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VOLUNTOURIST

The Voluntourist promotes responsible and sustainable voluntourism, provides the knowledge, motivation and inspiration to anyone who wants to make a difference close to home or while falling in love with another corner of the world.

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It's been awhile. ⁣ ⁣ First, I'd like to thank

It's been awhile. ⁣
⁣
First, I'd like to thank you all for your sweet messages and thoughtful comments. The last time I posted was to let you know I'd been struggling with a severe Crohn's Disease attack and the last few months have been a challenge. ⁣
⁣
I'm still not fully recovered and I'm now dealing with a horrible case of SIBO-- small bacteria overgrowth that Crohn's caused, but I'm staying positive and I'm just grateful. I know people are dealing with much worse health issues than I am so I'm definitely not complaining. ⁣
⁣
That said, while I don't feel amazing, fresh air and physical activity is something I need so I'm on road trip now in #Arizona⁣
⁣
Horseshoe Bend is one if my favorite places to visit. It's absolutely breathtaking and I recommend everyone see the stunning site. ⁣
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It's located in Page, AZ and while there is no entrance fee, you do need to pay to park. For cars It's $10.⁣
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There are bathrooms located in the parking lot. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper. ⁣
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Also there's only a small section that has railing, so please be careful and don't get too close to the edge. ⁣
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From the lot, it's about a 10 minute walk, that isn't too difficult. During the summer, bring sunscreen, a hat and water. ⁣
⁣
I'm happy to be back and can't wait to hear how you're all doing.⁣
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Stay safe and be well xoxo ⁣
⁣
#crohnsdisease #crohnswarrior #SIBO #roadtrip #roadtrippin #traveltips #horseshoebend #mustsee #traveldiary #travelstories #travelandlife #wanderfolk

Hi Everyone, It's been awhile and I can't apologi

Hi Everyone,

It's been awhile and I can't apologize enough for being silent for three months.

Thank you for your sweet messages.

I am OK, but I went through a terrible health ordeal that I wasn't expecting.

Back in August I was supposed to take my first trip since Covid.

I planned to go to Tulum for a friend's birthday, but never made it.

Instead I ended up in the hospital for days with the worst Crohn's Disease flare up I've ever had.

I literally couldn't eat for 7 weeks and I got incredibly thin and so weak as you can imagine.

Then I got even worse. I was supposed to start a new treatment that I'll now be on for life called Stelara. However, someone dropped the ball and didn't call in the authorization to my insurance.

I kept waiting for approval from Blue Shield and asked when I could start. I was given the run around for 2 weeks and as a result I got sicker.

The ulcers Crohn's caused started bleeding since nothing was controlling the inflammation.

I was on the verge of being admitted again. So I asked if I could so steroids as last result.

I was on them one other time and had horrible side effects. I was having suicidal thoughts, which isn't me at all and I had to be taken off immediately

I was terrified that would happen again but we had no choice now. We had to aggressivly fight Crohn's and this was the only way until I could start Stelara.

So I had a friend stay with me and watch me to ensure I was mentally OK.

I was highly emotional, angry and cried nonstop, but I didn't have dark thoughts this time so I was relieved.

That said, I did put on 10-15 pounds, which is normal, I had insonima and literally didn't sleep for 10 weeks and was an emotional wreck.

I've been off steroids for 2 weeks and I'm finally sleeping again.

I haven't lost the weight yet, but I can eat again and feel much better.

It will take me awhile to fully recover, but I'm finally on my way.

I hope you're all well and I'm looking forward to being active again on social.

Please let me know how you're doing.

Much love,
Heather
Xoxo

#Crohn's #crohnswarrior #crohnsdisease #JoshuaTree #desertvibes #desertliving #fighter

Hey everyone so sorry for not posting anything for

Hey everyone so sorry for not posting anything for a few days.

I should have left for #tulum today, but I'm bedridden dealing with a #crohnsdisease flare.

I've been sick for days and can't eat, much less travel.

We pushed my flight back to Wed in hopes I'll be able to make it, so we'll see.

That said, a precaution we all took was getting a #covid test before the trip to ensure nobody was positive.

While it's not required to enter #mexico you do need to take a test 72 hours before you leave to reenter the states.

If you're asymptomatic and don't realize you have Covid before you go, you'll be stranded because they won't let you leave until your quarantine and test negative.

So if you're #traveling internationally, please stay safe and take every precaution you can.

BTW the second photo is the private villa where I should be right now.

📷 by @natealanofficial

#traveltips #nottraveling #beachvibes #palmtree #traveladdict #travelandlife #wanderfolk #travelstories #travelandleisure #vacaymode

Even though I'm from SoCal, Palm Springs isn't a p

Even though I'm from SoCal, Palm Springs isn't a place I go to often.

But one of the great things about having a house in Joshua Tree is that isn't too far from PS.

So I'm spending the day here and first stop was @palmgreenscafe where I had vegan gluten free breakfast tacos and fresh squeezed ginger, lemon and turmeric juice.

Now I'm at the Moorten Botanical Garden and it's beautiful.

It's just $5 for adults and you can self guided tours. They're only open on weekends from 9-1 so if you're in the area on a weekend check it out.

I'm looking into ethical volunteer opps for Palm Springs since I've had a few people ask so I'll post those soon.

Have a beautiful Sunday 😍

#californiadreaming #palmsprings #desertliving #desertvibes #cactuslover #cactuslove #cactusgarden #cactusinstagram #socalliving #socal #vegan #palmgreenscafe #weekenvibes #sundayfunday #traveltips #palmspringslife #palmspringscalifornia #staycation #wanderfolk #travelandlife #womenwhotravel #solofemaletraveler

L.A. County requiring masks again indoors starting

L.A. County requiring masks again indoors starting Saturday amid spike in coronavirus cases⁣
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Well it was nice while it lasted, but knew it wouldn't last for long. ⁣
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Be well, stay safe and please wear a mask. ⁣
⁣
@ktla5news reports the following. ⁣
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"Los Angeles County is reimplementing its mask mandate indoors — regardless of vaccination status— amid an increase in coronavirus case numbers and concerns over the delta variant, officials announced Thursday.⁣
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The new masking order goes into effect 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.⁣
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“We’re not where we need to be for the millions at risk of infection here in Los Angeles County, and waiting to do something will be too late, given what we’re seeing,” L.A. County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a briefing with reporters."

#losangeles #wearamask #socalliving #covidisnotover #covidisnotajoke #californiadreaming #staywell #bewell #savealife #getvaxxed #oldenglishsheepdog #sheepie #oesofinstagram #OES #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #loveofmylife #lagirl #LA #lacounty #nomakeup #nofilter

It's been 16 months since I've been on a plane. ⁣
⁣
The extent of my recent trips have been road tripping from #LA to #JoshuaTree, but that's about to change.⁣
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I'm going to #Tulum #Mexico next month to celebrate a friend's birthday, which will be my first flight since the pandemic. ⁣
⁣
So how did I decide now is the right time to travel?⁣
⁣
1. I'm fully vaxxed⁣
2. Any nonessential travel to Mexico isn't encouraged for people who aren't vaccinated⁣
3. Travelers need to show a negative Covid test that was taken 72 hours prior to their departing and returning flight⁣
4. I'm going with people who have been fully vaxxed⁣
5. As of now you still have to wear masks on a plane, which makes me feel better since I can't social distance on a flight. ⁣
6. We're staying at a private villa, not a hotel, so I'll be around a limited number of people⁣
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When I am out in public, I will still wear a mask, but for the most part I plan on relaxing at the villa and beach. ⁣
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I will be #volunteering and will keep you posted on what I'll be doing. ⁣
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How do you feel about #traveling I'm still nervous about it, but I'm going to be as cautious as possible. ⁣

#socalliving #desertliving #desertvibes #california #californiadreaming #vaxxed #californiaadventure #travelnotes #traveldiary #wanderlust #wanderfolk #travelstories #travelandleisure #vacaymode #itstime #lagirl #roadtrippin #girlswhotravel #solofemaletraveler #oldenglishsheepdog #rescuedog #sheepdog #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram

There's still a few days left of Pride month and t

There's still a few days left of Pride month and to honor the LGBTQ+ community, I've donated to @trevorproject

There's also a new piece up on my site www.iamthevoluntourist.com that lists ways to virtually volunteer.

And I did a fun piece for @newsbreak.app with Meatball--LA's fave drag queen who explains how life-changing drag has been and how you can support Pride year round.

The link with my interview with Meatball is in my bio, so please click on the link and give it a read 🙂

@spiciestmeatball @hipdot

#pridemonth #pride #lgbtqia #lovenothate #lgbtqlove #lgbtqally #loveislove #lovewins #drag #dragqueen #hipdot #losangeles #reporter #reporterlife #equalrights #virtualvolunteering #giveback #makeadifference #ethicalvolunteering #stopthehate #rainbows #rainbowbaby #ilovela #ally #newsbreak

Today #California lifted Covid restrictions.⁣
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Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most situations and social distancing is up to individuals. ⁣
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While that may be exciting for some, for others it's nerve-wracking.⁣
⁣
Everyone is dealing with this pandemic differently, so please remember to show kindness, patience and respect for others' personal boundaries. ⁣
⁣
According to @CNN Masks will still be mandated in certain places including on public transportation, and indoors in hospitals, and jails.⁣
K-12 schools and child care centers will continue to require face coverings.⁣

Businesses can still require masks at their discretion.⁣

Masks will be required for unvaccinated people in indoor public settings and businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, theaters, movie theaters, family entertainment centers and government offices serving the public.⁣
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But how are we supposed to know who is vaxxed and who isn't? We don't. ⁣
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This is the honor system, so nothing is going to go wrong. ⁣
⁣
For those traveling to California, here's the guidelines that CNN is reporting. ⁣
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California has issued a travel advisory that recommends caution, testing and self-quarantine for unvaccinated visitors from out of state and residents returning to the state, per CDC guidance. Fully vaccinated travelers can safely enter and travel within the state.

#socalliving #cali #californiadreaming #vaxxed #californiaadventure #traveltips #travelandlife #globetrotter #jetsetter #worldtraveler #travelstories #wanderfolk #wanderlust #wonderlust #californialove #californialiving #californiacoast #traveladdict #adventuretime

Happy Friday! Wishing you all a relaxing and love

Happy Friday!

Wishing you all a relaxing and lovely holiday weekend.

I'm not going anywhere. I'll be staying in the desert and hanging out around Joshua Tree.

Now that I live here, I'm really trying to get to know the area more and get connected to the community.

If anyone is headed this way, let me know.

Would love to hear about your Memorial Day Weekend plans.

Where are you #traveling to?

Love,
Heather & Murphy

#JoshuaTree #desertliving #desertvibes #california #cali #californiadreaming #naturephotography #naturegram #nottraveling #ilivewhereyouvacation #socalliving #oldenglishsheepdog #oes #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #sheepdog #sheepie #doglover #naturelover #desertlife #desertlandscape #weekendvibes #ilivehere #oesofinstagram #landscapesofinstagram

For Memorial Day Weekend, I'm usually in #DC cover

For Memorial Day Weekend, I'm usually in #DC covering the National Memorial Day Concert, which airs on @PBS every year. ⁣
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Scroll through to see pics of my previous times there. ⁣
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It's such a beautiful celebration of our troops that's hosted by @garysiniseofficial and @joemantegna
and I love attending the event.⁣
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It's such an honor to interview our American heroes and share their stories. ⁣
⁣
While we can't be there in person this year thanks to the pandemic, I'm still covering virtually and I have the first piece up. ⁣
⁣
Please click on the link in my bio to read about the nurses in #Vietnam who bravely cared for the soldiers and the former nurse Diane Carlson Evans who fought for women to have a place of honor in Washington D.C. ⁣
⁣
Her inspiring story will be told by actress Kathy Baker from Picket Fences.⁣
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The show airs Sunday, May 30th, at 8:00 P.M. ET. ⁣
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Will you be watching?

#reporter #reporterlife #memorialdayweekend #memdaypbs #pbs #americanheroes #armynurses #honorourtroops #supportourtroops #memorialday #military #veterans #redwhiteandblue #neverforget #freedom #washingtondc #uscapitol #samelliott #garysinise #marymccormack

Last week I posted this in my IG stories and it wa

Last week I posted this in my IG stories and it was the most viewed story ever.

So I'm adding this is my feed for all to see. I don't know who to attribute this to, but I'm thankful to the person who originally posted it.

With so much hate and toxicity going on in the world, it's nice to have a reminder that people do care and to spread love and positive vibes.

I hope you're all staying well and please know you are loved 😍💗

#positivevibes #youareloved #lovenothate #spreadlove #kindness #positiveenergy #goodvibes #goodenergy #stopthehate #loveyourself #loveoneanother #compassion #lovewins #nohatejustlove #nohate

One of the many things that drew me to #JoshuaTree

One of the many things that drew me to #JoshuaTree are the stunning sunsets, and I'm not alone. ⁣
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Since moving to the high desert, I get asked all the time where the best places are to catch one of our infamous sunsets.⁣
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Most tourists go into the park, which I understand. There are so many beautiful areas inside like Keys Viewpoint and Hidden Valley, but there's so many amazing spots outside the park in Twentynine Palms, Landers, Pioneertown, Yucca Valley and of course Joshua Tree.⁣
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Oftentimes if I'm driving I'll pull over on a side street that has a lot of Joshua Trees and watch the sunset.⁣
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My new favorite area though is Indian Cove, which is a really cool campground outside of the park in Twentynine Palms. ⁣
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You're surrounded by steep rock formations in a secluded area nestled up against mountains. It's absolutely gorgeous. ⁣
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And there's even a little amphitheater where park rangers give talks about wildlife and things to know about the park. ⁣
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Plus it's dog friendly 🙂 ⁣
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If you'd like to #volunteer while you're in town, check out Palms and Paws animals shelter the Morongo Basin Humane Society and 29 Palms Food for Life⁣

#traveltips #highdesert #29palms #indiancove #sunsetsofinstagram #sunsetlovers #desertliving #desertvibes #california #SoCal #socalliving #cali #californiadreaming #oldenglishsheepdog #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #sheepie #OES #sheepdog #giveback #compassion #makeadifference #ethicalvolunteering #doglover #travelstories #wanderfolk

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