Travel doesn’t have to be simply about taking a trip and having fun (though it should certainly be about those things). To kick off the New Year, many companies are offering travelers the chance to help others while they’re getting away from it all. And no, we’re not talking about volunteer vacations. Here are three ways travelers can benefit those in need this year (and maybe even score a great deal at the same time):

Donate blood: Through its Live Life, Give Life promotion, the American Red Cross is encouraging blood donors with the chance to win free tickets on Delta Airlines. Donate blood anytime between now and March 31, 2009, and you’ll be eligible to win one of three pairs of roundtrip domestic airline tickets.

Donate food: Through February 1 at family-friendly SoCal attraction Knotts Berry Farm, guests who come with food donations in hand will get in for the junior admission price of $22.99. That’s a $29 discount of regular admission – just for bringing in a can of food.

Choose a charity: If you’re planning to book a vacation package or cruise this year and want to give back to your favorite charity at the same time, consider using Maryland-based agency The Vacation Stop. The company will donate 50 percent of its commission on vacation packages and cruises to the charity of your choice.