Alternative vacation Tough economic times call for cutting back on luxuries. But it doesn't mean you have to completely forfeit your summer vacation. Many lighthouses offer free housing in exchange for volunteering, allowing you to enjoy the aqua waters without drowning in debt. Volunteering while on vacation "It was one of the highlights of my life," said Karren Jeske, who volunteered twice at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, WI for the United States National Park Service. Jeske trained for about a week on the mainland and helped out at the lighthouse from May to October. The work schedule consisted of 10 days on and four days off with tasks including greeting visitors, painting picnic tables, keeping the house clean, and providing on-site vandalism protection. The lighthouse was primitive, located on a remote island without running water or electricity. Jeske would take solar showers, which involved heating up a ...
Travel to Santo Domingo