CHINA
Tending to the pandas
Those with the urge to use their vacation time to explore the world and to do good might consider Planeterra's two-week "Project China," which, besides hitting many of the massive nation's most profound places — including the Great Wall and Xian's Terracotta Warriors — allows travelers to tend to members of one of the most endangered species, the giant panda. The volunteer work, which lasts five days, consists of gathering food for the animals and helping keep their enclosures clean. In exchange, you get to interact with the bears. Highlights on the other days of the trip include seeing the Shaolin Temple and its fighting monks, tasting the spicy cuisine of Chengdu, riding Shanghai's speedy Maglev Train, visiting the Shanghai Museum and touring Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Itinerary: Shanghai to Shaolin, Luoyang, Xian, Chengdu, Bifengxia Panda Centre and Beijing
Dates: Departures July 10 and 24, Aug. 7, Sept. 4 and 18, Oct. 9 and 23
Price: $1,710, double occupancy (single supplement $559), including lodging, guided tours, the services of a group leader and transportation to the sights and between cities. The cost does not include international airfare, meals or gratuities.
Info: Planeterra, Toronto; (800) 708-7761, http://www.planeterra.org