Destinations with a purpose

By Arabella Loaiza & Maria Elena Muñoz

When people travel, they want to have fun and live a local experience. But there are a lot of people who also want to do something in order to benefit the community they are visiting. Is it possible to achieve both at the same time?

In order to achieve these two goals, you just have to get involved in ecofriendly actions, and you also have the choice of a social enterprise.

What are social enterprises?

It is an enterprise that has a social or environmental mission, and its profits are principally used to fund social programs.

From tours and experiences to restaurants and shops, social enterprises allow you to have a deeper travel experience and connection to a place, and feel good knowing your money is being put back into the community.

Some activities that social enterprises offer

Cultural experiences and tours. You can book a tour and you are going to have a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Also, you can eat in local restaurants. It will be amazing, because you are going to be able to really taste local flavors of the place you are visiting and at the same time you are going to be helping local people improve their economy.

Destinations for making a difference

Belize

You have the amazing opportunity to visit the Maya ruins of Caracol or explore the breathtaking beaches, where you can contribute to the ecological impact by taking a bag for recollecting all the trash you find for preserving these amazing places. You will not only visit wonders, but also help it remain as a wonder. You can also stay in the eco-lodges galore and visit the first-ever nationwide ray sanctuary. You’ll end up thrilled with joy.

Seychelles, Africa

You can embark on unforgettable expeditions and see the most wonderful sea life. Collect data, and join to one of the many environmental programs to contribute to the conservation of this majestic creatures. Don’t miss a chance to visit Anse Lazio, Curieuse, and the beautiful La Digue. What are you waiting for? Put on some reef-safe sunscreen and dive into this adventure.

Ecuador

Tourism can empower indigenous communities, so why not partner with local indigenous families living around the Amazon rainforest. Imagine waking up surrounded by tropical trees and wildlife, guided by the locals to visit the best places. Here you are able to work alongside the environmental police to help rescue and rehabilitate wild animals that didn’t receive the right treatment or were trafficked. Imagine making a difference to monkeys, parrots, turtles or other mammals surrounded by lush greenery in one of the most diverse areas in the planet.

So what are you waiting for? Traveling? Helping the environment? It’s the best of both worlds.