4 Ways to Make Your Travels Charitable
Research the best food spots, download the local navigation and language apps, grab the packing cubes – sounds like your typical to-do list before traveling for business or vacation. But how about exploring ways to give back to the city you’re visiting? It may not be number one on your list, but carving out space to give your time, money or both has the potential to enrich your experience and the community in which you visit. While you double check your travel documents, here are four ways to be intentionally generous
Research Local Charities + Volunteer Programs
Many cities around the world have established organizations that offer cultural exchange and volunteer opportunities for foreigners. These groups are often connected to local charity teams who know of real-time needs and are equipped to organize groups efficiently. Plus, this could lead to a connection with a local NGO that you may want to support in the future. Do a quick web or Instagram search and use keywords like “expat volunteer” or “foreign resident services” to get started.
Support Small Businesses
It may sound like a no-brainer, but consider how to creatively seek out small businesses instead of relying on common franchises or big-box stores. Ask the hotel concierge or Airbnb host for recommendations for a locally-owned coffee shop, restaurant, or store that they love. When you go, ask the employees or owners for their favorite spots. Chances are they will be excited to share their friends’ businesses for you to support.
Leave No Trace
Generosity doesn’t just mean volunteering or donating money. You can be a good steward of the environment while you’re traveling – and a little goes a long way! Follow local recycling guidelines in public spaces, take a reusable water bottle, and wear a backpack to stash items or food instead of opting for plastic packaging.
Turn Your Rewards Points into a Charitable Donation
Do you have points that will expire soon? Many airline, credit card, and hotel loyalty programs offer the option to donate points to a charity partner. While this is a quick and easy way to give back, know that you may not get the full value of a typical travel reward. Instead, consider taking it a step further with a cash-back reward that you give to a charity via a donor-advised fund or a direct gift.
Generosity Knows No Boundaries
When it comes to living a generous life, there truly are no limits. Seeking out ways to give wherever your travels take you can easily become the first item on your to-do list – and the experience that stays with you beyond each trip and beyond borders.
Curious about our global giving solutions? Check out trustbridgeglobal.com/foundationfund for details of how we come alongside individuals, families, and businesses as a trusted partner.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Beard, a content writer based in Seoul, South Korea, has nearly a decade of communications experience. Driven by a passion for storytelling, she loves discovering compelling ways to uplift the communities she serves.