Volun-cation

The mercury is climbing, the humidity is as thick as pea soup.

And many people are taking time off this summer to give back.

Instead of staycations and Americations, many Americans are choosing to use their vacation time and resources to jet off for a service project.

Just this month, CNN explored why so many women in particular are choosing to give up their vacation time to volunteer for others. Industry experts say as many as 70 percent of all volunteer travelers are women, and they're heading to New Orleans for rebuilding efforts, to Africa to serve as teaching assistants and to Haiti to help with earthquake relief.

Give Back Cincinnati is one outlet for Young Professional volunteers to give up some of their vacation time for service efforts beyond Cincinnati. The organization is taking volunteers to New Orleans on August 1, and to Ghana on October 1. These annual projects continue to make an impact in the respective communities and a worthwhile place to commit your time.

Maybe you can't give up a whole week or more.

Maybe a day is more your style.

United Way's Volunteer Connection is a perfect resource for people exploring ways to use a single vacation day to make the most impact. Whether you want to get involved with hunger issues or mentor a child, United Way is able to share thousands of service opportunities to interested volunteers.

So, next time you're considering the best way to use your vacation time, think about giving back.

We promise you won't get stung by a jellyfish.