For all the responsible travellers out there, here are some websites you might find useful for making an impact that counts.
Pack For A Purpose
An initiative that allows travellers to make an impact while travelling by using a small amount of space in their luggage to pack supplies needed by community projects around the world. The site lists a number of places, in hundreds of cities worldwide, where you can drop off your donations that will go to the people who need them most.
Grassroots Volunteering
Grassroots Volunteering is a database of social businesses and volunteer opportunities worldwide. Search, by country, for the opportunity to volunteer at a grassroots level or search for social enterprises you can support in the areas you are travelling to.
Backpacker Bible
Backpacker Bible is a responsible travel website where you can find information about responsible tourism and ways to minimise the negative impact while travelling. They provide the most relevant and up to date tips and suggestions for the most culturally rich and authentic travel experience, with the best possible impact.
World Nomads
Even responsible travellers need insurance, and what better insurance to have than a socially responsible one. World Nomads believe all travellers have a responsibility to give back, which is why they make a difference by funding community development projects as part of their travel insurance program.
GivingWay
GivingWay is an online social network directly connecting volunteers and organisations worldwide, for free. GivingWay is shifting the power back to volunteers and end organisations, and away from the big volunteer companies and agencies.
_ForWater
_ForWater is a platform to connect volunteers, donors and media to create a community that’s taking global change into its own hands. Travellers can raise money to purchase water filters that they can then distribute to communities on their travels. “It’s DIY humanitarianism,” says _ForWater.
New Lens Travel
New Lens Travel is taking volunteering to a new level by providing people with opportunities to learn from locals rather than jump in to help them. New Lens Travel provides customised placements by pairing people with locally-based media professionals so they can share real stories from the ground. Currently operating in Ghana, New Lens Travel will be expanding their programs to other countries.
ChildSafe Movement
ChildSafe is a Movement actively protecting children and youth around the world. They have created a platform to help travellers understand what can hurt children while they are travelling. ChildSafe’s 7 Tips On Being A ChildSafe Traveller provide information on what can be harmful, alongside proactive ways that travellers can help.
Right Tourism
Right Tourism is an information hub where you can take action against animal cruelty in the tourism industry. They offer tips on how to make animal friendly choices when you travel, as well offer a platform for users to campaign against unethical practices they are concerned about.
Homestay.com
Homestay.com is an accommodation marketplace offering travellers the chance to connect with local hosts in over 150 countries. Their aim is to provide authentic travel experiences, staying with locals in their homes and putting money back into local communities.
