and efforts, collaboration among countries for a better world and quality education.  The fostering of cultural peace and diversity.  They add the oooh and aahhh to your travel experiences and I bet you didn’t even know it! Think of the stories you tell your children, family and friends. They are what you travel to see, why you choose an island or country, the cultural and national world heritages and sites you take those Kodak moment photos with.  Let us add meaning to your travel getaways by planning and managing your experiences include things to see and do, ways to make a difference.  From a resolution in 1921, all travelers allowed!

Imagine, your getaway, your travel can contribute to peace, it can strengthen world-wide collaboration and human rights.  Did you ever consider your travel experience is actually increasing awareness for cultures, respect, justice and human rights?  You can be an ambassador of hope, in travel, where ever you go!  Here’s a few famous  folks, you might know, who’ve stood up and joined the UNESCO family:

• Miguel Bose (Panamanian musician)
• Laura Bush (former American first lady and literacy advocate)
• Pierre Cardin (French fashion designer)
• Celine Dion (Canadian singer)
• Roger Federer (Swiss tennis player)
• Angelina Jolie (American actress)
• Nelson Mandela (former South African president and human rights activist)
• Pele (Brazilian soccer player)
• Michael Schumacher (German racing driver)

You can be a volunteer traveler, a way to explore the world in a meaninful way.  Leave more than you take

Respectfully compassionate about the people and nature of the world,  I dare you to click here: http://en.unesco.org/

Pamela (PJ) Ott, Destination and Travel Planning Expert