Around the world with The Conscious Travel Foundation
The great and the good
Looking for an incredible holiday that comes with a clear conscience? Scattered around the world, these trips from members of the Conscious Travel Foundation are working towards a better future…
In South and Central America..
Mexico’s most mysterious region, Chiapas comes littered with ancient ruins and dotted with villages where Inca traditions hold steadfast to this day. This is the land of the Zapatista outlaws, who once hid in its dense, uncharted jungle. Geo Ex’s nine-day trip explores its landscapes and heritage with the help of local artisans who tell stories of the past and present. Led by the travel writer Don George, it’s a deep-dive into a unique part of the world, meeting the direct descendants of the Maya people.
In Asia…
Committed to low footfall tourism, this locally-owned operator creates some of Sri Lanka’s most exciting itineraries, allowing visitors to go way beyond the island’s sweeping beaches and busy cities in search of sustainable properties, responsible initiatives and a host of charismatic characters. Multicentre holidays don’t come more blissful than its passage from the south of the island up the east coast: After time in the fort city of Galle, guests get to stay in one-of-a-kind pods right a deserted beach before exploring vast Kumana National Park, moving across the empty landscape in a mobile private camp in search of elephant, leopard and monkeys. Then, after a quick pitstop on the golden sands of Arugam, it’s time to decompress in practically perfect Pasikuda – an unspoilt slice of sand which comes backed by coconut palms and trimmed in fish-thronged reef.
Exploring the secret locations of the Nepali Himalayas, this homegrown company takes guests on unforgettable explorations of the country’s sacred valleys. From trekking through the rhododendron forests and monastery-scattered landscapes of the lower Solu Khumbu to discovering the Tibetan Buddhist culture of the old walled city of Lo-Manthang, its itineraries offer a deep dive into this fascinating country. Championing cross-cultural exchange between visitors and the local communities they engage with along the way, the company also supports a variety of projects – from healthcare to youth development in sports. Beyul is also linked to the remote Happy House in the eastern Himalayas, a longtime favourite of Sir Edmund Hillary where every booking supports one year of health insurance for a local family.
On idyllic islands…
Though Hawaii has its fair share of behemoth chain hotels, there’s another side to the islands that can be hard to access. Enter The Coconut Traveller which aims to sustain, preserve and restore the local environment. Certified B Corp, it links holidaymakers with luxe private villas and responsible activities that harness the natural beauty of the region – from stargazing in Hawaii’s darkest skies at Mauna Kea to hiking the upper slopes of Hualalai volcano. All The Coconut Traveler’s trips include a responsible tourism fee.
Inspired by the idea of showing tourists the authentic side of the Dominican Republic, this operator offers everything from chocolate trails and rum tastings to sunset horseback rides and trips to secret beaches far away from the holidaying hordes. With comprehensive local knowledge, the company also links travellers with some of the island’s lesser-known accommodation options, including treehouses, hidden eco-lodges, and boutique hotels in Santo Domingo’s lively Zona Colonial, which comes with buzzy, restaurant-hemmed squares and a maze of bougainvillea-topped alleys.
On safari
The Safari Series
Families, locals and those with limited budget should still be able to enjoy fantastic wildlife holidays – that’s the egalitarian philosophy behind this camp in the 50,000 acre private conservancy of Kenya’s Lolldaiga Hills. An antidote to the same-y luxe camps that have sprung up across the region, this one comes with comfy tents, salvaged Land Rovers and genuine opportunities to connect with the local Maasai people. There’s also the opportunity to spot elephant, zebra, giraffe, leopard – and lesser-known species including aardvark and gerenuks.
The undiscovered landscapes of Australia’s empty outback provides a dramatic backdrop for Wild Bush Luxury’s indulgent bush camps, Arkaba and Bamurru Plains, which allow visitors to discover vast salt lakes, hill country busy with passing kangaroos and emus, and ancient indigenous rock art that reveals the beginnings of aborigonal culture. Both camps have been created with minimal impact, and Arkaba is completely without electricity. There, a reversal of years of livestock grazing has resulted in two colonies of rare yellow-footed rock wallabies and ten new bird species.
In Europe…
Looking for an idyllic Greek beach hotel that also happens to have a robustly audited supply chain, a commitment to supporting local artists and regular sustainability reports? Bluegr’s properties in Crete and Athens are fantastic examples of chain hotels with a conscience. At Candia Park on the postcard-perfect stretch of Cretan shore between Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, you can take part in beach cleans, tree planting, join an ecokids super heroes programme – and even visit the local animal shelter to adopt a pet! Meanwhile, a dedication to making family holidays fun for everyone means the hotel comes with roomy two-bedroom apartments, a kids club and menu and authentic bookable experiences including cooking with the local women in the ancient village of Kritsa.
For more responsible travel companies with inspiring itineraries, consult the Conscious Travel Foundation’s member directory.