GoPhilanthropic

Here are some ideas that combine great travel and philanthropy… these can be amended to suit levels of activity and adventure desired as well as special interests. Many groups set funding goals prior to travel then deliver their contributions to community projects in person while traveling.

Costa Rica – Adventure, Rainforest and Communities

Ideal of active adventure groups as well as those interested in birding and photography. Enjoy rainforests, cloud forests, coastline, volcanoes, mangroves, ragging rivers, exotic flora and fauna, and incredible wildlife...

• Renowned river-rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, rainforest hikes and monkey-watching.
• Visit Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio beach and National Park
• Meet with Sarapiqui Conservation and Learning Center whose focus is on educating the youth of Sarapiqui, the region’s future landowners and leaders, and developing an educated and environmentally-aware population. They have several projects underway, such as a new classroom.

Sample itinerary (PDF)

Guatemala – Markets, Mayan Ruins and Philanthropy

Mayan history, imposing ruins, nature, and markets and textiles, and the warm spirit of the Guatamalans.

• Explore the Mayan Highlands and Lake Atitlan, a natural marvel like no other.
• Visit Chichicastenango-- village famous for its traditional open-air market, boasting a fantastic range of beautiful and inexpensive traditional crafts.
• Journey to El Peten--the largest tropical forest in Central America, containing ruins, great and small, from the ancient Maya civilization.
• Philanthropy: Visit and support SAFE PASSAGE- a program committed to assisting children living around the Municipal Garbage Dump in Guatamala City or support a sustainable housing project born out of efforts in response to Hurricane Stan.

Sample itinerary (PDF)

Venezuela –Indigenous Tribes, Waterfalls and Canyons

Canaima National Park is one of the world's great natural wonders and a hiker's paradise. On your GoPhilanthropic customized adventure tour, you will trek across grassy plains, travel in dug-out boats to hidden villages, visit with indigenous tribes, and trek to lost canyons and waterfalls.

• Journey to Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world.
• Hike on the tepuis that are hundreds of millions of years old to The Valley of the Lost World.
• Visit with Angel Conservation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting health, communications, cultural identity for the Pemon tribe in the Kamarata Valley.

Sample itinerary (PDF)

India – Gandhian Legacy and Philanthropy Tour

This trip to India offers a rare opportunity to understand Gandhian legacy and philosophy first-hand--guided in part by the M.K Gandhi’s grandsons Dr. Arun and Tushar Gandhi. Combine this rare opportunity with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and exotic Rajasthan.

• Visit Mumbai for significant Gandhian sights as well as important humanitarian projects focused on health and economic development.
• Travel South to Kolhapur were the Gandhis have begun work on a school project to provide education and shelter for children who would otherwise be locked into child labor and exploitation.
• Continue to Delhi and Agra to experience the wonders of the Taj Mahal and near Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Sample itinerary (PDF)

Vietnam & Cambodia

Join an inspirational humanitarian and war survivor, Le Ly Hayslip (subject of Oliver Stone’s movie Heaven and Earth) , and her team at Global Village Foundation in bringing books to schools lacking basic educational tools.

• Visit the highlights of Vietnam including Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Saigon.
• Add cycling, trekking and kayaking elements…
• While visiting the famous temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, we will meet various humanitarian organizations working on clean water and education projects.

Uganda – Visit the BeadforLife Beaders - Eradicating Poverty through Beadmaking…

BeadforLife eradicates extreme poverty by creating bridges of understanding between impoverished Africans and concerned world citizens. Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful bead jewelry, and people who care open their hearts, homes and communities to buy and sell the beads. BeadforLife and GoPhilanthropic have joined hands to offer the unique opportunity to visit and meet the program beaders and their communities in person –experience a bead sale, browse the markets, visit the homes of the beaders and various National Parks for Safaris/ game viewing.

• Get an on-the-ground orientation to the holistic approach BeadforLife is taking to eradicate poverty and create sustainable livelihoods
• Visit the Bead for Life Village to see the benefits of home ownership. Participate in a “bead sale” where you will interact with the Beaders.
• Visit the homes of various members of the bead program.
• Go on safari in majestic Murchison Falls National Park– Track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest at the Jane Goodall Institute.
• Visit with and HIV prevention team as well as other important health and education initiatives.

Sample itinerary (PDF)

We have also developed philanthropic group tours to Ecuador, Belize, Panama and Thailand. Please share any specific interests your potential group may have, and we will customize an itinerary for you.

Links on Giving Circles

• Giving Circles Directory
• Putting Their Heads Together then Their Cash
• When Charity Begins with a Circle of Friends