Do you love to travel but would also like to give something back?
Just because you are affording yourself the luxury of traveling the world doesn’t mean that you can’t also do your bit to make it a better place.
Whether you are planning your annual vacation or you intend to travel all over, there are lots of different ways you can support charities along the way.
Find out how below.
1. Make donations
Saved up for the trip of a lifetime? Why not skip a few 5-star meals and make a charitable donation before you go? There are so many charities to choose from, including national ones and those that are closer to home, all of which welcome donations, however big or small.
Alternatively, you could donate as you go, with collection boxes and street fundraisers in countries all over the world.
2. Look out for local events
Once you get to your destination, look out for local charitable events that you could attend or volunteer to help with. You don’t need to know anyone involved to take part, as most groups will be grateful for the extra pair of hands.
Another option is to organize your own event before you go, such as a sponsored bike ride or a mountain climb.
3. Visit local charity shops
If you are traveling for several months, you may need to pick up clothing and other items as you go. Rather than spend a lot of money on fast fashion items that everyone owns, it is a much better idea to check out the local charity shops.
Not only can you grab some great bargains, but you can also help to support local charities as you travel.
4. Book with charitable hotels
Did you know that if you book a hotel with a third-party booking portal, you can give 20% of the proceeds to an organization known as Charitable Hotels?
Furthermore, with 93% of U.S. hotels on the charitable hotels database, you can explore the United States and help to make the world a better place.
Alternatively, check out these top-rated hotels known for their charitable efforts.
5. Donate your reward points
If you earn travel rewards points when you fly with a certain airline, stay at a specific hotel, or book a vacation with a particular travel agency, you may be able to donate these to your charity of choice.
The only disadvantage to this is that charitable donations often have low redemption values, and donating points is not tax deductible.
Final thoughts
Whether you are going abroad for your annual family vacation or you plan to travel with no set return date, it has never been easier to support charities along the way.
If you want a quick and easy option, then just make a donation to your chosen charity, either before you go or while you are traveling. Alternatively, if you want to be more involved, why not volunteer with a local charity? Voluntourism has never been more popular, with a wide range of community projects that you can help.