Intrepid Travel is the Australian-based, small-group, adventure tour company operating in over 100 countries across the globe. Beyond offering ethical and responsible tours that benefit local economies, Intrepid supports a number of projects that improve the livelihoods of individuals, communities, and animals worldwide through the Intrepid Foundation.

I’ve listed seven top destinations below where you can treat yourself to one of Intrepid’s itineraries, and give back to an Intrepid Foundation project in the same country. Doing good and seeing more? Sign me up!

7. Vietnam

Travel: Intrepid’s Vietnam Express Southbound Itinerary

Trip Length: 10 Days
Trip Cost: from $952 USD
Trip Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mekong Delta
Click here to book

Give Back: Know One, Teach One

Project Details: “Know One, Teach One is is a social enterprise that brings valuable skills training to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Their flagship initiative is a two-year hospitality services and culinary arts program, but it offers more than just professional development. KOTO provides workshops for self-awareness and personal development, on-site psychological counseling, meditation exercises, group activities, and - most importantly - community.”- the Intrepid Foundation. Click here for more information on Know One, Teach One.

6. Turkey

Travel: Intrepid’s Best of Turkey Itinerary

Trip Length: 15 Days
Trip Cost: from $1216 USD
Trip Highlights: Istanbul, Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Kas, Antalya, Goreme
Click here to book

Give Back: Global Heritage Fund

Project Details: “This project preserves cultural heritage through grassroots skills training for the community, including women who are especially important for effective and sustainable protection of historic sites. Through special workshops, female artisans will learn to create and market regional handicrafts to earn an income. The program will also support community development programs that revitalize intangible crafts and practices. With grassroots capacity building, communities are supported to thrive and become their own advocates.” - the Intrepid Foundation. Click here for more information on the Global Heritage Project in Sagalassos.

5. Costa Rica

Travel: Intrepid’s Costa Rica Experience Intinerary

Trip Length: 9 Days
Trip Cost: from $896 USD
Trip Highlights: San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos
Click here to book

Give Back: SEE Turtles

Project Details: “SEE Turtles’ Too Rare to Wear campaign is working with travel companies and conservation organisations to educate travellers and end demand for turtle-shell products. Hawksbills are not just a pretty shell; they are critical to the health of coral reefs, sometimes referred to as the “engineers of the coral reef.” These turtles primarily eat sea sponges, which compete with corals for space. Without hawksbills around, the sponges can take over and crowd out the coral.” - SEE Turtles. For more information on the Too Rare to Wear campaign, click here.

4. Egypt

Travel: Intrepid’s Egypt Adventure Itinerary

Trip Length: 8 Days
Trip Cost: from $888 USD
Trip Highlights: Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan
Click here to book

Give Back: Animal Care Egypt

Project Details: “A dedicated team at Animal Care Egypt provides free veterinary care to thousands of sick and suffering horses, donkeys, dogs and other animals in Luxor each year. Animals receive attentive care at ACE’s walk-in clinic, hospital and stables. A teacher educates children, mostly from families that rely on animals for income, about how to treat their animals. Preventative treatments, such as farriery and dentistry, are also offered.” - the Intrepid Foundation. For more information on Animal Care Egypt, click here.

3. Peru

Travel: Intrepid’s Classic Peru Itinerary

Trip Length: 9 Days
Trip Cost: from $1820 USD
Trip Highlights: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno
Click here to book

Give Back: Awamaki – Tourism Academy for Porters

Project Details: “In Peru, many porters dream of becoming guides, or even starting their own trekking company. So in an effort to help turn those dreams into reality, The Intrepid Foundation has partnered with PEAK DMC South America and Awamaki to create The Tourism Academy for Porters. The program aims to equip Porters with the required skills, training and financial support to progress their career in tourism, and secondly to open up more opportunities for women to benefit from the industry.” Click here to learn more about Awamaki.

2. Thailand

Travel: Intrepid’s Beautiful Northern Thailand Itinerary

Trip Length: 15 days
Trip Cost: from $1356 USD
Trip Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, River Kwai
Click here to book

Give Back: Friends of the Asian Elephant

Project Details: “Friends of the Asian Elephant was established to protect and conserve the welfare of elephants in Thailand. FAE’s elephant hospital provides free medical care for sick and injured elephants, as well as education for keepers. Its Mobile Vets Project sends teams to Northern Thailand to diagnose and treat elephants. It also works collaboratively with other organizations to advocate for elephant welfare. [Intrepid is] one of 160 travel companies who no longer offer elephant rides on our trips after learning about abuse.” - the Intrepid Foundation. To learn more about Friends of the Asian Elephant, click here.

1. Kenya

Travel: Intrepid’s Kenya Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Trip Length: 8 Days
Trip Cost: from $1008 USD
Trip Highlights: Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
Click here to book

Give Back: Thin Green Line Foundation

Project Details: “Over 1,000 Rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty – in just a decade. They face threats every day, from poachers to armed militia groups. Despite it all, Rangers choose one of the most dangerous jobs to protect some of the world’s most endangered species. Across the world, Rangers continue to protect our wildlife, undeterred by the personal and economic sacrifice it requires. The Thin Green Line Foundation (TGLF) supports programs that ensure Rangers receive the proper training and tools to do their job, and wages and recognition they deserve.” - the Intrepid Foundation. Click here to learn more about the Thin Green Line Foundation.

In what ways do you like to give back when traveling? Let me know in the comments!