GoPhilanthropic - Meaningful Intelligent Travel

Changing the Way We See the World

One of the beauties of travel is that it affects us, has us coming home with a broader richer view of the world we live in.

  -- GoPhilanthropic

A couple of weeks ago while at the New York Times Travel Show, I wandered by the booth of an innovative company:   GoPhilanthropic. 

Unsure exactly what type of travel they offer, I asked if this was a type of voluntourism. Lydia Dean of GoPhilanthropic kindly took a few minutes to explain the concept of Meaningful Intelligent Travel.

An Alternative to Voluntourism

This is an alternative to Voluntourism because it meets the needs of a larger market of people.  Most folks don't want to volunteer for their entire vacation.  Instead, GoPhilanthropic weaves elements of philanthropy into their trip.

The company embraces the concept of travel philanthropy combined with sustainable travel, coupling luxury vacations with support for social and conservation projects around the world.  The idea is to give travelers an authentic and meaningful exchange with local communities and a chance to contribute their efforts.

This type of travel typically appeals to the over-40 crowd who prefer some comfort but would like to give back somehow.

What You'll Do

Visitors might spend an afternoon donating school supplies and books or a local well; or they might spend time meeting candidates for micro-loans.  They'll explore each country with a private, local guide, stay in exceptional accommodations such as locally run B&Bs, Eco-Conscious Inns or luxury hotels, and indulge in activities of their choice such as taking cooking classes, going for walks, enjoying cultural experiences or participating in adventure activities.

The goal of GoPhilanthropic is to connect you with well-run, worthy projects during your travel.  They'll provide you with background information on each project so that you can consider how you can contribute.  Whether you're traveling alone or with a group, the tours are custom tailored to meet your interests, time and budget. 

For example

Take Cambodia.   I looked on GoPhilanthropic's website under "Suggested Itineraries," and saw five different possibilities that range from 4 to 16 nights long.  Elements "Unique to You" can be added.  For instance, would you like to see an Apsara dance performance?  Go for an elephant ride?  Have a massage? 

Then you'll choose your mode of transport.  Car?  Tuk-tuk?  Bike?

The projects for Cambodia include orphanage visits, helping to install wells or supporting a company that offers micro-loans.  And Cambodia is only one of the many countries you can visit.

This sounds like a great idea to me for a future trip; I'll definitely be looking into it further.

For more information visit GoPhilanthropic at www.gophilanthropic.com.

 

 

 

Comments

[Melody]

Jeanne d'Arc, Da Vinci and Ms. Mozart,
Thank you so much for stopping by! I have greatly enjoyed connecting with you on Twitter and following your journeys on your blog.

I am amazed by the open-ended world tour your family is doing and look forward to seeing where you'll go next.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with those of us who can't take so much time to travel!

[soultravelers3]

What a great idea! It sounds like the kind of travel that we love to do on our open ended world tour as a family. I realize not everyone can take the time that we do, so isn't nice that someone is making it easy for others!

Thanks so much for stopping by our website and for connecting with us on Twitter! It is always so great to connect with other who have a passion for travel!