Do good on your next holiday. Here are six places to travel that give back to the community
We’ve already given you the lowdown on the best private island escapes, alternative beach vacations, and luxe camping adventures, but what will travel look like in a post-Covid world? Holidays in the future may well be different, but some things will never change: the importance of escape and the undeniable positive impact that travel can have on us as individuals, the environment and those in need. Here, Lightfoot Travel highlights just some of the hotels that welcome guests to not only have the time of their life, but to also contribute to the world around them. We can’t wait to explore all these places that offer travel that gives back to the community and the planet.
1. Travel that gives back to women: Dunia Camp, Tanzania
Tanzania is a male-dominated society, therefore historically safari camps were male-only zones, but times are changing. By opening Tanzania’s first camp run by an all-female team, Dunia Camp not only promotes female empowerment and financial independence, but by receiving direct benefits from conservation, the staff are learning just how vital wildlife preservation is. The knock-on effects of the ladies at the camp is huge – hundreds of young local women look up to them, meaning that they also believe they can achieve their dreams and become anything they want to be. Who doesn’t want to support that?!
2. Travel that gives back to education: Sol y Luna, Peru
Sol y Luna not only offers a gorgeous eco-escape in Peru’s Sacred Valley, but one hundred percent of the hotel’s profits go towards their foundation to help underprivileged children and families. The Sol y Luna school, built by the hotel’s owners, stands adjacent to the property and offers free education to children aged four to seventeen, as well as food, clothing, school equipment and vital psychological support. Being so close by, guests can stop by the school to meet the local kids, join in with a lesson or two, and see the benefits of their stay first-hand.
3. Travel that gives back to the ocean: Anantara Dhigu, Maldives
Once you’ve Instagrammed the sea swings, lounged in the beach hammocks and made a splash snorkelling with manta rays and diving with whale sharks, you can do your bit to protect the reef. The coral protection and regeneration programme at Anantara Dhigu, Maldives was launched ten years ago as a bid to strengthen the surrounding ecosystem, and as a guest you get the chance to play a part. Guests are encouraged to join the resort’s marine biologists and regenerate the area by planting coral in damaged reefs. Back on dry land, you can follow its growth with photo updates and return visits.
4. Travel that gives back to the community: Wa Ale Resort, Myanmar
A resort that goes above and beyond, not only does Wa Ale Resort in Myanmar sustain and protect the Lampi Marine National Park, it also benefits and transforms the lives of the local communities through the Lampi Foundation. Working closely with the foundation, beach clean-ups are regularly organised with Wa Ale’s staff who offer guidance and training to the nearby village children, encouraging them to become effective environmental ambassadors for their region. Stay here and you’ll be directly contributing to these essential initiatives and can take part in them yourself.
5. Travel that gives back to low income families: Camellia Hills, Sri Lanka
Amazing initiatives are taking place all around Sri Lanka, but the work at Camellia Hills really shines. As part of the Teardrop Hotels group, this boutique bungalow donates a percentage of revenue to the Teardrop CARE fund (Creating A Rewarding Experience) that supports the local community they live in. Stay here in the thickly carpeted tea country and a donation will go towards providing food, medicine and stationery to low income families, as well as helping to mend local amenities, equip playgrounds and assist disabled and orphaned children. Teardrop has six properties in its portfolio throughout the country and each one works on the same principles: for a holiday with a wide-open heart, don’t look any further.
6. Travel that gives back to wildlife: Singita Safari Lodges & Reserves, South Africa
Singita’s objective has always been dedicated to environmentally conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation and the empowerment of local communities. With two properties in the greater Kruger ecosystem, both with resident black rhino, Singita has partnered with SANParks to support their Black Rhino Guardianship programme. Guest donations help to fund the purchase of technology to track these endangered animals in their natural habitat, and by doing so you’ll provide them with the best chance of survival in the face of unrelenting poaching pressure.