I Like Local is showcasing impactful experiences through their online directory of impactful activities. Across Asia and Africa, from Kathmandu to Kigali, I Like Local showcases immersive travel experiences directed by locals themselves. This means that 100% of the money asked by the local hosts is directly paid to them.
Nomads Giving Back! make it easier for you to give back to local communities and create positive social change around the world through social impact-themed trips, culture & language exchanges, skill-sharing programs, advocacy events, meet-ups, impact workshops, volunteering access to organizations they support and more.
Globalteer is a registered UK charity operating overseas to provide support to ethical and sustainable projects working in community development, animal care, wildlife rescue, and environmental conservation.
One important part of this mission is to enable cultural exchange by revitalising new connections: Locals and people from all different cultures, working together, living the reality of others and digging deep to reach a place of mutual understanding and to strive towards a world where human and animal suffering is minimised.
Trashpackers is a movement of travellers and locals from all over the world who are cleaning up and inspiring others to make an impact as well. Our mission is to accelerate awareness about the global pollution problem with the goal to stop getting trash into the environment
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 detailed responsible city guides, blog posts and general responsible tourism information, as well as highlighting great causes. Look out for their ‘Travel Good Badge’ to find a cause near you.
Duara Travels is a platform that promotes village homestay experiences in countries across the globe. Their aim is to direct travellers to places seldom travelled, and promote micro-entrepreneurship in local villages. They run homestay programs in remote regions across Asia and Africa. Read about my homestay experience in Nepal here.
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. Follow their blog for stories from the community, and stay tuned for their next feature which will include a social enterprise database.
Grassroots Volunteering is a database of social businesses and volunteer opportunities worldwide. Search, by country, for the opportunity to volunteer at a grassroots level, cutting out the middle man and ensuring all your funds go to the supporting the cause in need. GV also has a great list of social enterprises you can support in the areas you are travelling to. If you are a social enterprise who wants to be listed ask me how I can help.
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.
Givebackpackers is a community that connects backpackers with like-minded individuals and the causes they care about. The website lists a marketplace of experiences and causes around the world that you can connect with on your travels. The community is growing and always looking for more causes and organisations to add to the website so get in touch with them if you have a lead. You can apply to be a Givebackpacker here.
Backstreet Academy is a peer to peer travel platform for immersive responsible travel experiences around the world. They offer a vast range of experiences that help provide economic growth to locals in developing regions. I had the pleasure of taking Backstreet Academy’s local tours in Vietnam and Cambodia and am also an ambassador for the ethical platform. Browse through their activities here.
Coral Road is an online database of eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation in Asia that connects sustainable travel destinations with travellers who care about sustainability.
Purposeful Nomad connects compassionate, adventurous women with incredible communities and experiences around the world. They’ve dedicated their lives to developing genuine global relationships, discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and finding ways to have meaningful exchanges with the communities they visit. Check out their meaningful tours here.