Luxury New York trip to make a difference

WORLD FORUM PROTESTS

If you can afford luxury but want to make a difference while enjoying it, then this break may be just what you’re looking for. Hands Up Holidays has a New York tour where you can have a great time but also help repair areas hit by Storm Sandy.

The responsible luxury tour operator is dedicated to offering holidays that blend sightseeing with a “taste” of volunteering. The eight-day trip, departing on February 11 includes a stay at the world famous Waldorf Astoria (above), a fantastic luxury experience of the Big Apple including a helicopter tour, Broadway show, evening yacht ride as well as dining at some of the city’s finest restaurants.

What you will be giving back to the local people is three days helping revitalise a community centre in Coney Island that was hit by the storm last October. Volunteers will get the chance to prime, paint and add murals to the walls of the centre. Themes include beaches, pirates, mermaids and amusement parks. No painting experience is necessary and all of tools, gloves, paints and materials are supplied.

Hands Up Holidays donates at least 10 per cent of its profits to further Community development projects. The New York City trip costs £5,350.

For more information go to www.handsupholidays.com/tours/voluntourism-new-york