Travel with Conscience

Some call it Philanthropic Travel, others Humanitarian Travel, Humanitours, Meaningful or Altruistic Travel. We refer to it as Travel with Conscience. When we assist you in creating your itinerary, you will be connected with various social and conservation programs. These solution-oriented projects are unique to each region’s challenges and range from orphanages to schools, to clean water, to environmental projects and micro-business financing. During your trip you can spend anywhere from a few hours to an extended stay visiting and learning about how can help support local initiatives. The choice is yours.

While the goal is to help fund worthy projects worldwide during your travel, we do not set standards for your giving. We firmly believe that giving is a truly personal and private journey. There is no room for judgment or measuring sticks as we extend our hands and open our hearts. There are, however, productive and non-productive ways to give to these organizations. Cultural norms cannot be ignored - and we are here to guide you.

Prior to your trip you will be provided with as much background information as possible, so that you are aware of the needs of each project. Take a look at the websites and wish lists for the projects, taking time to carefully consider how you might contribute. In some cases, pre-trip planning is necessary. Other projects may have you bring certain items from home. Such programs take forethought and a bit of planning. Either way, educating and mentally preparing yourself before you go is important. Consider sharing your trip details with others in your community, and give them the chance to be involved in giving through your travels.

Our goal is simple - to connect you to well-run, honest programs in the areas that surround magnificent travel spots. The rest is up to you…

• Introduction to Traveler’s Philanthropy
• Are Americans Cheap or Charitable?
• When Enough Is Enough
• Room to Read : Bringing Books to the World

• Global Giving – Armchair giving ... browse great projects worldwide.
• Just a Drop
  We support water, sanitation and health projects around the world. We also help in disaster relief efforts when the most basic human need is clean water.
• www.data.org
  DATA is an advocacy organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty and AIDS in Africa. Founded by U2 lead singer Bono, Bobby Shriver and activists from the Jubilee "Drop the Debt" campaign in 2002, DATA calls on the governments of the world's wealthiest nations to keep their existing commitments to Africa and adopt new trade and aid policies that will help Africans put themselves on the path to long-term prosperity and stability.
• Gates Foundation
• Room to Read
  Room to Read partners with local communities throughout the developing world to establish schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructure.

• Me to We - Finding Meaning in a Material World - Craig and Marc Kielburger
• How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas - David Bornstein
• When Heaven and Earth Changed Places - Le Ly Hayslip
• Child of War, Woman of Peace - Le Ly Hayslip
• Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children - John Wood
• Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time - Greg Mortenson
• Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World - Bill Clinton
• On the Move - Bono
• Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose - Rajendra S. Sisodia, David B. Wolfe, and Jagdish N. Sheth
• Inspired Philanthropy: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Giving Plan and Leaving a Legacy (Kim Klein's Chardon Press) (Paperback) - Tracy Gary
• A Kids Guide to Giving - Freddi Zeiler
• Kids with Courage: True Stories About Young People Making a Difference - Barbara Lewis