Journeys that benefit local societies and wildlife, showcasing 10 exceptional travel experiences

Journeys that benefit local societies and wildlife, showcasing 10 exceptional travel experiences

Discover 10 Unforgettable Travel Experiences that Make a Difference

In our belief that travel can serve as a powerful force for good, we're sharing a selection of remarkable trips to book this year, each offering opportunities to support conservation projects and boost local economies.

1. Eco-adventures in Australia Explore the diverse landscapes of Flinders Island, off the coast of Tasmania, while participating in Tasmanian Expeditions' Flinders Island Walking Adventure - In Comfort. This small group tour provides a chance to observe unique wildlife and birdlife, while learning about responsible bushwalking and staying at the eco-friendly Eco Comfort Camp.

More information: Tasmanian Expeditions. Selected dates from October 2025-May 2026; 6 days from £1,885pp (excluding international flights).

1. Sustainable safari in Zambia Partnering with Project Luangwa, Expert Africa's eco-stove initiative delivers fuel-efficient cooking stoves to remote communities in Zambia's Luangwa Valley. By booking their Perekani Walking Trail tour, travelers can enjoy walking safaris, bush camps, and the chance to visit local villages to witness the impact of this initiative firsthand.

More information: Expert Africa. Flexible dates from June-October 2025; 11 days from £7,190pp (excluding international flights).

1. Witness conservation in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands Audley Travel's tailor-made In search of the Jaguar in Brazil's Pantanal trip includes a stay at Caiman property, home to multiple conservation programs and the Onçafari initiative, which aims to preserve jaguars and promote their conservation through education and responsible tourism.

More information: Audley. Year-round; 11 days from £8,310pp (including international flights).

1. Scaling Kilimanjaro to empower women Exodus Adventure Travel's Kilimanjaro Climb: Lemosho Route small group tour supports the operator's Mountain Lioness scholarship, which trains and equips women as expedition guides, offering them opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated field.

More information: Exodus Adventure Travel. Selected dates from June-October 2025; 10 days from £3,095pp (excluding international flights).

1. Preserving Ecuador's forests Collaborating with the World Land Trust and Fundación EcoMinga, Naturetrek's The Reptiles and Amphibians of Ecuador trip explores the Candelaria Reserve, a vital wildlife corridor, while supporting scientific research, job creation, and community development.

More information: Naturetrek. 3 February 2026; 17 days from £7,495pp (including international flights).

1. Carbon-conscious journeys through Europe Travel operators like Byway create flight-free itineraries, such as their Italian and Swiss Lakes trip, reducing personal carbon footprints and supporting local businesses in culturally rich destinations.

More information: Byway. Year-round; 8 nights from £1,475pp (transport included).

1. Supporting villagers in Spain Pura Aventura's Walks, Villages and Flavours of Spain's Aracena Hills self-guided walking trip promotes sustainable tourism and cultural preservation by prioritizing local accommodations, family-owned businesses, and village life.

More information: Pura Aventura. Flexible dates from September 2025-June 2026; 8 days from £1,400pp (excluding international flights).

1. Rewilding Chile through tourism Journey Latin America's Chile: Off the Beaten Track self-drive tour offers the opportunity to visit the Huemul Rescue Center, which cares for endangered huemul deer and contributes to conservation efforts in Cerro Castillo National Park.

More information: Journey Latin America. Year-round; 14 days from £4,600pp (excluding international flights).

1. Clean water for schools in Kenya Abercrombie & Kent's Kenya Safari in Style 2025 small group tour supports the LifeStraw safe-water initiative, providing clean drinking water for schools in Kenya's Mara region.

More information: Abercrombie & Kent. Selected dates from July-October & December 2025; 8 days from £9,230pp (excluding international flights).

1. Ceramics preservation in Peru's Sacred Valley G Adventures' Express Peru with Machu Picchu by Train small group tour allows travelers to engage with Cuyo Chico community ceramics projects, preserving a tradition that improves local artisans' livelihoods.

More information: G Adventures. Year-round; 6 days from £729pp (excluding international flights).

By making thoughtful choices when planning your travels, you can enjoy a meaningful journey while making a positive impact on the communities and ecosystems you visit.

Embarking on an educational-and-self-development journey, one might enroll in a pottery workshop in Peru's Sacred Valley, learning traditional techniques and supporting local artisans, thanks to G Adventures' Express Peru with Machu Picchu by Train small group tour.

On the other hand, escaping the traditional path for a lifestyle of exploration, one can immerse oneself in sustainable travel experiences across the globe, like the carbon-conscious journeys through Europe offered by travel operators such as Byway, fostering cultural preservation and local business support.

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