Issuu

VOL.4

TRAVEL ELEVATES

GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT VIA TRAVEL

On a Mission... Boarding a flight. Packing an extra suitcase. Experiencing a local community in a new corner of the world. Small choices like these often add up to something much bigger. Travel can have a domino effect of good—and it’s one of the many reasons we are so passionate about what we do. These pages are filled with stories about the people, places, and organizations making a global difference through Travel Elevates— our nonprofit organization that helps give back to the destinations you visit. Whether this is your first time traveling with impact in mind or something we’ve built into your trips for years, we’re here to make those experiences part of the way you see the world. As your trusted travel advisor, we foster human connection and supporting global communities, and we’re honored to help you decide where—and how—to spend your time. Here’s to making a difference, together.

SAI LI NG TOWAR D A MOR E SUSTAI NAB LE

CARING FOR N AT U R E

FUTU R E , TOGETH ER . SAILING S A F E LY

E M POWE R I N G PEOPLE

S T R E N GT H E N I N G O U R CO M M U N ITI ES

For Norwegian Cruise Line®, meaningful travel goes beyond the destinations we visit. It is about helping care

O P E R AT I N G W I T H I N T E G R I T Y A N D AC C O U N TA B I L I T Y

for the places and communities that make every journey so memorable. Through our Sail & Sustain® program, we integrate sustainability considerations into our business by working to reduce environmental impacts, supporting local communities and promoting responsible business practices across our operations. From investing in technologies that can improve environmental performance and reduce waste to partnering with local organizations and creating opportunities for guests to explore destinations more responsibly, we strive to contribute positively to the places we visit. Because the greatest journeys do not just connect us to the world — they inspire us to take care of it for generations to come.

C O N TA C T Y O U R T R A V E L A D V I S O R F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N .

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TRAVEL ELEVATES

A LIVING TRADITION The Mathania chili is deeply tied to the agricultural heritage of Rajasthan’s Jodhpur region in India, but growing it has become increasingly difficult. Declining groundwater, shifting weather, and soil salinity have pushed cultivation to a fraction of its scale. In response, progressive farms are bringing traditional crops back into focus with ecological methods and community employment. Some work closely with local villages, training and employing women in sustainable practices while inviting travelers to experience the work firsthand. Meeting the women who tend, harvest, and sort the chilies creates a connection to Rajasthan’s farming traditions—and to those finding new ways to keep them viable. te

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contents TRAVEL ELEVATES VOLUME 4

features. 30 THE POWER OF PLACE

Discover experiences that celebrate and contribute to a more meaningful world.

36 MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS Twelve Travel Elevates grant recipients are on a mission to reshape our global future.

42 PORTRAITS OF THE WORLD Photographer Rick Sammon brings us closer to the people and places of our journeys.

ON THE COVER Maasai warriors look to the skies. Photographed by Rick Sammon in Maasai Mara, Kenya. 4

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GIVE & GET Heading to Zambia with Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates; Abercrombie & Kent’s transformative philanthropy reveals itself in a local bike shop.

TRANSFORM Micato Safaris builds education, mentorship, and opportunity in Africa; G Adventures strengthens global communities through Trees for Days; Big Five Tours & Expeditions aspires to lasting change everywhere it visits.

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HORIZON From riverbanks to remote coastlines, explore the voyages that are connecting travelers with local trailblazers.

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SPOTLIGHT

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FROM THE FIELD LAST LOOK

INTERESTED IN THE ORIGIN STORY OF TRAVEL ELEVATES?

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from the field. SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT AS I write this, there are several concerning weather events across the globe. They make us question how, when things feel so big and worrisome, we as travelers can truly make a difference. Yet if you look closely, little glimmers of hope are revealing themselves everywhere. Take, for instance, the female helicopter pilot who rescued many survivors from the Nepalese floods. Or the two firemen who risked their lives to save a pair of California condors in a wildlife sanctuary during Big Sur’s Timber Fire. Creating a positive impact in the world is a tango, with steps forward and steps back. But the beauty lies in the dance, and this issue of Travel Elevates celebrates just that: an international balancing act defined by the courageous communities, non-profit organizations, and intrepid travelers driving real global change. When you ask yourself how someone like you can help, the answer lies within these pages. You are reading about renewal, you are working with a dedicated travel advisor who supports positiveimpact travel, and soon, you may be visiting a local community in need during your next vacation. So here’s to the continued rise of meaningful travel, the small steps that create impact, and to the changemakers like you! It’s an honor to tell stories celebrating travel that elevates. Thank you for reading!

ERIN LENTZ, EDITOR IN CHIEF

TRAVEL ELEVATES

On safari in Zambia with Abercrombie & Kent. During the trip I was introduced to one of its philanthropic initiatives in Nakatindi (page 12).

spotlight. EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF Erin Lentz

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Chamberlain MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Merz

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sarah Taylor Asquith 2026 TAG Media. Travel Elevates Magazine is published on behalf of Signature Travel Network. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any material in this publication without publisher’s permission is strictly prohibited. For copies, customer service, or to exhibit or distribute at a business, please inquire at hello@tagmediaco.com.

TAG MEDIA 0133 Prospector Road, Suite 4012R Aspen, CO 81611

The non-profit charitable arm of Signature Travel Network's member agencies, Travel Elevates was born when a donation-based project in Kenya continued until it was self-sustained. Today, Travel Elevates’ mission is to connect travelers to various projects poised to empower global communities via education and economic growth. Signature Travel Network is comprised of top-tier travel agencies that share one common objective: serve the personal needs of the discerning traveler. The network’s buying power translates into the ability to leverage worldwide partnerships to provide you the best value and ensure the best service before and during your travels. This magazine has been produced for the exclusive use of Signature Travel Network member agencies only. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Should an error occur, we reserve the right to correct it. Print Date: November 2026.

Rick Sammon PHOTOGRAPHER

Award-winning photographer Rick Sammon has spent nearly four decades documenting the world, from landscapes and wildlife to cultures and communities across more than 100 countries. A prolific author and educator, he has published 42 books and conducted more than 60 online photography classes for KelbyOne, with many more in the works. For this issue of Travel Elevates, Sammon shares his photos and stories from time spent with small local communities (see page 42). PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE THAT WILL ALWAYS STICK WITH HIM: “My first trip to Antarctica. I went there to photograph the penguins, but I fell in love with the blue ice. That feeling of being alone at the bottom of the world has brought me back to Antarctica five times.” CURRENT PROJECT: “I'm putting together photography workshops where we’ll travel to Africa and Antarctica.” ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO: “This might be one of my best dumb-luck shots. My wife and I were on a foot safari in the Maasai Mara, which is totally different from riding around in a safari vehicle. Our guides were walking us through the open plains when suddenly a rainbow appeared. I lifted my camera and got the shot.” To learn more about his work, visit RickSammon.com.

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Walking with Purpose ON DECK FOR A CAUSE: HEALTHY OCEANS Holland America invites you to be a part of our latest “On Deck for a Cause” fundraising initiative, “Healthy Oceans.” Held once per cruise, this noncompetitive 5K walk supports Conservation International’s important work in protecting the Caribbean’s coastal ecosystems. Because protecting the ocean isn’t a distant idea. It’s a shared journey. And it starts with a single step.

Contact Your Travel Advisor to Book Today!

Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

From ecotourism operators to local artisans, your participation helps: • Mangrove forests grow back stronger • Wetlands continue to shelter wildlife and store carbon • Communities thrive through sustainable livelihoods rooted in nature 8

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ROLL WITH IT

Abercrombie & Kent powers a transformative bike shop in Zambia.

STRONG ROOTS

G Adventures strengthens its Trees for Days program.

SLOW & STEADY

Lasting change with Big Five Tours & Expeditions.

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Weaving textiles in Peru.

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GIVE & GET EMPOWER

THE EXTRA

M I L E Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates proves there’s always room for what matters. ALONG the banks of the Zambezi River and minutes from Victoria Falls, sister properties Royal Livingstone Hotel and Avani Victoria Falls Resort are among Zambia's premier stays. Zebras and giraffes graze the grounds, playful monkeys leap between the towering trees, and sundowners are served on the elegant Kubu Deck. Yet beyond the wildlife and waterfalls, the spirit of Livingstone can be found in its community. Just a few miles north of the hotel property, several local schools provide education for hundreds of children, many of them orphans. Through Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates, guests are invited to bring essential supplies to support the students and teachers who call these schools home. This past spring, for instance, one family visited the Linda Community School during their stay at Avani Victoria Falls Resort. They consulted the Pack for a Purpose website, which suggested they cater their donations to children aged 7 to 10. They packed their luggage with socks, shoes, thermal underwear, balls, pencils, crayons, and books, and were able to hand-deliver the items to the children and see firsthand how their contribution supported local education. Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates is a global initiative that makes room for giving—literally. Travelers use a small portion of their luggage space to bring requested supplies for schools, clinics, and community organizations around the world. Each project lists its needs on the Pack for a Purpose website, so rather than guessing, travelers can choose items that are truly needed. Once they arrive, the participating hotel or tour company handles the delivery, making it easy to turn a few extra pounds of luggage into meaningful support. (Sometimes, the hotel can arrange a local shopping trip for supplies.) For travelers who want to see their donation in action, properties such as Royal Livingstone Hotel and Avani Victoria Falls Resort can plan visits to the places they support. The idea is simple: bring something useful, leave something behind, and make your journey count beyond the time you spend there—one suitcase at a time. From top: The Royal Livingstone Hotel, along the Zambezi River, is a Pack for a Purpose supporter; a traveler spends time with local students in Zambia.

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SMALL EFFORT.

BIG IMPACT. 5 EASY STEPS TO PACK FOR A PURPOSE 1. Visit packforapurpose.org and select your destination. 2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports.

MAKE IT COUNT

3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.

480,226

4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.

2010

5. The supplies will be delivered to the project.

Pounds of essential supplies, in total, that Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken to 60 countries. Year Pack for a Purpose was founded. It’s now under the Travel Elevates umbrella and experiencing tremendous growth.

450+

It’s that easy!

Hotels and tour operators throughout the world that support Pack for a Purpose.

TOP IMAGE: THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL BY ANANTARA

Regions—from Africa to Asia, South America to the Caribbean—that offer Pack for a Purpose projects supported by accommodations and tour companies.

S CA N TO L E A R N H OW YO U CA N PAC K F O R A P U R P O S E .

Pound a deflated soccer ball weighs for light packing. Soccer balls are a highly requested need throughout many Pack for a Purpose projects.

ZILCH

Limit to the amount of supplies that can be packed. While an easy five pounds are recommended, travelers are welcome to take as much as they can handle.

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GIVE & GET EMPOWER

CYCLE UP! While on safari with Abercrombie & Kent, Editor in Chief Erin Lentz discovers a transformative business in Nakatindi, Zambia. 12 TRAVEL ELEVATES

AS I prepared for a recent trip to Zambia, I imagined morning game drives, evening sundowners, and seeing firsthand why locals call Victoria Falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.” What I didn’t expect? Meeting a child at a village bike shop who would change my perspective on travel. On this journey with Abercrombie & Kent, my itinerary included a chance to visit Nakatindi Village, a 20-minute drive from our camp at Sussi & Chuma Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary. As we bumped along the dusty road, we passed many locals riding old bikes. Many of them were porters transporting large loads over the border to neighboring Zimbabwe. I watched in awe as one man pedaled along with a sofa somehow propped on the back of his rear wheel. When we arrived at the village, the precocious little girl peeked out at me from behind a long row of bicycles, then signaled to follow her to the small bike shop. Inside, one of the female founders explained how they were able to open Chipego Bike Shop in 2015, when Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) sent them two shipping containers full of nearly 1,000 used bikes. It’s been operating in Nakatindi Village ever since, and more than 6,500 bicycles have been recovered from landfills, then repaired, renovated, and sold by the seven local women who run the shop. They have become skilled bike mechanics—a valuable trade in the region because bicycles are a more affordable mode of transport. For AKP, transformative philanthropy is achieved through such collaborative projects designed not just for, but by, the people the programs benefit. This women-operated bike shop in Zambia is one result, along with similar programs in Egypt, Jordan, and Uganda, where each business is established as an independent social enterprise. As we continued to explore the village, I saw firsthand how education, empowerment, and opportunity are shaping a brighter future. When the young girl returned with a wide grin, she proudly pointed to other places in her neighborhood, including a tiny shop where jewelry is made from recycled glass. She, too, will likely learn these sustainable trades—and the cycle of philanthropy will continue. Collaboration Time. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30529 to learn about thoughtful safari visits, or call or email us for more.

From top: The skilled female mechanics at AKP's Chipego Bike Shop in Zambia; local children outside the bike shop.

LE ARNING C U RVE

Not far from Chipego Bike Shop is Nakatindi School, where students learn about growing vegetables and conservation alongside academics. Part of A&K Philanthropy's community-wide program, the impressive school, students, and teachers can be visited by travelers staying at Sussi & Chuma Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary.

1,200 pupils attend Nakatindi School 4 new classrooms were built in 2017

200+ students learn in the new two-story classroom 2 science labs are among the most recent projects 1 daily lunch provided to every student through the School Lunch Program

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TRANSFORM EMPOWER

A Brighter Future

Micato Safaris is empowering Africa’s next generation through education, mentorship, and opportunity.

IN 1986, Micato Safaris employee Lorna Macleod was shopping in Nairobi, Kenya when a young orphan handed her a note. It read that he must raise 600 shillings for a school uniform before he could attend class. Macleod gave him the money—the equivalent of less than $20—and the boy began to cry. “God bless you,” he said. At that very moment, Macleod recognized an opportunity to create lasting change. And thus Micato-AmericaShare was born, Micato’s charitable arm that continues to support vulnerable children in Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlement through education, community outreach, and health initiatives. In 2008, Macleod went on to found Huru, a nonprofit that provides reusable sanitary pads and distributes Huru Kits to young women in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Each kit includes six pads, two pairs of underwear, two resealable waterproof bags, detergent, and educational materials focused on life skills and health.

Together, AmericaShare and Huru have transformed countless lives. Here, we share seven compelling facts about the impact they continue to make across Africa.

1. Among AmericaShare’s initiatives are the Micato One for One

Commitment, which sends a child to school for every Micato guest on safari, and a School Scholarship Program that helps children who might not otherwise be able to afford a quality education.

2. In 2007, Micato-AmericaShare opened the Harambee

Community Center, home to two libraries and a computer center.

3. Outside Cape Town, South Africa, Micato’s Red Hill Library

and Community Center offers classes in computer skills, résumé writing, literary and numeracy, and more. Here, Micato travelers are invited to read with the community’s children.

4. Huru International manufactures the only reusable sanitary pad approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards—the equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

5. More than 2,700,000 reusable sanitary pads have been

distributed in free Huru Kits in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda— helping educate 871,000 young women about their menstrual cycle.

6. All Huru pads are locally produced by the community. During

their visit to Huru Global headquarters in Nairobi, Micato travelers can assist in assembling Huru Kits.

7. The Huru Skills Development Program has trained more than

430 impoverished young women to use industrial sewing machines, making them valuable employees in Kenya’s textile industry.

Little by Little. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30532 to learn more about Micato Safaris that make a difference, or call or email us for more. From top: Students at the Harambee Community Center in Nairobi, Kenya; learning to sew at the Huru Skills Development Program.

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TRANSFORM EMPOWER

GROWING

I M PACT

As Trees for Days expands, G Adventures is strengthening communities across the world. PLANTING one tree for every day a guest spends on a travel experience, G Adventures, through its Trees for Days initiative, works with local projects around the world to restore landscapes, create economic opportunities, and deliver lasting community benefits. Trees for Days now helps sustain 22 communities across multiple continents, benefiting more than 200,000 local people through projects like these. KENYA: COMBATING THE IMPACT OF DROUGHT

What: A partnership with Trees for Kenya to develop agroforestry, impacting household health.

Why: With insufficient or late rains, the Embu farming communities are under constant threat. How: Seedlings are distributed to hundreds of farmers, growing over 300,000 fruit trees and medicinal species since 2023.

Wow: Women-owned nurseries are sourcing and selling seedlings. Their income is pooled to provide loans to members of the group in need. CANADA: REBUILDING THE OCEAN'S “FALSE BOTTOM"

What: A partnership with Coastal Kelp to restore marine ecosystems through “seaforestation” on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.

Why: The loss of underwater kelp forests has severely impacted marine biology and the traditional food system of Indigenous communities.

How: Install non-invasive “false-bottom” moorings in areas unsuitable for kelp growth, driving a resurgence of kelp, scallops, shrimp, and more. Wow: Ten percent of all processed kelp is given back to local members as community food products. THE PHILIPPINES: RECLAIMING A LAST REFUGE What: The Tribes and Nature Defenders project has mobilized farmers to restore the Higaonon Indigenous community’s ancestral forest.

Why: Due to environmental decline, the rainforest community has faced extreme poverty, forcing them into illegal logging and mining. How: Nurseries are helping restore biodiversity and create sustainable livelihoods by cultivating native and coffee trees.

Wow: Elders are recognizing that the forest and the community cannot exist without one another.

DID YOU KNOW? After your trip, G Adventures shares the project and location where each of your trees have been planted.

Planting Change. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30531 for trips that support Trees for Days, or call or email us for more. From top: On the ground with Trees for Kenya; the Coastal Kelp project in Canada; the Tribes and Nature Defenders in the Philippines.

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TRANSFORM EMPOWER

THE LONG

GAME Big Five Tours & Expeditions pairs sustainable travel with lasting community change.

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FOR Ashish Sanghrajka, president and CEO of Big Five Tours & Expeditions, travel has always been about more than where you go. The company (a Certified B Corporation) was founded in Kenya by his late father in 1973 and has, ever since then, woven community support into all of its luxury journeys. Today, Sanghrajka is pushing that ethos further, striving to create lasting change in every place Big Five travelers visit. Formally launched in 2007, the Spirit of Big Five Foundation works to broaden the depth of support for conservation, cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare by investing in projects with a clear path to self-sufficiency. Each program typically begins with a one-year trial and can receive support for up to eight years— from funding and infrastructure to education, training, and other tools designed to help communities stand on their own. Here, Sanghrajka shares three guiding philosophies. ON BUILDING FOR THE LONG TERM: “Sustainability in action has to have the end in mind. It has to have what full autonomy and independence look like. Because there’s a difference between independence and interdependence … We need to step back and understand that there's a much bigger picture, and what we’re doing is one piece of a cog in a larger machine.”

“

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL REPRESENTS THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL FORM OF EDUCATION THAT ANY CHILD CAN GET. — ASHISH SANGHRAJKA, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BIG FIVE TOURS & EXPEDITIONS

”

ON TEACHING A COMMUNITY INDEPENDENCE: “One of our new projects in Colombia is a community kitchen, and its founder realized that if he just brings people in to eat, they're going to just keep coming in to eat … He started understanding that he can teach them hydroponics, drip irrigation, how to recycle, curate their own meats, grow their own vegetables, and eat cleanly. He’s teaching them how to take care of themselves.” ON TRAVEL AS EDUCATION: “We've noticed a massive spike in multi-generational travel. I’m on the advisory board for the Family Travel Association, so we talk about this a lot. People tell me they have to be able to leave something more than a trust fund to their children because money is not going to teach—but travel does. Socially responsible travel represents the single most powerful form of education that any child can get.” Beyond Giving. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30530 to discover sustainable travel around the world, or call or email us for more. Opposite: Visiting the Maasai people in Tanzania with Big Five Tours & Expeditions. From top: Itineraries connect travelers with local communities throughout the world, from Vietnam (top) to Peru (bottom).

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Connected to Alaska. Committed to its future. Princess is proud to share a decadeslong connection with Alaska — one built on respect, partnership and a passion for the Great Land. Through our awardwinning North to Alaska program, Alaska comes to life with authentic cuisine, engaging entertainment and enriching cultural experiences. From our ships to our wilderness lodges, local storytellers, artists and experts share their traditions, knowledge and passion, creating memories that last long after the journey ends. When you sail with Princess, Alaska cruise food is more than a meal — it’s a culinary experience that reawakens your taste buds and speaks to the

unique flavor of the Great Land. These beautifully presented meals taste just as divine as they look. All of the food on an Alaska cruise with Princess is made from scratch. Crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and Alaska-inspired regional flavors, enjoy only the freshest fare on board our ships. Whether you’re in the mood for legendary Alaska seafood, pan-roasted steak or a veggie-heavy plate, there’s an option for everyone. Alaska cruise menus commonly feature regional seafood specialties such as king crab, wild salmon and Pacific halibut. Our connection to Alaska is also reflected in the relationships we build within the

communities that welcome us each season. Across Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka, Princess proudly supports initiatives that strengthen local communities, including programs benefiting veterans, marine research, childcare and trail preservation. These investments represent our enduring commitment to Southeast Alaska and reinforce that our presence is measured not only by the unforgettable journeys we create, but also by the lasting partnerships we foster and the positive impact we strive to make ashore. For Princess, Alaska isn’t just a destination, it’s a place we’re proud to celebrate, support and share.

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INTO THE GALÁPAGOS

Experience a rare point of view of this living laboratory.

CALL OF COLOMBIA

River travel creates meaningful human connections.

GO LOCAL

Eight ways to pay it forward with remote communities.

TRAVEL ELEVATES VOLUME 4

A traditional long-tail boat in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand.

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H O R I ZO N E L E VAT E

CHANGE CURRENT S OF

From riverbanks to remote coastlines, these voyages connect travelers with local trailblazers.

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The Galápagos Classroom Sustainably exploring with Silversea Expeditions.

JUST as a Silversea journey to the Galápagos Islands is built for discovery, it’s also built for active preservation of our fragile ecosystem. Every Galápagos sojourn aboard Silver Origin integrates comfort and ease, conservation and community. Here are four ways Silversea has become a guardian of the planet’s living laboratory. 1. SUSTAINABILITY Silver Origin’s advanced propulsion and hull design is made for high energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Onboard freshwater purification systems significantly reduce single-use plastics, while waste is carefully managed, with non-organic materials removed from the islands for responsible processing. Exterior lighting is minimized to prevent disruption to local wildlife and ecosystems. 2. COMMUNITY The Silversea Fund for the Galápagos supports education and conservation initiatives that protect biodiversity and empower local communities, while partnerships with local experts, scientists, and National Park-certified guides create community-connected experiences. 3. EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES Immersive programming transforms travel into a learning journey. Every voyage has one of the highest expert-to-guest ratios in expedition travel, featuring biologists, ecologists, and naturalists, with experiences designed to inspire long-term environmental stewardship. 4. PROTECTING A NATURAL WONDER A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galápagos is one of the most unique ecosystems on earth—home to species found nowhere else. Silversea’s approach to navigating this crucial area exemplifies how exploration and preservation can coexist. By minimizing footprint and maximizing awareness, each journey helps safeguard the future of the Galápagos. Opposite: Into the great Galápagos with Silversea. From top: A snorkeler's view of a sea turtle in the Galápagos; the bluefooted booby's name originates from the Spanish word "bobo," meaning silly; an off-shore excursion with Silversea.

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H O R I ZO N E L E VAT E

CONNECTION & COMMUNITY With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, travelers help create a more thoughtful world. LOCAL ideas can bring meaningful change, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises® travelers are connecting with the people behind these initiatives through Eco Connect Tours. These immersive experiences offer a closer look at the ingenuity and collaboration driving progress around the world. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND: HARNESSING NATURAL POWER

The Place: Along Iceland’s Golden Circle, dramatic landscapes are also home to groundbreaking approaches to renewable energy. The People: Engineers at geothermal and hydroelectric facilities demonstrate how Iceland’s natural resources are carefully harnessed. The Progress: A country shaped by volcanic forces continues to explore new possibilities for energy and environmental stewardship. The Perspective: Guests visit a geothermal and hydroelectric power plant, as well as the Gullfoss waterfall and Pingvellir National Park. TALLINN, ESTONIA: RETHINKING THE EVERYDAY

The Place: In Tallinn’s Telliskivi Creative City, design, culture, and sustainability intersect in unexpected ways. The People: Nordic designers upcycle discarded materials and excess textiles to create imaginative clothing and art The Progress: Innovators are challenging traditional ideas about waste by finding new value in materials and everyday choices. The Perspective: Guests meet local creatives to gain a real-life understanding of how more thoughtful choices inspire big change. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA: COMMUNITIES CREATING CHANGE

The Place: Cape Town’s impoverished neighborhoods showcase the power of creativity and local action. The People: Artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders are addressing social challenges and creating community opportunity. The Progress: From empowering women through craft to transforming the everyday into art, these initiatives demonstrate local impact. The Perspective: By joining an artist in action, travelers see how individual ideas can become catalysts for broader social change. From top: The power of nature in Iceland; the local community of Tallinn, Estonia; the coastline of Cape Town, South Africa.

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Go With the Flow

AmaWaterways explores Colombia’s culture and local spirit. SANTA Barbara de Pinto is a small community along Colombia’s Magdalena River. When a few AmaWaterways team members recently visited its local school, they noticed the students did not have any musical instruments to play. AmaWaterways quickly got to work, delivering a shipment of horns, guitars, and drums. The children began forming bands immediately, filling their classrooms with new, joyful sounds. That moment was the spark for the River Borne Foundation. Launched this year in celebration of AmaWaterways’ 24th anniversary, the philanthropic initiative reflects an idea that has guided the company since its earliest days: Travel has the power to create meaningful human connections and be a force for good, with waterways serving as conduits for relationships with local families, educators, artisans, and community leaders. The first major project takes place in Santa Barbara de Pinto. Closed to tourism for more than six decades, the river reopened to international travelers when AmaWaterways

launched sailings aboard AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia. As guests spend time in the community—sharing music, dance, and local traditions—the River Borne vision continues to extend where AmaWaterways sails. Future programs include Horizons Onboard, which introduces young people to potential career paths; English Afternoons, designed to strengthen language skills and expand educational opportunities; Pinto Talent, which benefits local artistic and cultural initiatives, and a guest-supported book donation program that will bring additional English-language resources to local students. The foundation’s name reflects the role rivers have played throughout history—carrying stories, ideas, traditions, and opportunity from one place to another. Through River Borne, AmaWaterways is investing in what has become part of its story: communities, relationships, and sometimes even instruments.

DID YOU KNOW? One-hundred percent of charitable donations made to AmaWaterways' River Borne Foundation go directly to the projects and communities it supports. A fisherman on Colombia's Magdalena River, whereTRAVEL a surrounding community ELEVATES 23 inspired the River Borne Foundation.

H O R I ZO N E L E VAT E

Sojourns with Substance Action meets integrity with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.

DRIVEN by sustainability and giving back, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are designed to help support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are a universal call to help end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity. These three experiences showcase how your next journey can make a difference. PARIS TO NORMANDY: CAMEMBERT CHEESE FARM VISIT The Experience: Visit a sustainable, family-run farm in Normandy and watch traditional Camembert production firsthand. Camembert carries AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) protected status, connecting it to its Normandy roots. The Impact: Visitor spending goes directly to the small family farm, and supports sustainable farming practices that preserve local land and agricultural heritage. VENICE: THE JEWELS OF VENETO The Experience: Take a rowing lesson with the Row Venice nonprofit, run by female rowers dedicated to preserving the sport and championing women rowers.

The Impact: Your lesson directly funds a grassroots nonprofit while also maintaining Venetian heritage as the city faces mounting overtourism. It also spotlights gender representation, allowing guests a substantive cultural exchange. ROTTERDAM: TULIPS & WINDMILLS The Experience: Guests navigate the area on electric city trams and sustainably-powered water taxis, then visit a floating dairy farm and a local brewery that feeds its spent grain to the farm's cows. The Impact: Visitors leave with a knowledge of circular economy principles: clean transit, a farm that produces food without using additional land, and a brewery-to-farm feed cycle that cuts waste. From top: Rowing lessons with locals in Venice; a windmill in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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DID YOU KNOW? The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call-to-action for governments, businesses, and society to address today’s most pressing issues. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has identified 11 of the 17 goals to focus its efforts on affecting positive change.

TRAVEL FORWARD Explora Journeys pairs immersive shore experiences with deeper insight into the destinations it visits.

NO two travelers are drawn to the same things. Some seek out art and history, while others plan their days around food or time spent in nature. Explora Journeys' Destination Experiences are designed with that variety in mind, offering curated, expert-led excursions that reveal different sides of a destination. These four experiences offer a glimpse of what's possible. FOR THE HISTORY BUFF Italy: Vatican City’s Must-See Landmarks Few places hold as many layers of history, art, and human achievement as Rome’s Vatican City. Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces by artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Inside the Sistine Chapel, take in Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes before continuing to St. Peter’s Square, where centuries of history, faith, and architecture converge. FOR THE CULTURE CONNOISSEUR Spain: Málaga After Dark: Exclusive Flamenco Experience As evening settles over Málaga, discover the city’s historic Old Town on a guided walk, then step inside a local theater for a private flamenco performance created exclusively for Explora Journeys guests. Rooted in the traditions of Andalusia,

flamenco blends music, movement, and storytelling into one of Spain’s most celebrated art forms. The evening also includes a backstage meeting with the performers and a private photo shoot in the theatre. FOR THE FOOD ENTHUSIAST Greece: Cooking at Karaiskos Farm Beyond Greece’s celebrated islands lies the lush landscape of Thessaly, where culinary traditions remain closely tied to the land. Travel through the countryside with views of Mount Pelion to arrive at Karaiskos Farm in Portaria for a hands-on cooking lesson. Guests prepare and dine on a lunch of traditional Tirokouloura cheese pie, fried zucchini balls, fresh yogurt dips, and local wines. FOR THE NATURE LOVER Alaska: Hubbard Glacier and Wilderness Exploration Alaska’s wilderness is the focus of a catamaran journey to Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Alaska. As the vessel navigates these waters, a naturalist shares insights into the region’s unique landscape and wildlife. Keep watch for whales, seals, and eagles, and witness the spectacle of glacial calving as enormous sections of ice crash into the sea. Above: A rendering of an Explora Journeys sailing in Alaska. The voyages begin in 2027.

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H O R I ZO N E L E VAT E

LOCAL L E N S Everyday life becomes a lesson with Oceania Cruises, connecting guests with communities, flavors, and traditions. THE most memorable travel experiences often take place around a family table, inside a neighborhood workshop, or in a conversation with someone who calls the place home. That’s the idea behind Oceania Cruises’ Go Local excursions, a collection of more than 100 small-group experiences designed to connect travelers with communities, traditions, and businesses. These eight standout Go Local tours give travelers the chance to pay it forward.

1. Linger over a home-cooked meal at a private residence in a mountain village north of Malaga, Spain, then visit a small olive oil mill to learn about the process of extra virgin olive oil. 2. Bicycle through Amsterdam’s Waterland, a classic Dutch landscape where you’ll see farmers working the fields, countryside crisscrossed with canals, and windmills pumping water out of the lowlands. 3. In Auckland, New Zealand, try your hand at gumboot throwing—a Kiwi competition that involves throwing a rubber boot!

4. Join locals in a friendly game of petanque in the enchanting Chartrons district of Bordeaux, France. Similar to bocce, the goal is to roll your balls closest to the object ball called a cochonnet. 5. Ride an electric-powered tuk-tuk through the busy streets of Bangkok, Thailand—just like a local.

6. Spend a day with a Malayali woman in Ernakulam, India, where you’ll go shopping, meet neighbors and storekeepers, visit her church, and prepare a meal.

7. In Buenos Aires, dine on traditional Argentinian dishes cooked over hot-coal grills, then go tango dancing with porteños, the name for local residents.

8. Join a family in their Colombo, Sri Lanka home and

learn how they prepare meals with jackfruit, considered a local staple.

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From top: Harvesting tea in Sri Lanka; an electric-powered tuk-tuk in Bangkok, Thailand; a local tango dancer in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Time Well Spent

Travel has long been about local stories, which is the very premise behind Azamara Cruises’ Stories Under the Stars. KNOWN for itineraries that prioritize time in each destination— including extended port stays, overnight visits, and calls at smaller ports often inaccessible to larger ships—Azamara Cruises connects travelers with the places they visit in meaningful ways. Offered on select voyages aboard its four ships, Stories Under the Stars extends that philosophy beyond the shore with evenings devoted to the folklore, myths, and legends that have shaped local cultures for generations. EXPLAINING THE NATURAL WORLD Many traditional stories seek to answer questions about how the world works. On journeys into Alaska, storyteller and naturalist Sue Hazlett shares Indigenous Tlingit legends such as "How Raven Stole the Sun," a story that explains how light came into the world. Other tales explore the origins of mosquitoes and other features of life in the North. REMEMBERING THE PAST Stories also preserve history. Hazlett’s Alaska programs draw from Gold Rush-era legends and the poetry of Robert Service, whose writings helped capture the hardships, characters, and landscapes of the Yukon during a transformative period in the region’s history.

NAVIGATING THE UNKNOWN Across sailings to Northern Europe and the British Isles, world traveler Andrew Gregson introduces guests to maritime folklore, pirate legends, and tales connected to explorers who traveled these waters. Such stories emerged from a world where much of the ocean remained unmapped and unpredictable. KEEPING TRADITIONS ALIVE Some stories endure simply because people continue telling them. Gregson’s presentations may include Viking sagas, Celtic folklore, and European legends such as the tale of Melusine— the serpent princess of medieval tradition. Passed down and retold over centuries, these narratives remain part of Azamara’s immersive experiences. Global Connection. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30533 to discover itineraries to the world's most captivating destinations, or call or email us for more.

DID YOU KNOW? Azamara Cruises’ AzAmazing Evenings are a collection of more than 30 shore experiences that showcase music, art, and culinary traditions in each destination traveled—from the glaciers of Alaska to the temples of Japan, the savannahs of Africa to the timeless Mediterranean. Azamara Cruises is able to explore small villages, such as Porto Venere, Italy.

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COM M IT TED TO

MEANINGFUL SCIENTIFIC EXPLOR ATION Expedition voyages designed for research and discovery. Together with scientific partners, Viking contributes to meaningful scientific research while exploring the world. The research collected on Viking expedition voyages helps our partners improve the understanding of marine life and underwater species in places such as Antarctica, North America’s Great Lakes and everywhere in between.

CST# 2052644-40

FOR THE THINKING PERSON

On board and on shore, guests can engage on a deeper level by assisting in fieldwork or interacting in experiential activities, such as helping identify migratory patterns or taking a camera ashore alongside the expedition leader to capture landscapes untouched human hands. 28 TRAVELbyELEVATES

CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM

Guests can participate in collaborative science during excursions with experiential activities or fieldwork, facilitated via landings by Zodiac, Special Operations Boat cruising or optional submarine journeys - all providing opportunities for our guests to further their understanding of the world around them.

THE SCIENCE LAB

Our 380-square-foot wet and dry lab, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplanniva, allows our scientists to conduct meaningful research and encourages guest interaction.

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THE POWER OF PLACE Experience the world and support local growth.

MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS The trailblazing Travel Elevates grant recipients of 2026.

PORTRAITS OF THE WORLD A closer look at our global community through the lens of photographer Rick Sammon.

TRAVEL ELEVATES VOLUME 4

A serene meditation spot in Bali.

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THE POWER OF

PLACE Discover experiences that support communities, celebrate locals, and contribute to a more meaningful way to see the world.

TOP RIGHT: ANDBEYOND

BY SARAH TAYLOR ASQUITH

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AUSTRALIA: WILD AT HEART THE SCOOP: A special journey through the wildlife and wilderness of Australia includes stays in Melbourne, Phillip Island, Tasmania, Sydney, and more. You’ll snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, explore Wentworth Falls with Charles Darwin’s great-great-grandson, and experience upclose encounters with koalas, kangaroos, penguins, and Tasmanian devils. DON’T MISS: Going behind the scenes at Raptor Refuge in Tasmania, where regional birds of prey are rescued, rehabilitated, and conserved. Each visit directly supports conservation initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on local ecosystems. WHY IT MATTERS: These experiences offer a deeper understanding of Australia's landscapes and the people dedicated to preserving them. You'll learn the stories, cultures, and conservation efforts that help these remarkable places thrive.

LATIN AMERICA: PERU’S LIVING TRADITIONS THE SCOOP: Trek to Machu Picchu accompanied by female porters from a local community, picnic high in the Sacred Valley, experience everyday ancestral village life learning Inca traditions such as textile dyeing and medicinal plant harvesting, and visit a nearby school. DON’T MISS: Spending a day with the Village of the Flowers community and their llamas. You’ll participate in a shamanic ritual honoring Mother Earth and hike to a luxury picnic overlooking a lake in the Andes. WHY IT MATTERS: This is a visit into the living traditions of the Andes. Your visits support local families and the preservation of Quechua culture for future generations. From top: Raptor Refuge in Tasmania; school children in Peru.

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AFRICA: BEYOND THE SAFARI THE SCOOP: On this philanthropic journey through Kenya, incredible wildlife encounters are paired with deep community and conservation engagement. You’ll adopt an elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, meet giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and walk with a Maasai warrior. DON’T MISS: Visiting the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which is home to Africa’s Big Five and supports more than 440 bird species and 70 different mammals. You’ll also witness rare game such as Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and sitatungas. WHY IT MATTERS: Collaboration, local leadership, and responsible travel help create positive change across generations, building relationships that make conservation possible.

Journeying through the wilds of Kenya.

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MEXICO: BAJA’S NATURAL WONDERS THE SCOOP: Witness one of nature’s greatest migrations in the protected lagoons of Guerrero Negro. Every winter, thousands of Eastern North Pacific grey whales arrive here after traveling from the Arctic to give birth and nurture their calves in the calm waters of Baja, California. DON'T MISS: Exploring the nearby prehistoric cave paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site— and the region’s remarkable volcanic landscapes, salt flats, and ancient craters. WHY IT MATTERS: Guerrero Negro is one of the most remote communities in Mexico, making economic opportunities limited and highly seasonal. Responsible tourism plays an important role in supporting local families and small businesses that depend on whale season. These expeditions also invite travelers to become part of a conservation story, helping to protect this extraordinary marine sanctuary.

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ASIA: INTO BALI’S HERITAGE THE SCOOP: Connect with the women preserving Bali’s traditions while providing new opportunities for themselves and their families. At a women’s center in the village of Payangan, you’ll join workshops to learn traditions including batik making, herbal tea blending, Balinese cooking, and yoga and meditation. DON'T MISS: Spending time with the center’s founder Ibu Sari, whose personal story offers a glimpse into the challenges many Balinese women face—and the resilience that has transformed the center into a place of opportunity. WHY IT MATTERS: Your visit helps support education and livelihood opportunities for Balinese women. It’s also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the strength, creativity, and community that shape everyday life.

CANADA: PRESERVING THE PEAKS THE SCOOP: Take in the Canadian Rockies aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Vancouver to Banff through mountain peaks and river canyons. Ride a specialized all-terrain vehicle onto the Icefields Parkway, and visit the famed Lake Louise. DON'T MISS: Discovering Maligne Valley and the “disappearing” Medicine Lake—named by Indigenous people because its seasonal vanishing act felt supernatural. Throughout the year, the shallow lake drains and turns into mud flats, then empties completely through underground sinkholes and caves. WHY IT MATTERS: When you visit Jasper, you directly support the town’s ongoing recovery from the 2024 wildfire. The entire experience invites a closer connection to the Canadian Rockies, where slower train travel showcases the importance of protecting the region’s terrain and wildlife. te

A World Connected. Visit our agency website found on the back cover and enter OFFER M30527 to see how thoughtful travel creates positive change, or call or email us for more. Opposite: Gray whales in Baja California, Mexico. From top: A visit to Bali helps support local womens' education; Rocky Mountaineer train travel winds through the Canadian Rockies.

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MEET THE

CHAN

WHAT began in 2019 as a single grant has become a global movement: 32 grants, $2 million invested, and lasting change across more than 16 countries. This year, 12 partners carry that altruism forward, extending Travel Elevates’ reach from Latin America and Africa to Asia and Europe. Each project shows the true reach of purposeful travel isn’t measured in miles.

WILD IMPACT FOUNDATION Restoring Dignity For Students at Kijini School Tanzania

The Mission: Restore dignity and improve health for students at Kijini Primary and Secondary Schools by addressing severe sanitation shortages. The Method: Construct 35 student and four staff ablutions at the pre- and primary school, and 10 student and four staff ablutions at junior secondary—achieving a 20:1 student-toablution standard. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Daily cleaning by school staff and long-term maintenance by the Department of Education ensures sustainability, supported by Wild Impact and &Beyond guests. The upgrades are creating a safer, healthier learning environment for all students, encouraging stronger and healthier attendance. 36 TRAVEL ELEVATES

GEMAKERS Twelve trailblazing organizations are on a mission to reshape our global future. BY ERIN LENTZ

ELEVATES 37 StudentsTRAVEL at Kijini School in Tanzania.

CHILDREN IN THE WILDERNESS Building Sanitary Buildings at Primary Schools Tanzania

The Mission: Address critical sanitation challenges at Manyara and Gwikongo Primary Schools, where over 2,000 students rely on unsafe, overcrowded latrines. The result impacts health, dignity, and access to education. The Method: Through hygiene education and maintenance training, the initiative should reduce girls’ absenteeism up to 40 percent, improving student well-being. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Construct two gender-sensitive sanitary blocks with private stalls, water points, handwashing stations, and dedicated menstrual hygiene spaces. Community committees and hygiene clubs help manage long-term upkeep.

MAKE A MIRACLE Elevate Community Center Colombia

The Mission: Establish a permanent educational and wellness hub designed to meet high community demand for tutoring, technology access, and youth programs. The Method: The new center is doubling tutoring visits annually, provides daily tech access for 300 students, and hosts parent workshops on wellness and financial literacy. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Funded by AmaWaterway, the project helps build a large community center, offering classrooms for tutoring and English lessons, a computer lab for digital skills, and multipurpose rooms for workshops, clubs, and counseling.

PROJECT LUANGWA Digilearn Expansion Zambia

The Mission: Transform education by providing digital learning tablets with national curriculum content, interactive lessons, and digital learning tools. The Method: Powered by solar infrastructure and trained local teachers, the initiative ensures long-term sustainability and equitable access to quality digital education.

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2026 Travel Elevates Project: Supported initially by a Travel Elevates grant in 2024, the new program scales the current Digilearn initiative from 824 students across multiple schools to 1,645 learners.

NEW NORM HOSPITALITY The Shift Bulgaria

The Mission: Reduce youth migration, strengthen local economies, and create a stronger hospitality workforce. The Method: With new textbooks, training kitchens, and teacher development, the program strengthens professional schools and equips students with practical culinary, customer service, and business skills. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: The initiative is modernizing hospitality education in Bulgaria’s poorest regions by upgrading outdated programs and facilities. More than 75 educators and 500 students are benefiting from the training and opportunities.

ENTREAMIGOS Digital Horizons: Multimedia & Digital Skills for San Pancho Community Mexico

The Mission: Expand digital access for children, youth, and entrepreneurs in the San Pancho community. The Method: Offer over 150 annual workshops in multimedia, coding, animation, storytelling, and digital marketing. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Designed to bridge gaps where local schools lack computer resources, this initiative provides playful tech labs for young children, digital design training for teens, and marketing courses for small business owners.

UTHANDO (LOVE) SOUTH AFRICA Hands of Hope: Baking & Sewing to Combat Gender-Based Violence South Africa

The Mission: Support survivors of gender-based violence by offering skills training, emotional support, and pathways to financial independence. The Method: Participants receive mentorship, counseling, and workshops focused on resilience, substance abuse prevention, and gender-based violence awareness. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: In partnership with the Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women’s Centre, the Hands of Hope initiative provides baking, sewing, and basic computer training for 20 women. It improves mental health, confidence, and income potential while fostering community support networks. Opposite: A workshop at Make a Miracle's Elevate Community Center. From top: Students receive new iPads via Project Luangwa; focused education with Children in the WIlderness.

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PLANETERRA Creating Change for Women in Indonesia Indonesia

The Mission: Help ensure sustainable income, expanded skills, and lasting social and environmental benefits for women through community-led tourism in Indonesia. The Method: Using Planeterra’s four-step model—collaboration, training, market access, and mentorship—this creates marketready tourism experiences and secures long-term partnerships with responsible travel companies. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: In partnership with Rinjani Women Adventure in Senaru Village, Lombok, the project is strengthening the women-led trekking guide association through specialized training, product development, and essential infrastructure upgrades.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY Women’s Skill Center & Entrepreneurship Hub India

The Mission: Help women receive hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement support. The Method: The initiative empowers 300 women over two years and helps launch 20 women-led micro-enterprises. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Provides Project Shakti the opportunity to expand with a new Women’s Skills and Entrepreneurship Center in Jaipur, offering certified training in sewing, computer literacy, and business development for women seeking financial independence.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY Elevating Education in Bwindi’s Highlands Nkuringo, Uganda

The Mission: Elevate education in Nkuringo, Uganda with a multi-purpose school pavilion at Ntungamo Primary School. The Method: Serve 650 students and over 2,800 community members, with the pavilion functioning as a dining hall, exam center, and community gathering space—improving nutrition, academic performance, and local engagement. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Strengthens health, education, and community, demonstrating how tourism-driven philanthropy positively impacts rural communities near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 40 TRAVEL ELEVATES

ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY Children of the Rainbow Secondary School Peru

The Mission: Provide holistic support (academics, health, nutrition, and emotional care) to vulnerable youth. The Method: Expand educational opportunities by building a new secondary school. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Serving a community where dropout rates remain high, the project is helping build classrooms and essential facilities for 30 students, growing to 150 annually. The expansion ensures continuity in education, equipping students with skills for employment and pathways out of poverty.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY Expanding Educational Impact Around Amboseli Kenya, Africa

The Mission: Enhance education for young learners at Kitirua Nalepu Primary School, near Amboseli National Park. The Method: Through improved sanitation, daily meals, and safer learning spaces, students experience better attendance— enabling enrollment to grow to 240 students. 2026 Travel Elevates Project: Construct two new classrooms, an office, proper washrooms, and a kitchen/dining space. Through local partnerships and community involvement, the link between tourism and positive social impact is strengthened, ensuring long-term educational benefits for children in the Amboseli area. te From top: Jumping for joy at Children of the Rainbow Secondary School; a look at the students' new classrooms at Kitirua Nalepu Primary School.

S CA N TO L E A R N H OW YO U CA N M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E , TO O.

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PORTRAITS OF THE WORLD “Photography is all about a connection between the subject and me,” says Rick Sammon, whose images from some of the world’s most remote lands are as much about personality as place. Take the young Maasai warrior in Kenya, pictured above. “To get the black background in the harsh sunlight, I posed him in the doorway of his hut,” says Sammon. “When I showed him the photo, I think he liked it as much as I did.” Here, he shares the stories behind several other connections he’s experienced around the globe. 42 TRAVEL ELEVATES

“

I got up at 4 a.m. to drive to this remote location on China’s Li River to capture this scene. It shows the age-old technique of Cormorant fishing, where the fisherman uses his trained bird to help him catch fish. I think the lantern lighting his face adds a lot to this before-sunrise photograph, and the mountains give it a real sense of place.

”

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“

In photography, as in life, setting goals is important. Before I set out for Sri Lanka, this is one of the pictures I had in mind. On my fourth day there, I found exactly what I had envisioned.

”

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“

While my wife and I were exploring a remote region in Nepal Nepal, we came upon a village. We asked this girl’s parents if we could take her photo. I scratched my nose, she mimicked me, and I grabbed the shot.

”

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“

I spotted her while walking through this Embera village in Darién, Panama. Panama The light was exquisite and the fabric framed her perfectly. Looking, rather than just seeing, really paid off. 46 TRAVEL ELEVATES

”

“

Mongolian eagle hunters have a strong connection with their birds, as you can see from the expression on this man’s face. I filled the frame with the subjects to make what I call an image with impact.

”

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L A S T LO O K

together, we grow

Travel connects us across cultures and generations. By choosing experiences that support local communities, we can turn those connections into opportunity, helping build brighter futures.

FOUNDING SPONSORS Travel Elevates celebrates and thanks its Founding Sponsors. These partners support and deliver exceptional and unforgettable travel experiences, and they are committed to protecting and supporting people, places, wildlife, and communities around the world.

the Cruise Planners family

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Uplifting people & places via travel.

EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE.

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SCAN TO LEARN MORE