Positive Impact Travel
I’m making it my mission to build a travel business that gives back.
Meaningful travel goes beyond checking things off a bucket list or getting selfies in popular tourist sites. It’s about having authentic cultural experiences, making a positive impact, and giving back to the local communities of the places we’re visiting. Travel done right can be a force for tremendous good, and our goal is to protect our planet’s natural wonders, uplift marginalized communities, and bridge cultural divides through personal connections.
Give back through travel.
I believe it’s so important to consider ways to give back when we travel, and to ask ourselves “How can this trip support the local people?”
This could be donating time, a special skill you have, and/or resources. It can also be about making sure that ‘giving back’ is led by locals, so we’re responding to their own unique needs rather than making assumptions from an outside perspective or unintentionally doing more harm than good. Just a few examples of this is bringing donations for the Cuban people based on what items/resources they specifically request, employing locals directly on my trips to help provide sustainable jobs, or choosing to shop in local markets instead of tourist traps.
One of the core values of my business is giving back, which is why I partner with 1% For the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations working together to support people and the planet. As a member, I pledge to give at least 1% of my annual revenue to environmental social change organizations around the world.
My Group Trips, behind the scenes business systems, and travel planning services are all created with my core values at the heart.
Values
Intentional, thoughtful travel for healing and transformation.
Travel has the potential to change you and the places you’re visiting. Let’s make sure that change is for the better so that the way we travel has a positive impact. If we’re not mindful about the way we travel, then unfortunately, tourism can do more harm than good. There are huge problems in the travel industry such as over-consumerism, greenwashing, harmful volunteerism, animal abuse, wastefulness, and money going to outside corporations instead of local businesses. This can be avoided by taking the time to intentionally plan a culturally immersive trip or by booking a Group Trip with an ethical travel company like mine.
Travel to lesser known, off the beaten path destinations.
Avoid over-tourism so you can have truly authentic travel experiences by immersing in the local culture rather than being an outsider looking in.
In the U.S., we often have inaccurate and harmful stereotypes about certain parts of the world. My goal in starting this travel business was to break these stereotypes of less-traveled countries by showcasing their beauty, their unique cultures, and their amazing, kindhearted people. If we only stick to the big well-known travel destinations and tourist hotspots, not only do we miss out on so many opportunities to help support the local economies in places that need it most, but we also miss out on opportunities for connection and cultural immersion.
Togetherness and shared experiences.
Group Trips offer a unique chance to connect with people from all walks of life via meaningful cultural exchanges and new friendships. Whatever the reason people have to join a group trip and regardless of the path that they took to get here, we all have one thing in common: We want to experience something different, together.
We want to see beautiful things, eat new foods, get our hands dirty, stay up later than we should, laugh until we cry, and to share those experiences with others.
My group trips allow you to do just that, and best of all, you get to just show up.
PARTNERS
Values-aligned partnerships are key for building a business that gives back. On my Group Trips, I collaborate with incredible local guides and partners to make our trips an unforgettable experience. This ensures supporting local people wherever we go so that your money goes into the local economy rather than lining the pockets of big corporations.
I’m proud to partner with:
INVEST IN TRAVEL THAT GIVES BACK WITH MY POSITIVE IMPACT TRIPS
Upcoming Group Trips:
Morocco
Few countries hold as much dreamy fascination as Morocco. This trip will be like nothing you've seen in your entire life and one you'll never forget. There's the crystal clear blue skies and contrasting copper sands of the Sahara. The peaks of the Atlas Mountains glistening with snow. And the magical city of Chefchaouen, with its striking, blue-washed buildings and cobbled lanes. Behind every city wall is an adventure in art, architecture, and cuisine.
But most importantly, you’ll be able to make a huge impact through travel.
On my Morocco Group Trips, we participate in a give back at a school in the Sahara Desert, where we read books, color, and play soccer with the kids. When you book this trip, part of your trip costs will go towards school supplies for children in the Sahara Desert.
Cuba
Cuba, with its mix of Spanish and African roots, is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience rich culture, eye-popping colorful architecture, and excitement on every street corner. Think baroque architecture, classic cars, cobbled streets, salsa dancing, Cuban cigars, mojitos and Old Havana!
This Positive Impact Trip is 100% in support of the Cuban people, and we’re immersed in Cuban culture and engaging with and supporting locals the entire time. We even have a special Give Back Day, where you’ll get to donate supplies directly to the local Cubans who need it most at a local pig roast in the Cuban countryside. A portion of your trip costs will be used to purchase supplies that we will bring to Cuba for you to personally donate.
Meet Our Local Guides & Partners
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I was born and raised in Medellín. I started in the tour industry as a tour guide in New York in 2016 and then in Medellín since 2017. Now I have my own company with my wife.
I used to do comedy–that’s why you can be sure you’ll have fun with me! I love coffee and to show foreigners my country and changing the perspective they have from it.
Now I’m in love with a new man 🙈 my newborn son, Cristobal, and I can tell you how much they can change your life.
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I am so glad you’re interested in joining us in Morocco!
I was born here in the desert with my family in the Draa Valley. I am very outgoing, fun, lively, and hardworking. I’ve lived in Morocco my whole life, and love my country. Before becoming a guide I was a taxi driver, which gave me great experience navigating through the desert and city! I’ve been guiding tours for over 14 years now, and truly love sharing and learning from all the people on our tours! I can’t wait to meet you soon in Morocco!
I speak a variety of languages including English, Arabic, and Berber.
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Bienvenidos, amigos! I’m Cassie, and I spend part of the year hidden away in the countryside of Cuba. Viñales, to be precise.
After a backpacking trip turned into a little more, I’ve been living between Cuba and the UK for the last several years.
During my travels, I met my now husband, Ronnie, and together we’re creating a life between our two native islands.
If you can't find me roughing it with the 'guajiros' out in the sticks, I'll be in the south of England stocking up on my yearly intake of sausage and mash.
Can’t wait to meet you in Cuba!
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Not many people have the opportunity to say that they love their job, but I can.
I am a certified tour guide, but my true passion is to show the world the wonders that Mexico has to offer.
I was born in Mexico City, but at the age of 12, my parents brought me to the United States, where I lived for 20 years. During this time, I learned English, completed high school, and got a job, but every day I missed my country.
I have been a tour guide for 7 years. I enjoy sharing my roots, truthful stories about the amazing people, and the reasons why I'm so proud of my country. My tours are fun, interactive and dynamic and always with the commitment that you will have a wonderful time in Mexico.
testimonial
“I went to Mexico City on Laura’s group trip and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
The food, the history, the people, the experiences, the spirituality...I will never forget the vibrance of it all. Laura curates an unforgettable, safe, and authentic experience - leaving so much room to enjoy every moment without stressing about any logistics at all - everything was taken care of professionally but still extremely fun. I felt like I was on an adventure the whole time.
The local guides she brings in are outstanding, plus she takes so many great photos of each person to really help capture the epic moments. I had the time of my life thanks to a talented and intrepid girl named Laura. I can't wait to go somewhere else with her.”
- Aubrey B