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Traveling with a Higher Purpose in Mind

By Betsy Wuebker Leave a Comment

(Last Updated On: November 29, 2021)

Combining travel with a higher purpose can elevate a traditional vacation into an opportunity to make the world a better place.

travel with purpose

Sometimes a traditional vacation just isn’t enough. Many of today’s responsible adults aim to combine travel with a higher goal. One of the fastest growing niches in the travel industry is related to this concept. People take journeys to faraway places in order to pitch in on environmental cleanup projects, build homes for the needy, volunteer their time for worthwhile causes, lead tour groups, and raise money for hundreds of different causes.

If you find yourself wondering about what kinds of things to do on your next trip, consider one or more of the following options, all of which are among the most popular choices for people who want to make the world a better place.

Environmental Cleanup

You won’t have to look far for a cleanup opportunity near oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, remote highways, and national parks. Hundreds of environmental organizations are always on the lookout for people who want to contribute their time to this kind of work. The best part of joining a cleanup crew, besides the rewarding feeling of helping make the planet a safer, better place, is that you can choose from local and international opportunities.

travel with higher purpose: water cleanup crew
Image by antoinetteforwine from Pixabay

Building Homes

There are several large charitable organizations that recruit volunteers for home building projects in third-world nations. Most require you to pay for travel, and about half also ask participants to cover the cost of accommodations while on the project location. Volunteering for a construction work crew can be a pricey proposition for team members, especially when the site is in a remote place.

However, people who take part in these types of projects often return year after year because of the good feeling they get from helping homeless people acquire safe, clean places to live. You can cover the costs before you leave by taking out a loan from a private lender. Then, you’ll be able to participate with mind and body as you undertake your special vacation.

construction 287867 1280
Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

Volunteering in Areas of Need

There’s no end to the need for volunteer workers in disaster areas because there is always some area of the world that desperately lacks hands for projects like hurricane relief, cleanup after earthquakes and floods, assistants for medical teams in blight-stricken locations, and more.

Connect with a local social service agency to find out where there’s a pressing need for help and sign up as a volunteer with the next group out. This can be a way to travel without paying for it while simultaneously doing your part to leave a place better than you found it and doing good in the world.

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Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Lead a Tour Group

If you have special knowledge about a city or town, volunteer to take visitors on walking tours. Nearly every major city uses teams of unpaid helpers to escort tourists who want to learn more about local customs, food, historic buildings and more. Consider focusing on a neighborhood or district that you know well, and then do additional research to round out your knowledge base.

aviles 5681288 1280
Image by Marcelino Díaz from Pixabay

To Raise Money for a Cause

Create your own fundraiser by soliciting donations for an unusual challenge, like running a marathon, swimming the English Channel, hiking a famous peak, or walking from one national border to another. Millions of individuals have raised massive amounts of money, for example, by taking part in long-distance bicycling trips.

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Image by Karl Allen Lugmayer from Pixabay

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Aloha! We’re Betsy and Pete Wuebker. We traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited almost 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, we can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

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