13 Meaningful Ways to Give Back While Traveling in 2024, According to Travel Experts

Ready to make a difference while exploring the world? Giving back to communities and supporting environmental causes can be a rewarding part of travel. Our travel experts share impactful ways to be philanthropic in 2024, ensuring your adventures leave a positive mark on the communities you visit.

Rhinos in Zimbabwe

“Singita’s Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe provides one of the best sanctuaries for rhinos in the world. I had the pleasure of going behind the scenes with the anti-poaching team — an absolute bright spot in the conservation world. Most rhino poaching happens because of inside intelligence, so the organization relies on its team of scouts, who are celebrated in their villages and looked after. Staying at Pamushana helps this effort, but guests can also meet the scouts and learn how they patrol the area and teach others about the importance of rhinos.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Travel

Rain Forests in Costa Rica

“Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica was created with a commitment to environmental preservation. Located on the Pacuare River, the lodge harnesses hydropower for energy, uses lumber sourced from a reforestation project run by small farmers, and has acquired 840 acres of rain forest for conservation. The staff comes from local communities such as Nairi Awari Indigenous Reserve and Bajos del Tigre, and offers guests a unique glimpse into indigenous culture.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel

Great Apes in Uganda

“The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust sets a high standard with their philanthropic initiatives in Rwanda and Uganda. The organization is dedicated to establishing sustainable, self-reliant projects that uplift the lives of local communities, champion the preservation of great apes, rehabilitate natural environments, and address human-wildlife conflicts. Guests at their lodges are invited to participate.” — Erin Correia, Adventure Life

Whistling Language in Turkey

“There’s a village on the Black Sea coast of Turkey where people still communicate with the whistling language. It’s called the Bird Village. Because the younger generation is moving away for jobs, this language is becoming endangered. We should find ways of getting tourists there who will spend time with the villagers, spend money, and contribute to the well-being of the community so they have a reason to continue this tradition.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Best

Toys in India 

“Haveli Dharampura, a restored haveli (or old mansion) in the heart of Old Delhi, has an interesting way of contributing to social causes. The UNESCO-awarded mansion was restored a few years ago and supports one of the largest toy banks in the country for under-privileged children. There are also special centers for training teachers in creative ways to educate children.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris

Coral Reefs in Tanzania

“Manta, Pemba Island in Tanzania has an agreement with the local community where a one-kilometer stretch of reef is off bounds for fishing. In return for its cooperation, the community receives all proceeds from guided snorkeling tours of that coral reef. This arrangement benefits both the local people and the environment.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris

Sea Turtles in Bali

“The Legian Seminyak, Bali has a sea turtle rescue center program where the eggs are kept safe and guests can help release the babies after they hatch.” — Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s Travels/TravelStore

School in Zambia 

“As a leader in the safari travel sphere, we have pledged to donate a portion of our earnings to Maunga village primary school. [This is for] every trip booked with us that includes a night at one of our selected Zambian camps and lodges, including all African Bush Camps lodges, Tongabezi Lodge, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Chundukwa River Lodge, and Toka Leya.” — Maija de Rijk-Uys, Go2Africa

Koalas in Australia 

“The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is perfect for travelers looking to get something more out of their Aussie wildlife experience. While staying at its property, you can visit the Koala Hospital with the veterinarian staff and even ‘adopt’ a koala; the money goes toward the continued care and research for the declining koala population.” — Cassandra Bookholder, Camelback Odyssey Travel

Migration Routes in Africa 

“I’m deeply moved by the land conservation efforts found at safari lodges throughout Africa and largely funded by tourism. One example is the Chem Chem Association, a nonprofit working to restore the Kwakuchinja corridor, an important migratory route that connects the Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks. This route was declared abandoned in 2009. It’s incredible to see the herds of elephants back in the area after decades of absence.” — Erina Pindar, SmartFlyer

Women Entrepreneurs in Oman

“Six Senses Zighy Bay works with the Dibba Women Association to help women become entrepreneurs. This is an inspiring endeavor that has benefited the local women and children.” — Mo Noubani, The Travel Box International

Tropical Plants in Australia

“The Botanical Ark in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest houses the largest collection of tropical ethnobotanical plants found on Earth. Run by the husband-wife duo of Alan and Susan Carle, the group has spent more than 40 years researching and collecting tropical plants to unlock the nutritional secrets of the jungle. Alan and Susan offer private tours of their garden, and let visitors learn about their preservation efforts and sample from this living Garden of Eden.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor

Schools and Hospitals in Uganda

“Abercrombie & Kent has a well-established philanthropic program that allows clients to contribute to water wells, bike shops, schools, and other local initiatives. A recent client wrote, ‘I thought that the gorilla trekking would be the highlight of my trip in Uganda, but I was wrong. Visiting the school and hospital that I donated money to was absolutely incredible … Today was a day I’ll never forget!'” — Rob Clabbers, Q Cruise + Travel