Shannon O’Donnell, author of the blog A Little Adrift, has been traveling and on the road since 2008. Shannon travels with purpose, and her goal is to encourage others to travel and volunteer, and to do it as best helps local economies and the people who live in them. She decided to change her life, go on the road and do some volunteer work along the way. Her plan was to go for a year. It is now 2015, and she has written a book, The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook, started a website about Grassroots Volunteering, and become National Geographic’s Traveler of the Year in 2013. These are amazing accomplishments.
When asked about NatGeo’s Traveler of the Year award, Shannon had this to say: “The Travelers of the Year program chooses people for traveling with passion and purpose, and I was so honored they selected me for my work on grassroots travel and volunteering. I actively work to promote a style of travel that infuses money into the local economies and supports projects funded and founded by locals for their communities. They have given my work a wider reach and I definitely did a happy dance when I found out I was selected!” You can read Shannon’s interview with NatGeo HERE.
As my own travel becomes more focused on volunteer travel and citizen science, I connected with Shannon a year or so ago regarding grassroots volunteering. Recently I have sought her advice on building my “brand”, and becoming more visible. My volunteer interests lean more toward the ocean and marine life, but all volunteer work is good work, as I’m sure you will agree. Her concentration on local organizations around the world is unique, and inspiring.
I am featuring Shannon O’Donnell as part of my Amazing Women Wednesdays series not only because of her passion for travel and for grassroots volunteering, but because she is a strong and independent woman. She does what she wants to do, and being a woman doesn’t get in her way. So many people think it is unsafe for a woman to travel alone. Don’t be afraid! As Robert Frost says, “I took the road less traveled, and it has made all the difference”. Shannon is a shining example to everyone that women can, and do, make a difference in the world. She is a worthy role model for our young girls and women everywhere. Be sure to check out her travel photos!
So, what is Shannon’s plan moving forward? She and I are on a similar course, actually, and may be able to meet this year: “My upcoming travel plans are a trip to Mexico this summer. I will take my two young nephews (9 and 11 years old) for a month to learn about the Mayan culture and explore the region. After that, I’d love to make it to Istanbul this year!”. As most of you know, I spend part of my summer in Mexico, and Shannon and her nephews will be in shouting distance. Istanbul? That sounds interesting, but I have a few travels of my own to make this year with two children having weddings! Hopefully we’ll meet up in Mexico, and if we do, I’ll be sure to blog about it.
Be sure to share Shannon’s story, and talk about the difference she is making in #womenslives.
All volunteer work IS good work! I always enjoy your posts and love your share today. To be able to live your passion and do good at the same time …. priceless. You have the heart for it, and there are few matters that need more attention that our oceans and marine life. Go for it!
Tammy recently posted…If You’re Over The Hill, Prepare To Get Thrown Under The Bus
:-)….working on it this moment!
so glad to know of her and her blog, which I’ll read avidly.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Weirdmaste
Her photos are AMAZING.
Hi Tam, glad to see you feature Shannon! About a year or so ago, afer a friend introduced us, she helped me talk through the direction I was going with my travels and writing. She’s so generous with her knowledge and the work she’s doing is really inspiring. Hope you guys can meet up in person this year!
I hope so too…her story is amazing.
She sounds like an amazing woman! I will definitely check out her blog this is something my husband have always wanted to do. My travel days have had the brakes put on lately because I have to take care of my mom but one day I would love to travel the worlf volunteering where I could!
She has a great and helpful blog! Her book is wonderful as well.
Oh I can’t wait to read her book and her blog! She sounds amazing!!! Thank you so much for the introduction to a kindred spirit Tam!
And she truly is, Ruth. She just doesn’t have as many years of “experience” as we do! LOL
How cool to be named Traveler of the Year! I definitely want to read her book, and will be spending more time with those gorgeous photos on her blog.
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…buick commercials have gone to the dogs!
I think I need to travel more. What do you think?
I think it’s fabulous (and I am so impressed!) she does all that traveling by herself. Love hearing her story. Congrats Shannon!
Carpool Goddess recently posted…It’s Okay To Age, Just Don’t Tell Anyone
I enjoy traveling solo…I find it empowering! She is an inspiration.
Her site is stunning! I am going to be spending lots of time there for sure. Thanks so much for introducing her to us…what a truly inspiring woman!
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She is amazing!
You and Shannon are both amazing women! I look forward to seeing her photos and learning more about her travelers. I hope you get to meet one another over the summer!
Me, too, wouldn’t that be wonderful!
She sounds fascinating. I love National Geographic Traveler–I actually had an article in there years ago, and I’m a National Geographic Kids’ Insider. Thanks for sharing her story.
I love NatGeo too.