E X P Mexico.com

Volunteers get a lot more out of a Participatory Vacation than just another sun-burn.

What exactly is Participatory Travel anyway?

Participatory travel is a term coined by HOY founders Katy and Gerardo. Participatory travel is a form of travel (duh) that goes beyond the traditional sight-seeing, museum stalking way of getting around a new place. Participatory travel can be done anywhere in the world, though the movement really began in Cuernavaca. In order to do the whole “participatory travel” thing, one must be socially-aware, or at least be in the process of trying to be socially-aware; aspiring to be socially-aware, (it takes a lot of effort, we understand). And you’ve got to be willing to learn, to put in some time and effort, and to really get to know a new place, new people and a new way of traveling.

As a future Barnhart dictionary will officially explain, participatory travel is: when a socially-aware traveler carries out community service at local programs in underserved communities while getting to know a culture from the inside out. Of course, it’s also one of the least expensive ways to travel or vacation in Cuernavaca, improve your Spanish language and put in some quality time with the best travel companions anywhere.

In order for you to better understand this concept, what follows is a very typical week-long Participatory Trip with HOY. Of course, we do a whole range of special events, including Alternative Breaks for people of differing skill-levels, talents and interests, including – but not limited to – College Students. These are usually project focused events and they’re planned way ahead of time for larger groups of travelers.

That said, this is what your very best Cuernavaca, Mexico vacation ever might look like:

Sunday:

A welcome and orientation meeting with HOY staff leaves most of the day free so you can adjust to your new surroundings, relax and maybe do a little bit of exploring of Cuernavaca.

Monday:

Spend the morning at BAC, a local food bank, stuffing bags with dried soy and other grains for needy families in the area; chat with BAC staff and volunteers, practicing Spanish and learning about the population they serve; afterwards – lunch at a street-side café; the afternoon is usually spent walking around downtown Cuernavaca, getting a feel for the city.

You spent your vacation doing what ?

Tuesday:

Spend another morning at BAC, strengthening new relationships and becoming an expert bagger; free time in the early afternoon; later on you can visit CAM, one of Cuernavaca’s only youth foster centers, playing soccer, learning the latest dance moves and practicing your Spanish. Meeting the kids is a highlight for almost all of our guests.

Wednesday:

Sleep in an extra hour, and then we’ll visit Tepoztlán – one of Mexico’s stunning Pueblos Magicos – explore the city and visit the pyramid there during the day; in the afternoon, we go to Niñas de Eugenia, a girls’ orphanage, and help the students with their homework, play some games and do some similar kids’ activities.

... cause vacation isn't supposed to be just laying on a beach.

Thursday:

Free morning to relax (or recuperate!) – HOY! can set you up with a language-buddy, you can visit a museum, or just lounge by the pool; in the afternoon, we’re back at CAM to hang out with the youth, more soccer, perhaps give a workshop and picture taking time.

Friday:

Spend the morning at a local organic garden, learning about local practices and organic farming in Cuernavaca, meeting local young people and lending a hand; the rest of the evening is free – to go to a temazcal, an indigenous sauna, or to have a chela at a local café. All of this is followed by a Goodbye recap with HOY.

Truth is, a lot of our guests enjoy a few days of traditional traveling all over Mexico either before or after a visit to Hoy! Participatory Travel Weeks are not labor intensive, grueling or demanding. We’re always happy when guests include us in their overall travel plans and we’re frequently the least expensive of the many travel and tourist activities you can enjoy in Mexico.

Click here for a schedule of the Participatory Travel Weeks through the end of this year, and who knows, you might find yourself returning from Mexico richer than you ever imagined.
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