Posted by Nancy D. Brown

This year, fellow travel bloggers are joining together to support American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC) and independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia. Our goal for 2009 is to raise $13,000 so we can build a school in rural Cambodia!

Beginning today, you will be able to see a list of prizes on the Passports With Purpose website, and each one will link back to a full description of the prizes on the blogger’s website

Your purchase of a $10 raffle ticket will help support Passports with Purpose and ultimately build a school. For each $10 in donations that you make to AAfC, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 21. All proceeds go directly to AAfC.

Passport with Purpose 2009 Prizes!

Thank you to my generous sponsors and the Passports with Purpose sponsor, travel-agent network Virtuoso. For 2009 I have prizes donated from Briggs & Riley and OtterBox.

Briggs & Riley 20" Carry-on Bag

Briggs & Riley is donating a Baseline 20″ Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright

This expandable wheeled carry-on is ideal for those who want one bag for both domestic and international air travel. The shorter and wider configuration offers maximum packing capacity while still fitting in the overhead. Retail value $369.

The Vacation Gals are offering the Briggs & Riley Large Shopping Tote for Passports with Purpose.

OtterBox is donating a $100 Gift Certificate

Otterbox iPhone Defender Case Review

This  Colorado-based company started with something as simple as a box. OtterBox was created in 1996, building cases geared to the klutzy traveler who has broken a device. I prefer to think of my OtterBox as offering stylish and rugged protection for my iPhone and my active lifestyle. (Doesn’t that sound better?)

Each OtterBox ranges in price to $50, so you’ll be able to select two boxes!

Check back often to see our progress for the 2009 Passports with Purpose and thank YOU for making a difference! Seasons Greetings.

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

If you are a member of the travel blogging community, you are probably familiar with Passports with Purpose.  Last year, Passports with Purpose raised over $7000 dollars for Heifer International. In 2009, we've extended our goals and hope you'll join us again for a second round of giving.

This year, fellow travel bloggers are joining together to support American Assistance for Cambodia (AAfC) and independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving opportunities for the youth and rural poor in Cambodia. Our goal for 2009 is to raise $13,000 so we can build a school in rural Cambodia!

Beginning on November 30th, you will be able to see a list of prizes on the Passports With Purpose website, and each one will link back to a full description of the prizes on the blogger's website

Your purchase of a $10 raffle ticket will help support Passports with Purpose and ultimately build a school. For each $10 in donations that you make to AAfC, you will will be entered to win a prize (or prizes) of your choice. The fundraiser begins on November 30th and closes on December 21. All proceeds go directly to AAfC.

Got Prizes? What a Trip!

This year I'm pleased to offer Passports with Purpose two fantastic prizes from Briggs & Riley and OtterBox.

Briggs & Riley 20" BagBriggs & Riley is donating a Baseline 20" Carry-On Expandable Wide-Body Upright

This expandable wheeled carry-on is ideal for those who want one bag for both domestic and international air travel. The shorter and wider configuration offers maximum packing capacity while still fitting in the overhead. Retail value $369.

OtterBox is donating a $100 Gift Certificate

Otterbox iPhone Defender Case ReviewThis Colorado-based company started with something as simple as a box. OtterBox was created in 1996, building cases geared to the klutzy traveler who has broken a device. I prefer to think of my OtterBox as offering stylish and rugged protection for my iPhone and my active lifestyle. (Doesn't that sound better?)

Each OtterBox ranges in price to $50, so you'll be able to select two boxes!

Learn more about American Assistance for Cambodia

Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Emperor Penguins photo courtesy Quark Antarctic ExpeditionsWant to visit Antarctica in February compliments of Quark Expeditions? Bloggers have a chance to win a 12 day, all expense paid trip on the cruise ship Lyubov Orlova, a 112 passenger ship. You can join me in entering the contest, or you can vote to send me on this adventure of a lifetime.

Here's what I had to say in my official entry:

"Toto, we must not be in San Francisco," remarked Nancy Brown, as she awoke from her dream. The northern California adventure travel writer was still reeling from the news that she had been selected to be the official Quark Environmental Blogger for the February 2010 Expedition to Antarctica.

Kayak photo courtey Quark Antarctic ExpeditionsBrown, a blogger and social media fanatic, was looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and sharing her discoveries with her What a Trip readers, as well as her Twitter, Facebook and YouTube friends from across the globe.

She'd often fished the wild rivers of Alaska, and felt at home on float planes, helicopters and Zodiac rafts, but the adventure traveler had never been on a cruise ship to Antarctica for an upclose encounter with penguins.

"I see the Quark Expedition as an amazing opportunity and am honored that I was selected. There was a huge response to the call for entries and there was quite a lot of competition among the well qualified participants. I look forward to blogging about my experiences and hope this missoin will be part of the continuing global effort to protect our environment."

Asked how her family felt about her upcoming 12 day adventure, Brown shared that her husband has always been extremely supportive of her travels. The family's two teenagers have learned to become self-sufficient during their mother's journeys and always look forward to her return.

However, Nancy can't go on this expedition unless she receives enough votes. So do your part. Vote for Nancy D. Brown. And, yes, you do have to register to vote.