Hardly any industry is untouched by the Covid-19 crisis, but travel was among the first to be affected and has been dealt a particularly harsh blow.
If I am being completely transparent, I wake up to a fresh cloud cover every day.
Barely a month after worldwide lock downs and border closures effectively sealed off entire countries from our reach, so many of us already are looking back fondly on the idyllic days of travel and looking hopefully to the beautiful horizon for more.
Travel will be back. But because of this pandemic, the way we travel will undergo a dramatic transformation.
I do believe the dream trip will finally be taken, multi generational travel will grow, and mostly we will be looking for something more meaningful from our “vacations” than just the experience.
We will be looking for transformative travel.
In this season of homeschooling, teaching our children to be global learners that are culturally curious is a crucial seed that must be planted early.
The Power of Philanthropic Travel is a way to see this seed take root and rise.
More people are looking to impact and in turn be impacted by the lives and livelihood of where they travel. They volunteer, enrich other cultures, rebuild homes, donate schoolbooks, medical supplies, teach English, give charitable donations.
One of the benefits of working with a travel advisor is being able to tailor your trip based on individual interests and preferences. Here are some I’ve worked with and are worth considering on your next trip!
Reading Road Trip with Island Routes
This is an amazing volunteer opportunity with one of my favorite Tour Operators in the Caribbean. Reading Roadtrip is a unique opportunity to engage with Caribbean children and enhance their lives. Reading a story is just the beginning of this enlightening experience when you are paired with a small group of children at their school. Yours and their entertaining questions will keep everyone attentive and your family will be touched by the experience.
Guests who have taken the time on their vacations say it was the highlight.
Don’t forget to bring a new or gently-used book to donate to the school’s library!
Abercrombie and Kent Philanthropy
A&K is dedicated to positively impacting lives and livelihoods in the communities where all their guests travel.. Guests can can learn philanthropic investments as an integral part of their travel experience; From Africa to Asia, Latin America to the Antarctic, A&K works with communities on education, health care, and conservation projects. And they aren’t alone, more luxury tour operators now offer philanthropic-minded trips to places like Kenya, Cambodia and Vietnam that incorporate visits to local schools, hospitals or wildlife centers. So many guests after seeing their money in the community become lifetime donors…This is the power of travel.
Sandals Foundation-Packing with A Purpose
This wonderful organization lets you choose an initiative based on your travel destination. Whether it be health, education, animal welfare, or socioeconomic development. It is a very small way to make a huge impact on where you travel. All guests are asked to dedicate five pounds of their luggage weight allowance to bring supplies to the locals in need. Bonus: More room in your suitcase for the local artists wares!
Not sure which Philanthropic Travel experience is right for your family? Contact us at How Far I’ll Go Adventures to learn more.
