Feel good: tours for philanthropic travellers
May 28, 2019 | News | No Comments
Image: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Instagram.com/tomarcherphoto
One of the most rewarding things about travelling is stepping out of your comfort zone, experiencing an entirely foreign landscape and community. However, too often, travellers are unknowingly disrespectful in their approach to people and the environment. Responsible travellers should consider skipping all-inclusive resorts and support local-run businesses instead, as well as consider the environment when commuting short distances, and respect local customs and traditions. For those seeking an education in awareness, try a tailored tour with the aim to support communities and the environment. Tours that give back – such as those listed below – will benefit the destination you’re visiting, while simultaneously showing you remarkable parts of the world.
Image: Luang Prabang, Laos. Instagram.com/johan_drone_adventures
Teach English to disadvantaged women in Laos
The ancient city of Luang Prabang in Laos is an UNESCO World Heritage Site full of Buddhist temples and stunning river scenery – but it’s also a place where many women have hard lives and limited educational opportunities. Responsible Travel offers programs where you can help by teaching English, among other subjects (like health and small business).
Visit: responsibletravel.com
Image: Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Instagram.com/elliotgrafton
Kakadu & Arnhem Land safari
Embrace the indigenous culture of Australia on a tour of Kakadu and Arnhem Land, with permission from the traditional owners. The tour involves visits to arts and crafts centres owned and operated by local artists. You will also have the opportunity to discover Australia’s wildlife, including native birds and saltwater crocodiles.
Visit: lords-safaris.com
Image: Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand. Instagram.com/mllevalomolo
Environmental conservation in New Zealand
Experience the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand while helping to conserve them. The program includes costal restoration, tree planting and surveying of flora and fauna.
Visit: twac.com.au
Image: Flamingos, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Instagram.com/daveburnsphoto
Travel with purpose in Tanzania
Embark on a humanitarian journey through the heart of Africa. The tour starts in the pretty town of Arusha, where you will meet disabled workers who created recycled glass products, before moving to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Throughout the tour you will interact with local villages (including the famous Maasai village), while being educated on conservation and community development in the region.
Visit: andbeyond.com
Image: Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Instagram.com/andbeyondphinda
Wildlife conversation in South Africa
Guests will experience the scenic landscapes and wildlife of South Africa including Phinda Game Reserve, Cape Town and Hermanus. The tour has a focus on wildlife conservation, giving travellers the opportunity to help park management individually notch, tag and collect DNA from rhinos in the wild whose livelihoods are under threat due to habitat loss and poaching.
Visit: andbeyond.com
Image: Caye Caulker, Belize. Instagram.com/ninifeh
Marine conservation in Belize
For travellers wanting to take their philanthropic journey to new dimensions, consider a diving experience in the Caribbean. This tailor-made tour is open to all volunteers interested in diving and caring for the environment, and is a step towards helping conserve the Belize Barrier Reef. Throughout the tour you will join a marine conservation team observing whale sharks, conducting reef health checks and hunting invasive species.
Visit: responsibletravel.com
