Jeff Blumenfeld founded Blumenfeld and Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in public relations and special events within the outdoor recreation industry. His work has taken him to some of the most remote regions globally, where he has orchestrated and promoted adventure marketing initiatives. Blumenfeld is also the founder and editor of Expedition News. His extensive experience in travel and business provides him with a unique perspective on the world of outdoor pursuits and adventure, which informs his writing.
Travel is now more open to a greater number of people than ever, and travelers are often looking for new adventures and experiences. And yet with crises developing constantly around the planet, many travelers want to explore the world and do good at the same time. This book shows them how.
People often wonder how they can explore the world and help the less fortunate even if they don't possess specialized skills. These are people who make lousy vacationers. They're bored sitting on a beach or touring umpteen churches on a cruise ship excursion. They want a meaningful role when they travel. That's where voluntourism comes in -- a mix of both travel and volunteering. Is it hard work building wells and schoolhouses or excavating dinosaur bones? Yes, it is. But voluntourism doesn't take a particular outdoor skill, just plenty of sweat and the desire to see the world and leave it a better place.
The narrative explores Christopher Columbus's quest for sponsorship for his ambitious voyage, highlighting his unsuccessful pitch to the king of Portugal and the eventual success with the queen of Spain. It emphasizes Columbus's role in history, not as the first discoverer of America but as a figure who effectively marketed his mission. The story illustrates the significance of perception and promotion in shaping historical events.