National Geographic Traveler magazine has recognized PEPY's 'Rural Experiential Tour' as one of their Top Tours of a Lifetime for 2009. The tour is a 9-day volunteer experience that introduces participants to rural, off-the-beaten-track Cambodia while involving them in construction of a rainwater collection system that provides clean drinking water to more than 500 students.

Two years ago PEPY's epic three-week bike adventure through Cambodia was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as part of a similar feature. To be recognized for a second tour is a testament to PEPY's continued commitment to producing unique, educational, and responsible adventure tours.

The 50 selected tours on this year's list are split into three categories—active, classic, and cultural. "You won't find any $50,000 round-the-world by private jet tours on this year's list", wrote National Geographic Traveler magazine, "...every tour, whatever its price tag, offers small-group, thoughtfully crafted experiences that are eco- and culturally sensitive, provide uncommon access, and foster interaction with the locals."

"Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours," noted the magazine's senior editor Norie Quintos. "This year, we wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also a great value, given the economic climate. What we found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now as the traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip's components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and more discounts, freebies, and extras."

PEPY Tours was founded to educate travelers about responsible tourism options and the issues surrounding development initiatives in Cambodia as well as to fund the work of its partner organization, The PEPY Ride. The PEPY Ride is a non-profit organization registered in the USA and Cambodia, which was founded in 2005.

PEPY Tours offers volunteer and adventure tours in Cambodia that raise funds to support educational programs in rural areas. Tours range from multi-week bike adventures to weeklong service learning projects. More information about PEPY Tours can be found at www.pepytours.com

The feature appears in the May/June 2009 issue, which has already hit the newsstands, as well as being listed on their website. So pick up a copy or check it out online at: http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/05/tours-of-a-lifetime/intro-text