TRAVEL ELEVATES
Traveling with Purpose
The most unforgettable journeys are the ones that outlive the itinerary. They echo in the smile of a child whose education you’ve helped fund, in the thrill of spotting a lion on a reserve you’ve helped protect, or in the view of a South American rainforest sustained by your visit. Positive impact travel reminds us the most valuable souvenirs aren’t carried home—they’re left behind for others to discover.
We’re so glad you’re here, because it means you share our passion for travel with purpose. Travel Elevates was born from the belief that every journey can enrich the world, not just our own lives. Our role, as travel advisors, is to weave these meaningful encounters into itineraries that leave a legacy: a visit to a local artisan’s workshop, an afternoon planting mangroves, a donation that fuels a microenterprise. Even something as simple as five extra pounds in your luggage—our Pack for a Purpose mission—can create lasting change. Together, we can transform the way the world travels.
Happy Exploring!
Savor sustainability
Princess® is proud to partner with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to bring you the highest quality sustainable seafood as you explore the Great Land. All seafood from Alaska is wild-caught and sustainable — good for you and good for the planet. And with our celebrated chefs, we’re creating exciting menus that add an entirely new dimension to your Alaska experience. We support the communities of fishermen who respect the environment and ensure the ecosystem replenishes year after year. We’ll continue to celebrate Alaska’s rich fishing heritage and fascinating local culture, all while enriching your adventures at sea and ashore.
NATURAL SELECTION
When floodwaters rise in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, local farmers gather to harvest delicate water lilies from the shimmering wetlands. This ageold tradition fosters a deep bond with the land, preserves cultural identity, and supports ecotourism—selling the blooms in markets, and using them in meals and local ceremonies. Travelers, too, can help protect Vietnam’s river heartland and biodiversity: When journeying with Abercrombie & Kent, guests go deep into the Mekong Delta, gliding by sampan (a flat-bottomed wooden boat) through waterways filled with lotus flowers and water lilies. Guided excursions with community members reveal local markets, riverside villages, and ancient harvesting traditions, providing insight into daily life and cultural continuity.
Building bright futures in Peru with Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy; travel impact via Trafalgar and TreadRight; everything counts for Micato Safaris; G Adventures and Planeterra Foundation plant seeds of change. GIVE
A family experience with Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates; growing roots with The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay.
Ocean and river voyages are connecting travelers to culture, conservation, and community.
HORIZON
from the field.
GLIMMERS OF CHANGE
EARLIER this year, I traveled to Southern Africa with Abercrombie & Kent. While on our way to the village of Nakatindi in Livingstone, Zambia, where we spent time at a local school and bike shop, our A&K Resident Tour Director, Ollie, said something I still think about: “There are no strangers here. Only friends who have never met.” When we were introduced to the village leader, he too spoke about how travelers and locals in Zambia often quickly become friends. As we visited with local businesswomen— including the founders of Sishemo Studio, which collects broken bottles and handcrafts the glass into beautiful beads—a little girl, no more than five years old, followed me around, flashing a brilliant smile and showboating how she could ride one of the recycled bikes. Throughout the business presentations, I watched her, smitten by her cheerful, precocious disposition. Here she lived in a village without running water, yet her spirit was unbreakable.
If you’re reading these pages, then you believe in big adventures and also understand the significance of these seemingly “smaller” moments— when unexpected encounters can lead to broader impact and more mindful travel. These moments can remind us to slow down and see the who, what, and how of local communities, demonstrating the ways one small village can impact our collective global health. In fact, Travel Elevates was inspired by a chance encounter with a local child in need of a bike. Today, it has awarded 20 grants totaling nearly $1.5 million, advancing projects in more than 12 countries.
So when you’re on your next journey, keep an eye out for new friends and unplanned moments—because it’s within these small glimmers that big change begins.
Enjoy the read!
ERIN LENTZ, EDITOR IN CHIEF
My new local friends at a bike shop in Zambia.
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF Erin Lentz
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Taylor Chamberlain
MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Merz
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sarah Taylor Asquith
2025 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, 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 2025.
WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER
Between writing long-form journalism for The New York Times, National Geographic, and elsewhere, Alexandra Marvar can be found birdwatching at every opportunity, and planning her next trip (hopefully to somewhere on UNESCO's world heritage list).
CURRENTLY UNPACKING
FROM: An amazing stay at Explora Valle Sagrado in Peru, where I scaled the Incan sun temple at Ollantaytambo, saw Andean geese on the highaltitude reservoir at Puna Puna, visited with local weavers at Chahuaytire (page 40), looked out over Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail, and met the incredibly spirited and talented third-grade class at the Niños del Arco Iris Foundation, a long-time beneficiary of Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (page 14).
CURRENTLY PACKING FOR:
The Maasai Mara reserve. I'm headed to see big game (and African birds!) at Sir Richard Branson's Mahali Mzuri Kenyan safari camp.
WRITER
Dana Rebmann writes about travel, nature, wine—and anything that makes people smile—for Condé Nast Traveler, AARP, AFAR, Fodor’s, The Telegraph, Sonoma Magazine, The Press Democrat , and more. For this issue of Travel Elevates, Dana spent time at Kuilima Farm on The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay property (page 12).
KUILIMA FARM MUSINGS: It’s as if every plant there has a story. I learned the lavender and white flowers were a favorite of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last monarch. The crown flower is also loved by monarch butterflies and on the day of my visit, it was covered with beautiful striped caterpillars happily munching away.
LIFE-CHANGING TRAVEL: I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the Galápagos Islands. Most marine animals in the highly protected archipelago have no reason to be afraid of humans, and being in their company has instilled a sense of peace and wonder I’ve never found anywhere else.
Alexandra Marvar Dana Rebmann
Charting a sustainable course with Virgin Voyages.
Sail with the cruise line dedicated to protecting the communities and environments we visit.
When you sail with Virgin Voyages, you’re not only treating yourself to a sensationally rejuvenating and epic getaway — you’re also choosing a getaway that’s committed to sustainability and minimizing our environmental impact on the beautiful destinations we’re so lucky to visit. To ensure our voyages are enjoyed by all, we’re dedicated to:
Using advanced wastewater treatments that meet strict quality standards
Partnering with nonprofits that support ocean conservation in the regions we sail Eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics Made-to-order food — no
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050
You can truly leave your worries at home, knowing that Virgin Voyages is devoted to operating in an ethical and responsible way. We make sure your travel is good for your soul — and the environment.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR TODAY.
10 FAMILY TIME
Making a difference with Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates.
12
FARM TO RESORT
Growth and connection on Hawai'i's Kuilima Farm.
14
OVER THE RAINBOW Abercrombie & Kent
Philanthropy helps dreams come true.
Fabric weaving is a longtime tradition at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti in Perugia, Italy.
A SAFARI WITH HEART
Going into the wild and giving big through Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates.
WHEN Karl and Angie K. and their 12-year-old son Alex set off on safari—making their way from South Africa to Zambia to Botswana—they packed more than the requisite binoculars, bug spray, and breathable clothing. Tucked into their luggage was an extra bag, carefully filled with school and art supplies, inflatable balls, toothbrushes, and undergarments—all destined for a group of children in need, through the Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates program. The global initiative encourages travelers to use a bit of their luggage space to bring lifechanging supplies to local organizations, schools, clinics, and communities. As the family’s safari unfolded, their Pack for a Purpose bag grew—topped off with small treasures collected along the way.
“When we Packed for a Purpose, we picked the last spot we were visiting in Botswana because it’s the most remote,” says Angie. “We figured they get the least amount of donations.” Through their stay at Wilderness Vumbura Plains, the items were delivered to Children in the Wilderness (CITW), an environmental and life skills education program for rural children living alongside Africa’s parks and reserves.
When Alex began researching CITW, he learned that beadwork is an important part of life in these local communities. “We live in Toronto, and Canada’s Indigenous people use a lot of beadwork too, so we were able to get beads from a native artist here, and then we put them in the Pack for a Purpose bag.” A passionate geography buff who’s memorized nearly every country flag, Alex also made sure to include a laminated world map—another item listed as a need for CITW.
What began as one small bag expanded as the family picked up new items in every destination. A kids safari kit from a hotel? Into the bag it went. A heart-shaped ornament? A sweet gift for a CITW classroom. Says Angie: "We ended up filling a few extra bags because we had so much we wanted to give."
SARAH TAYLOR ASQUITH
IT ALL ADDS UP
480,226
Pounds of essential supplies, in total, that Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken to 60 countries.
8,400
Suitcases travelers packed in 2024 with some 21 tons of essential supplies—the entire weight of a commercial jet.
2010
Year Pack for a Purpose was founded. It’s now under the Travel Elevates umbrella and experiencing tremendous growth.
450+
Hotels and tour operators throughout the world that support Pack for a Purpose.
10
Regions that feature multiple Pack for a Purpose projects supported by accommodations and tour companies.
17
Caribbean countries that offer Pack for a Purpose projects.
1
Pound a deflated soccer ball weighs for easy packing. This is a highly requested need in many Pack for a Purpose projects
ZILCH
Limit to the amount of supplies that can be packed. Five pounds are recommended, but travelers are welcome to take more.
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.
3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.
4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.
5. The supplies will be delivered to the project.
It’s that easy!
Opposite, from top: The family on safari in Botswana; Alex exploring with their local guide. Above: Pack for a Purpose supplies en route to Children in the Wilderness.
PLANTING ROOTS
The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay fosters connection at Kuilima Farm.
THE moment you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay, you’re greeted by endless stretches of pristine beaches, rolling surf, and blue sky. Yet beyond the beauty, the resort holds something rare for a luxury hotel: Kuilima Farm, a permanently protected conservation and agriculture space—and the only working farm on a Ritz-Carlton property.
Kuilima means “holding hands with the land,” a name that reflects the purpose of the 468-acre farm. More than a source of food, Kuilima is a classroom dedicated to preserving Hawai‘i’s agricultural heritage. “Kuilima Farm is a great window into how native food systems used to work in Hawai‘i, and a unique experience within modern food security and a rarely seen farmto-resort operation,” says Ramsey Brown, vice president of diversified agriculture for Pono Pacific Land Management, which operates the farm.
Here, traditional planting techniques meet rich storytelling, cultivating connections and knowledge between locals and travelers. Taro (kalo) fields, brimming with heart-shaped leaves, spark conversations about the cultural and culinary importance of Hawai‘i’s favorite starch. Touching the sandpaper-like leaves of māmaki leads to lessons on its role in brewing the healing tea.
Visitors also learn about the ahupua‘ a system—an ancient method of land management that divides resources from mountain to ocean, long enabling communities to be selfsufficient and live gently on the land.
From lilikoi (passion fruit) to honey from the onsite apiary, the farm’s bounty benefits both the resort and the wider community. The Kuilima Farm Stand, along with partnerships with local growers, ensure the North Shore has access to fresh, affordable produce year-round, sustaining local communities and often landing on restaurant menus.
The resort’s commitment extends beyond the fields. Inspired by the island’s spirit of aloha, the Meet the Legends series invites community leaders to share their wisdom through the Hawaiian tradition of “talk story.” The gatherings have in the past featured spearfishing champion and environmental advocate Kimi Werner and shark conservationist Mike Coots. These events are usually paired with a raffle benefiting nonprofits such as the Turtle Bay Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the resort, and the Eddie Aikau Foundation, which celebrates the life of the legendary waterman and promotes Hawaiian education and culture. As Coots puts it: “We bring together a community of both friends and visitors to share stories, encourage engagement, and bring joy to everyone there.”
— DANA REBMANN
Meaningful Stay. Enter OFFER H991 on the website found on the back cover to start planning a stay that helps uplift communities and protect their surroundings, or call or email us to learn more.
Clockwise, from top left: Kuilima Farm is preserving Hawai'i's agricultural heritage; local fare at The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay; the Kuilima Farm Stand; the resort's Alaia restaurant at sunset.
CHILDREN OF THE RAINBOW
Building bright futures at Peru’s Fundacion Ninos del Arco Iris with Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.
TRAVELING in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, I fully expected my eyes to flood with happy tears when I first glimpsed Machu Picchu. I did not expect to well up while ducking into a tree-house-like tower full of third graders in the midst of their school day.
I’d planned to be just a quiet observer in this classroom on a mountainside overlooking the small city of Urubamba. But wrong I am: Fourteen students leap from their desks and serenade me in exuberant Spanish. Playful and proud, these confident kids embody the Children of the Rainbow Foundation (Niños del Arco Iris), their non-profit pre-K and primary school, and an Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy-supported project since 2008.
After their song, I’m bombarded with hugs, and then the students show off their DIY library: shelves overflowing with handmade books of recipes, family histories, and the origin story of the school itself. Nearly 30 years ago, Netherlands native Helena van Engelen was vacationing here when a priest approached her.
“You have to do work in Peru,” he said. In 2001, “Mamita Helena” started a shelter in Urubamba, taking in 18 abandoned children. In 2005, she founded a small school.
Over the years, these missions fused—and grew. Today, some 200 local children from vulnerable situations and extreme poverty receive education, a personalized nutrition program, dental care, and visits with psychologists and doctors. Teachers even make home visits, offering guidance and care to parents.
Rainbow School students design projects to help address “problems we have in our society,” AKP Peru coordinator Sandra Solís explains as we stroll along one of the campus’ lush wooded paths. Fifth graders opened a shelter for Urubamba’s stray dogs. Sixth graders published a book about the region’s medicinal plants. And now, with support from AKP, Solís says, the foundation has plans for a secondary school.
Many A&K travelers get to see this social transformation firsthand. This afternoon, just beyond the sports field, a group is sitting down at the school’s own modern restaurant space. After a tour and studentled presentation, they’re dining on Peruvian river trout and organic local quinoa as they reflect on what they’ve learned.
Outside, children dart about the hibiscus trees in the sun, brandishing toothbrushes. They’ve just finished their own healthy lunches, and now they’re taking care of their big, bright smiles.
ALEXANDRA MARVAR
Brilliant Discoveries. To explore itineraries that bring positive change to local communities, enter OFFER M29005 on the website found on the back cover.
Third
Mission: Possible
Trafalgar and TreadRight reveal the true meaning of traveling in Italy and Greece.
COMMITTED to conservation, cultural preservation, and protecting wildlife, Trafalgar is making a profound impact on the way we travel. In 2008, its not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight, was launched to answer a simple yet significant question: How can we champion responsible travel while setting the highest bar? Enter MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which positively impact the people you visit, the wildlife you discover, and the health of the planet. Every itinerary includes conscious travel experiences that support the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Additionally, these journeys uplift local communities with visits to family-run businesses, UNESCO sites, and places of cultural significance. Here, we share the positive impact awaiting in Italy and Greece.
BELLISSIMO ITALY: ROME, CAPRI, VENICE & FLORENCE
Imagine toasting epic sunsets, soaking up mind-boggling history, and tasting olive oil in an Italian borgo with new friends. If this sounds like your idea of bliss, the Bellissimo Italy trip should top your travel wish list. During this unique vacation, you’ll experience two MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences, including a deep dive into Italy’s weaving tradition at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, a TreadRight and JoinTrafalgar Heritage Initiative project. Here, you'll explore one of the last remaining traditional wooden frame hand-weaving workshops in the country, followed by a visit to the ancient hilltop town of Assisi. And while cruising the Venice canals, you’ll discover the 13th-century tradition of Venetian glassblowing, then take in St. Mark's Square and the Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace, and Bridge of Sighs.
BEST OF GREECE: ATHENS, OLYMPIA, DELPHI & METEORA
Only in Greece can you stroll through the sites where western civilization was born, from the Parthenon to the Temple of Zeus. When walking the Sacred Way, you’ll join a local expert and view the fourth-century Temple of Apollo. Afterward, a visit to a family-run honey farm reveals a unique MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, where you’ll taste thyme honey freshly collected from the hive and learn about the unique biodiversity of the area. Next, take a scenic drive to Thermopylae (famous for the battle between Leonidas and intruding Persians), visit the Thessaly region, and travel north through the “breadbasket of Greece” toward Kalabaka. You’ll also wander the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora and visit two of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries. — ERIN LENTZ
Conscious Exploration. Enter OFFER M29008 on the website found on the back cover for adventures with meaning, or call or email us to learn more.
From top: A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti in Perugia, Italy; guests experience beekeeping at Moka Honey in Delphi, Greece; ancient traditions abound throughout Venice's storied canals.
COUNTS EVERYTHING
For Micato Safaris , giving back isn’t a trend. It’s a tradition.
TRAVELING with Micato Safaris means experiencing Africa’s wonders while actively supporting the people who live there. Nearly 40 years ago, the luxury safari outfitter founded MicatoAmericaShare, a nonprofit that continues to transform lives through education in Nairobi’s Mukuru slum. What began as a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis has evolved into deep education and community outreach that helps hundreds of thousands of children in East and South Africa access better futures.
At the heart of it all is the Micato-AmericaShare Harambee Community Centre, where travelers can spend time with students and see first-hand how the libraries, computer labs, and other resources there positively impact these children. Micato is also a major donor and supporter of Huru International, an organization that addresses period poverty by providing reusable sanitary pads and health education to young women so they can avoid missing school days. And through the Micato One for One Commitment, Micato sends a child to school for every guest on safari.
This philanthropic work is about consistency, compassion, and long-term investment. The numbers tell a powerful story of just how far that support has reached. — SARAH TAYLOR ASQUITH
Impactful Escapes. Enter OFFER M29007 on the website found on the back cover to discover African itineraries that create positive change, or call or email us for additional purposeful journeys.
830,000+
Students have visited the Harambee Centre's libraries to date.
150,000+
Computer sessions logged in at the Harambee Centre's computer labs.
460,000+
Girls who have been able to stay in school by providing them with reusable sanitary pads.
2.8 million+
Reusable pads have been put into the hands of girls who need them the most.
100+
Kenyans employed at Huru International's global headquarters in Nairobi.
Young women who have graduated from Huru’s Skills Development Program. 430+
From top: Micato-AmericaShare helps change the lives of children in Nairobi; students of the Micato-AmericaShare Harambee Community Centre.
Seeds of CHANGE
G Adventures and Planeterra Foundation are nurturing communities with Trees for Days.
EVERY day you travel with G Adventures, a tree takes root in your name. Launched in 2023 with philanthropic partner Planeterra Foundation and reforestation group Reforest, Trees for Days now spans 16 projects worldwide—from mangrove restoration in Madagascar to women-led nurseries in Morocco. With more than four million trees planted, nearly 40,000 people are already benefiting—strengthening ecosystems and uplifting local communities. We sat down with Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra Foundation, to learn more.
What makes Trees for Days stand apart from other tree-planting initiatives? “When we started, there were organizations dropping pellet balls out of airplanes and saying for every pellet ball, there was a tree. But that pellet ball may or may not land in the right place, may or may not germinate, and may or may not actually do any good for anybody. So when G Adventures Founder Bruce Poon Tip told me he wanted to grow a tree for every day that somebody travels with us, we sat down with our team and challenged ourselves to apply the same principles of everything we do with community, tourism, and enterprise work to the tree-growing work. We decided to focus on the places where the climate biodiversity crisis is really affecting the communities where we take our travelers.”
How can planting a single tree change a community's future? “We hope to see that places that were once deserts are now thriving and green and lush. But behind that are the stories, such as in Kenya, where people who have been struggling are now seeing the beginnings of fruit and legume crops. I have this saying: Is the right tree in the right place for the right people? Sometimes we’re planting trees for shade, sometimes it’s for soil development, sometimes it’s for food. It’s about understanding the realities, building them into your plans, and working with community leadership. Let’s also remember that these trees are sequestering carbon.”
Tell us about one of the projects you’ve recently visited. “Just a few weeks ago, I was in Morocco and visited the Akrich tree nursery, located in a village outside of Marrakech. There was a massive earthquake in the Atlas Mountains a few years ago, and the country is entering their seventh year of a drought. You can't do an effective tree growing program there without doing an irrigation program alongside it. So it's not only bringing water to the nursery, but bringing more sustainable water to the community.”
Community Growth. Enter OFFER M29006 on the website found on the back cover to discover itineraries that support local regions and villages, or call or email us for more.
From top: Locals in the mangrove fields of Ankilahila, Madagascar; polylepis seedlings in a nursery in Córdoba, Argentina; the work of Trees for Days in Córdoba, Argentina.
ILLUMINATE THROUGH MEANINGFUL IMMERSION
Discover a more thoughtful way to see the world with Azamara. Our Alaska CruiseTours go beyond the surface, offering immersive, small-group experiences that illuminate culture, conservation, and community.
PALMER, ALASKA
Join a local Alaskan in Palmer and learn about the region’s rich agricultural heritage where a unique microclimate helps grow some of the world’s largest vegetables.
DENALI, ALASKA
Venture into Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour to see wonders like the towering peak of Denali, vast tundra, and incredible wildlife.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage, a non-profit dedicated to protecting Alaska’s native species through conservation, education, and research.
CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR TO BOOK NOW!
21
GALÁPAGOS GOOD
Handling the region with care and commitment.
elevate.
24
A BONAIRE HAVEN
Travelers help heal a delicate ecosystem.
25
VOYAGE LIGHTLY
How to sail with intent and positive imact.
IMPACT WAVES OF
Discover the cruises that are connecting travelers to culture, conservation, and community.
Where Nature Leads
Silver Origin by Silversea was built for the Galápagos Islands—and built to protect it.
Exploring one of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems needs more than just care— it requires long-term commitment. The first ship built exclusively to sail the Galápagos Islands, Silver Origin by Silversea was designed with sustainability at its core and carries just 100 guests for an intimate, low-impact experience. Every detail supports the preservation of the remote volcanic islands—home to more than 9,000 flora and fauna species, many found nowhere else on the planet. Paired with deep community partnerships, National Park-certified guides, and ongoing conservation efforts, Silversea is helping ensure the Galápagos remain untouched for generations to come. SARAH TAYLOR ASQUITH
1. An All-Ecuadorian Crew
Every crew member aboard Silver Origin is Ecuadorian, supporting local employment and cultural connection.
2. A Ship Built Exclusively for the Galápagos
Silver Origin was designed to meet the strict ecological and technical standards of the Galápagos National Park. Its Dynamic Positioning System, for one, allows the ship to maintain its position without dropping anchor, protecting the delicate seabed and its ecosystems.
3. Leave No Trace
On Silver Origin, you will not find any single-use plastics onboard, thanks to a province-wide elimination program. In addition, 100 percent of onboard waste is sorted, processed, and shipped back to the mainland.
4. Planet-Friendly Amenities
Made with eco-friendly ingredients, in-suite toiletries help protect coral reefs.
5. Locally Grown, Locally Sourced
More than 40 percent of onboard food is sourced from the Galápagos Islands—100 percent organic and never from more than 11 miles away.
6. Ocean Insights
The crew measures sea temperature, visibility, and marine life activity daily at each landing site.
Opposite: A quiet walk on a Galápagos beach. From top: snorkling with turtles; exploring the archipelagos, a view of the pristine region.
TRAVEL WELL
Explora Journeys goes beyond the itinerary by uplifting the places we visit.
With its Destination Experiences, Explora Journeys is redefining what it means to travel well. From bespoke private adventures to multigenerational outings, these thoughtfully designed excursions foster meaningful cultural exchange, bolster local economies, and create space for authentic connection—whether it's sharing a meal in a family home, learning time-honored crafts from regional artisans, or exploring landscapes alongside those who know them best. What follows are three standout experiences that reflect this ethos in action.
AN ECO-ADVENTURE IN CENTRAL ARUCAS, SPAIN
The Scoop: Explore Gran Canaria’s natural beauty and heritage with a visit to Arucas’ iconic Church of San Juan Bautista and Hacienda la ReKompensa, a sprawling plantation of over 7,000 banana plants, as well as avocado, orange, and mango trees.
Pay It Forward: Your visit supports sustainable farming and helps preserve ancestral agricultural traditions, while directly contributing to local eco-tourism and the livelihoods of community-run growers.
INSIDE THE SACRED WALLS: THE DAILY LIFE OF NUNS IN PATMOS, GREECE
The Scoop: Step inside the historical Monastery of Evangelismos, built in 1613, to glimpse daily monastic life. Walk the nuns’ paths, explore the gardens, sample handmade treats, and witness the intricate artistry of traditional Byzantine needlework.
Pay It Forward: By engaging with this self-sustaining community, your visit helps preserve centuries-old spiritual and artisanal practices, while supporting the nuns who share their way of life.
TURKISH CUISINE: A FULL IMMERSION
The Scoop: In Istanbul, shop a bustling local market with a Turkish chef, then head to their stone home to cook a traditional meal, learning the rich techniques and flavors that define centuries-old Turkish cuisine. End the day with a shared lunch and local wine.
Pay It Forward: This hands-on experience uplifts local producers and home-based chefs, helping safeguard Turkey’s culinary traditions and strengthen the communities that sustain them. — S.T.A.
From top: Monastery of Evangelismos in Patmos, Greece; Explora Journeys provides at-sea spaces for reflection; a local market in Istabul, Turkey; sunrise yoga on the ship.
Sailing the River of Life
AmaWaterways explores Colombia’s culture and community spirit.
With a focus on responsible, respectful exploration and a passion for uplifting local traditions, AmaWaterways is charting a new course into Colombia. The enchanting itineraries between Cartagena and Barranquilla follow the Magdalena River—called the “River of Life” by Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez—revealing the layered influences of Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage.
To bring a sense of place onboard, AmaWaterways worked with Colombian designers and artisans to create ships that reflect the country’s style and spirit. With no more than 64 travelers, each voyage offers an intimate immersion—stepping into family homes, meeting craftspeople in their workshops, and joining musicians in lively performances.
In Santa Cruz de Mompox, a 16th century trade center where Spanish colonials hid their gold, jewelers shape delicate filigree in gold and silver. In San Basilio de Palenque—founded by escaped slaves in 1630 and recognized by UNESCO as a
“Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”—residents share traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. And in Barranquilla, a private recreation of the city’s famed Carnaval bursts with color and energy.
The river and its protected wetlands are a haven of biodiversity, home to 400 different bird species, along with howler monkeys and pink river dolphins. Small-boat excursions led by local guides support environmental stewardship and economic opportunity. In Santa Bárbara de Pinto, fishing net weavers and tobacco rollers teach their crafts, while in Calamar, bicycle taxis and tuk-tuks carry travelers through historic streets. Markets tempt with local delicacies including tamarind balls, capa cheese, guava jelly, and butifarra sausage.
With each of these journeys, AmaWaterways focuses on Colombia’s inland treasures and partners directly with its communities, celebrating the country’s culture now and into the future. —AMY BRECOUNT WHITE
AmaMagdalena travelers visit local communities along Colombia's Magdalena River.
Healing an ECOSYSTEM
Travelers with Regent Seven Seas Cruises are helping Bonaire’s birds take flight.
Just after sunrise on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, the forest around Goto Lake is a cacophony of throaty squawks. Yellowshouldered amazons—large lime-green parrots with sunshineyellow faces and shoulders—dart over cacti-lined trails. A decade ago, this scene was unlikely.
This self-proclaimed “Blue Destination” off the Venezuelan coast is a snorkeling and diving haven, as well as a birder’s wonderland: American flamingos flock in neon herds, royal terns dance in the air, and frigatebirds soar with six-foot wingspans. The star of the show is this colorful, endemic parrot, locally called the lora. Found only in this little stretch of the southern Caribbean, loras were nearly lost to poaching and habitat loss—decades ago, they were completely wiped out in nearby Aruba. Echo, a Bonaire-based nonprofit, is helping to reverse the trend, and guests of Regent Seven Seas Cruises® are supporting the progress, first-hand.
Echo’s headquarters are located just outside Washington Slagbaai National Park, a reforested former aloe plantation, where conservationists hand-feed injured parrots, track tagged birds in the wild, count roosts, and photograph breeding pairs. Frequently, the team welcomes Regent guests on Eco-Connect Tours.
These visitors learn from local naturalists how ecotourism is fostering species recovery and job creation, and are given the rare chance to meet some of the world’s only loras face to face. They can tour the origins of Echo’s transformative reforestation work, starting in greenhouses of thousands of saplings that span 45 native species. Guests can also see how Bonairean student groups play a stewardship role in this transformative work, planting and caring for new trees and rebuilding the species' lost habitat.
“Bonaire is known as a divers’ paradise, but for us, the loras matter,” says Julianka Clarenda, Bonaire native and Echo director. “It’s really important that we have community engagement, and that we create value for the people who live on the island and who visit the island.”
As for the Regent guests who spend time at Echo, they depart with a special souvenir: the understanding that their visit mattered.
— ALEXANDRA MARVAR
Bonaire's endemic lora parrot.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises sails with intent, innovation, and connection.
As Sustainability Officer for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Julie Higgins brings deep insight to a mission with global impact. Under her guidance, sustainability now informs everything from ship design to community partnerships. Since launching its How We Tread Right strategy, Uniworld has cut food waste by 43 percent, expanded its MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, and more—proving that luxury travel can tread lightly while making a lasting impact. We caught up with Higgins to learn more. S.T.A.
How has your own perspective on travel changed through Uniworld’s work with local communities? “I was born and raised mostly in South Africa, by Irish parents who instilled in me a passion for travel from age two. However, my interest in travel as a tool for positive impact was very much influenced by the Tollman family, who owned Uniworld as part of The Travel Corporation from 2004 until 2024. Over my 21 years here at Uniworld, they incorporated sustainability and working with heart, which inspired me to be involved in truly making a difference, one step at a time.”
Can you tell us about a time when you witnessed how travel can change lives? “Some years ago, on a Mekong itinerary, I was introduced to an orphanage in Cambodia. Our team had been volunteering there, and this orphanage was operating with very limited resources to provide a safe haven for babies and children. We were able to raise funding for beds, mattresses, bedding, and ceiling fans. We raised a significant amount, which was then doubled by our former Chairman Brett Tollman so the orphanage was able to secure the premises they had been renting.”
What are some unexpected ways Uniworld is giving back? “Our Treadright Foundation focuses on naturebased solutions to support Uniworld's net zero ambition and Climate Action Plan. This involves conservation efforts, biodiversity protection, and restoration projects that benefit both the environment and local communities. And with our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences, guests can bring a positive impact to the areas we explore. Not only do they create lasting memories, but each unique experience targets the sustainable development goals and directly impacts the communities we explore in a positive way.”
Cruising for Good. Enter OFFER M29004 on the website found on the back cover and learn how your next experience on the world's oceans and rivers can create meaningful change.
From top: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Sustainability Officer Julie Higgins; guests explore the Amazon with a local guide.
Privileged Access®. Only with Viking.
With voyages designed for curious travelers, Viking opens doors to extraordinary places like Highclere Castle, the iconic lming location of Downton Abbey
The Countess of Carnarvon and Viking’s Karine Hagen at Highclere Castle
Viking Longship in Paris
Viking Egypt ship on the Nile River
Highclere Castle
A trajinera ride through the canals of Xochimilco, Mexico. Opposite: Flowers are grown in the chinampas of Xochimilco.
BEYOND
THE JOURNEY
Explore the world through experiences that uplift communities and leave a lasting impact.
BY SARAH TAYLOR ASQUITH
AFRICA
AT it's very best, travel is an exchange—of cultures, traditions, and human connections. From Cambodian classrooms to Peruvian weaving circles, communities around the world are inviting travelers into experiences that create lasting impact. These journeys reveal how exploration can strengthen community, spark change, and inspire a shared future.
ASIA
Once the seat of the Khmer Empire, Cambodia is a land where timeless traditions endure. In Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, history lingers in every carved stone and lotus pond. Yet beyond the temples lies a community defined by resilience—and opportunities for travelers to make a meaningful impact. At the Anlong Pi Free School, which serves children from families living near the city’s dumps, you can spend time with students and teachers, and support the school with hot meals and hygiene education. Nearby, join efforts to tackle water scarcity, whether by helping build a household filter or funding a well that sustains hundreds of villagers. Finally, celebrate women-led initiatives: Ride with TukTukLady’s pioneering drivers, visit Satcha Cambodian Handicrafts, and tour the Lotus Silk Farm, where artisans weave lotus fibers into sustainable textiles.
DID YOU KNOW? On Indonesia’s Gili Trawangan, travelers can bicycle through the lesser-seen side of the island and learn about the traditions of the local Sasak community.
To experience Zimbabwe is to experience the peak magic of nature: a thrilling game drive through the savannah, the majestic crash of Victoria Falls, a blood-orange sunset swallowing the horizon. And in the midst of it all, a remarkable new project is inviting travelers to help reshape local lives. Launched in early 2025, the Ngamo Livestock Farm & Vocational Centre blends classroom learning with farming, offering a fully funded one-year diploma program. Located where rural villages border the wild expanse of Hwange National Park, the Centre provides empowering tools for local residents, aged 17 to 25, to become farmers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, while strengthening food security for surrounding communities. Here, students tend to eco-gardens, draw water from solar-powered boreholes, and care for cattle in the boma—always eager to share their new skills with travelers.
CANADA
Deep in the northwestern corner of Canada, the Yukon brims with history, culture, and staggering natural beauty. Begin your journey in the capital of Whitehorse, where nine million years ago, lava carved out an otherworldly canyon. You'll trace the footsteps of Klondike prospectors and uncover the deep-rooted traditions of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation. Next stop: the Long Ago People’s Place in Haines Junction, an Indigenous-owned camp where elders share generational stories over bannock flatbread and tea. From there, the landscape takes center stage with a scenic flight over glacial icefields. Land along the Yukon River in Dawson City for a visit to Fort Selkirk, a 19th-century town that has served as a traditional harvesting and gathering site for the Northern Tutchone people for thousands of years.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Bay of Fundy, near Halifax, Nova Scotia, is home to the world’s highest tides—up to 53 feet! After taking in the scenery, head to nearby Domaine de Grand Pré, Nova Scotia’s oldest farm winery.
Opposite, from top: Riding with TukTukLady in Cambodia; the Ngamo Primary Literacy Centre in Zimbabwe; the Ngamo Livestock Farm & Vocational Centre. This page: The Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia.
MEXICO
In the Valley of Mexico, chinampas were a key agricultural technique of the Aztecs. Built in shallow lakes or wetland areas, these small plots of land were used to grow crops, and also created canals to provide a water source for irrigation. Today, chinampas are still prevalent in Xochimilco, just south of Mexico City, where farmers plant and harvest lettuce, herbs, avocados, flowers, beans, and more. When visiting the area, travelers can take a colorful, flat-bottomed trajinera ride through the canals to learn about the importance of the traditional agriculture system through the eyes of a local, followed by lunch prepared straight from the chinampa. While this experience is a deep-dive into an important heritage, it also helps contribute to the economy of Xochimilco’s farmers and promotes education about sustainable crop cultivation.
SOUTH AMERICA
High in Peru’s Sacred Valley, the Quechua community of Huilloc is preserving the traditions of Inca times. Daily life here follows ancestral rhythms—meals prepared from organic produce harvested with reverence for the land, every textile woven by hand, and a genuine hospitality that honors each guest. Travelers are graciously welcomed into this community through hands-on learning experiences including ancient weaving, cultivating the fields with centuries-old tools, cooking with local ingredients, and joining reforestation efforts. Ceremonies and rituals offer glimpses into spiritual traditions, while time spent with local students reveal the next generation of cultural guardians. Women artisans, whose intricate textiles provide vital income, carry forward Huilloc’s creative legacy—transforming heritage into opportunity while sustaining both family and tradition. (See page 40 to learn about another Peruvian weaving community.)
EUROPE
In the Spanish autonomous community of Andalucía, Seville dazzles with its whitewashed buildings, orange-scented courtyards, and cobblestone streets that wind toward the Guadalquivir River. Once the seat of Moorish Al-Andalus and later a crossroads of global trade, the city today entices travelers with tapas bars, artisan studios, and flamenco halls. One of the most intimate ways to experience the city’s traditions is at a private flamenco fiesta, hosted exclusively by a local who opens the doors to a world rarely accessible to outsiders. In this gathering, dancers, singers, and guitarists perform as they would among friends, far from the commercial stage. The evening is emotional and deeply authentic—while directly supporting Seville’s flamenco community and helping preserve one of Spain’s most cherished traditions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Seville is considered the heart of flamenco, which originated in Moorish, Jewish, and Gitano cultures during the 19th century.
Lasting Footprints. Start planning a trip with positive impact by entering OFFER M29002 on the website found on the back cover, or call or email us to learn more. te
Opposite: A farmer navigates a chinampa in Xochimilco, Mexico. From top: A local artisan sells textiles in Peru's Sacred Valley; Plaza de España in Seville, Spain; traditional flamenco dancers are the heart of Seville's community.
ELEVATING TOMORROW,
TODAY
Eight visionary organizations are shaping communities through education, sustainability, and empowerment.
BY ERIN LENTZ
SINCE its founding in 2019, Travel Elevates has awarded 20 grants totaling nearly $1.5 million, advancing projects in more than 12 countries. Meet 2025’s exciting recipients, which expand the nonprofit’s global reach across Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, demonstrating how travel’s influence—when invested with purpose—can transform lives for generations to come.
CHILDREN IN THE WILDERNESS
Tanzania, Africa
The Mission: Empower young leaders and communities through conservation-focused education.
The Method: Partner with schools and communities to provide eco-clubs, teacher training, and improved facilities that foster conservation awareness and academic opportunity.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Construct a new classroom, renovate existing facilities, and install solar energy at Gwikongo Primary and Manyara Secondary schools in Tanzania, while expanding eco-club programs and educator development.
FUNDACION GRUPO PUNTA CANA
Punta Cana, Dominica Republic
The Mission: Promote balanced economic and environmental development across the Dominican Republic.
The Method: Collaborate with fishermen, marine biologists, and coastal communities to create sustainable income opportunities rooted in conservation.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Provide training in aquaculture, marine conservation, and sustainable fishing, while supporting internships, PADI certification, and skills-building for youth and community members.
LIFE IS GOOD PLAYMAKER PROJECT
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The Mission: Help children heal from trauma through the power of play, joy, and connection.
The Method: Train educators, caregivers, and parents with evidence-based strategies to build resilience and nurture children’s emotional well-being.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Train 400 educators and caregivers in Haiti, impacting over 1,000 children, while also renovating a community center that supports safe, joyful learning.
MAKE A MIRACLE (CORPORATION)
Peru and Colombia
The Mission: Create lasting change in underserved communities through education and empowerment.
The Method: Establish community learning centers, provide scholarships, and deliver job-focused skills training that bridges the digital divide.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Build computer and learning labs in three communities in Peru and Colombia, offering coding workshops, job preparation, internet access, and equipment for youth and adults.
Having fun
Opposite:
at the Life is Good Playmaker Project. From top: community work with Fundacion Grupo Punta Cana; Make a Miracle's computer learning center.
ABERCROMBIE & KENT PHILANTHROPY
Zambia, Africa
The Mission: Improve lives and protect the environment by supporting local communities in the places we travel.
The Method: Focus on education, health, enterprise, and environment, implementing projects that empower local communities and ensure they benefit directly from tourism.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Expand Nakatindi Primary & Secondary School in Zambia with two new science laboratories and a home-economics facility to benefit 1,200 students.
WILD IMPACT
Tanzania, Africa
The Mission: Preserve ecosystems by empowering local communities with education and development.
The Method: Engage communities bordering protected areas through infrastructure, training, and sustainability programs that connect livelihoods with conservation.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Renovate three classrooms, build two new ones, and add 16 ablutions at Mbirikiri Primary School in Tanzania, improving both educational access and sanitation.
MEMORABLE TRAVEL GROUP (DMC)
Sardinal, Costa Rica
The Mission: Enhance education and career opportunities for at-risk youth in Costa Rica.
The Method: Partner with local schools to deliver language, information technology, and professional training aligned with the region’s growing tourism economy.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Expand the Sardinal High School CSR Program to provide English and IT instruction for juniors and seniors, preparing them for employment in the hospitality and travel industries.
UTHANDO (LOVE) SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town & Groblershoop, Northern Cape, South Africa
The Mission: Connect tourism to community projects to uplift marginalized communities in South Africa.
The Method: Support local organizations with vocational training, sustainable enterprise opportunities, and projects that create dignity and hope.
2025 Travel Elevates Project: Provide sewing and vocational training for women and youth at the Philisa Abafazi Bethu Center in Cape Town, producing eco-friendly goods and opening pathways to employment.
SCAN TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TOO.
Opposite: A Wild Impact classroom. Clockwise, from top left: Education in action with Abercrombie & Kent Philanthrophy; a sewing project with Uthando (Love) South Africa; graduates from Memorable Travel Group's CSR Program.
COLORS LIVING
In Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Quechua community of Chahuaytire is preserving the art of ancestral weaving. Writer and photographer Alexandra Marvar pays a visit with Explora Valle Sagrado.
After a morning of hiking in the mountains above the ancient Incan city of Pisac with our guide, we arrive at the Quechua village of Chahuaytire. Inside the Centro de Textiles, a sprawling grass courtyard is ringed by adobe buildings decorated with geometric murals. Nearly a dozen locals sit in the grass, or in the shade under the open-air studio’s eaves, weaving colorful textiles on backstrap looms.
Weaver and natural dye expert Cirilo Yucra Mamani shows us to a bench across the courtyard where a rainbow of hand-spun, hand-dyed alpaca thread hangs from wooden hooks on a wall. Mamani explains in Quechua that while many other Andean artisan communities have embraced the speed and ease of synthetics, the weavers here use earth-derived color recipes handed down from their grandparents and perfected over generations. Ingredients (pictured on the opening page) include blue flower petals sourced from the Amazon rainforest, green leaves from local plants, orange-yellow tree bark and lichens, and bright pink, beetle-like bugs called cochineals. In the workshop today, one of the weavers dips a skein of spun wool into a small iron cauldron, turning it sunflower gold.
This rainbow of natural colors is made permanent with additional ingredients called mordants. They include things like wood ash, citric acid from local lemons, and ground animal bone. The ancient chemistry of these dye fixatives deepens the hues and keeps them vibrant, even in the face of sunlight, washing, or wear.
It's mid-afternoon now, and a woman on her loom (opposite) weaves one small section of a blanket, emblazoned with patterns that tell the stories of Andean culture. Meanwhile, children are arriving from the nearby school, joining their parents as they work—and showing visitors how seamlessly tradition and modern life interweave in Chahuaytire.
In Chahuaytire, children grow up with these traditions, and one day their parents hope to teach them to spin, dye, and weave alongside their elders. Supported by the non-profit Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, this community helps ensure these skills are passed to the young people who will carry them forward. At the end of our visit, weavers unfurl blankets full of their textiles in a small popup market, where purchases support Chahuaytire and its role in preserving Andean heritage. te
a joyful impact
Simple actions can shape brighter futures. Whether it's lending a hand to community projects or supporting local artisans, your kindness creates opportunity, growth, and smiles that last.
FOUNDING SPONSORS
the Cruise Planners family Travel Elevates celebrates and thanks their 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.
Uplifting people & places via travel.
EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE.
TRAVEL ELEVATES
