Jessica: So much of what we did was unique, even life changing. Travelers on ME to WE trips can contribute according to their abilities and interests. For two to three hours each day, you can don a hard hat for some heavy physical labor, such as mixing concrete, or you can choose something less intense – say, hammering together a frame for pouring cement – all with the guidance of ME to WE staff and community members. We served the actual needs of local people and felt a great sense of accomplishment in completing these daily tasks.

Matthew: We met with a farmer who shared how he lost his daughter to disease from contaminated drinking water. He has become an advocate for establishing safe drinking water, and he spoke to us about the important resources ME to WE provides to communities in the area. It’s incredibly inspiring to connect in such an authentic way with local villagers.

Jessica: They loved it! Like most children, our boys are very hands-on, so the more they can do, the more fun they have – including the volunteer work, as well as other activities. One afternoon, after we finished shoveling concrete, Clay and Benji brought out a ball they like to travel with. Within minutes, they had a pickup soccer game going with the local kids and the staff. One of the great things about ME to WE is that there are a lot of ways to have cross-cultural interactions, combined with fun and learning.

Matthew: One night they brought in chefs from Quito, who sourced local ingredients and prepared one of the best gourmet meals I’ve ever had. Other times, we made s’mores around a campfire, visited a cacao farm to learn how to make chocolate, took a night hike in the jungle to see nocturnal wildlife, and even participated in a cultural ceremony led by a local curandero .

Jessica: We’ve always believed in the power of travel to make the world a better place, and we wanted to share this with our boys through real-life examples, so they can find their own passion for helping others and protecting the environment.

Matthew: We knew that firsthand learning would teach our family new things – and boy, did it do that. One of the most important lessons: We now understand the totality of what sustainable tourism means; it goes far beyond being “green” and embracing conservation, to supporting cultural heritage and improving the well-being of local communities.

Matthew: Sustainability is now a lifestyle choice that influences all our decisions. Having fun and traveling with purpose aren’t mutually exclusive. We’ve learned that you can take a great vacation that’s enjoyable, relaxing, and sustainable.

Jessica: Start planning now – these trips enhance your mind and enliven your spirit. A new adventure just might bring out a part of you that you never realized was there. You may walk away really liking the new you!

ME to WE designs nine-day service-based vacations for ages 8 to 80 in Ecuador, Kenya, and India, as well as four-day pre- or post-trip extensions in partnership with other tour companies. Volunteer activities can range from helping to build a school or a health center to digging wells, plowing fields, and planting crops. Ecuador departures: Saturdays through 2018.