Ways to Make a Positive Impact When Travelling

Travel allows us to experience the world through the eyes of other places and cultures.

It allows us to develop as individuals, educate ourselves and broaden our perspective.

And it also gives us the opportunity to leave a mark on the world. Every interaction with another person makes us a citizen of the world, and it’s natural to want to spread some good everywhere you go.

If you want to use your travel adventures to make the world a better place, check out our top tips

1.      Consider your environmental impact

Frequent travel unfortunately can have environmental consequences.

Just Planted a Tree in the Dominican Republic

But there are ways to travel more responsibly and reduce your footprint. With online services like Google Flights, you can research flights with lower emissions. Alternatively, with a little research you can explore airlines and resort properties with sustainable policies to help support their missions.

2.      Support local traders

local food tour to local places in Lisbon, Portugal

Whenever travelling, some of the biggest tourist traps are the least conscious, with mass produced souvenirs, and often inauthentic products masquerading as local fare.

Wherever you go, seek out genuine local traders – for instance, those who craft their own souvenirs, or eateries whose produce comes exclusively from local farmers.

Lending your support to the local trade is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and makes a huge difference to the independent businesses at the heart of communities.

3.      Explore volunteer travel opportunities

Volunteering at the Special Olympics in Buffalo, NY

There are some incredible volunteer opportunities for those who wish to work to further good causes while they travel.

Many of these involve working with communities, wildlife, or environmental conservation projects.  Projects Abroad is a fantastic directory of such projects, from diving and coral reef preservation in Thailand, assisting with the Special Olympics, to sea turtle conservation in Mexico. Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find a project that gives you the chance to make a difference.

4.      Give back

Giving back to charitable organisations is great way

There are some fantastic causes supporting international aid, wildlife conservation and animal welfare, as well as worthy causes at home.

One great example in the UK is Raffle House. They sell tickets to raffles where winners can win homes, cars and more. As well as giving you the chance to further your travel adventures if you are a winner, it supports a vast array of charitable causes across the UK and beyond.

Their international causes include War Paws, which works to care for animals and their owners in war zones, The Charitable Foundation for the Education of Nepalese Children supports the education of Nepalese children, and Beyond Conflict, which works to support the mental health of those who have survived war, terrorism and displacement.

5.      Get involved in the community

appreciating the local art in Buenos Aires, Argentina

One of the easiest ways to make a difference in the world is to be a part of the global community.

Wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make friends and get to know the locals, by travelling like a local.  Often you’ll find they are friendly and glad to share their tips on how to make the best of their hometown, and steer you away from the tourist traps others often fall for.

A friendly smile is the same in every language, so don’t be afraid to strike up a chat and share your joy with those you meet. Or find local events in the places you’re travelling to be an active part of the community you’re visiting. (Of course, always take safety precautions wherever you go).

Want to leave a mark on the world and make the world a better place one trip at a time? We hope these five tips inspire your next adventure.