Give Back and Vacation

While we are just barely dipping our toes into the giving season, the holidays welcome a sense of sharing and gratitude that, ideally, we would like year-round. Use this time as an excuse to focus on being a force of positivity and growth in all aspects of your life, from work and family relationships to friendships and self-care.

Giving back also applies to travel, especially when teaching kids and young adults the importance of respecting other people, cultures, traditions and the environment.

Another lesson that should be year-round and not only seasonal: Natural Habitat Adventures and conservation travel partner World Wildlife Fund encourage world travelers this holiday season (and always) to take initiative when it comes to our planet, wildlife and vulnerable communities as the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company.

Travelers and guests of Nat Hab excursions have the opportunity to give back while exploring the world in intimate and unforgettable ways. Check out this list of experiences and excursions that offer impactful ways guests can experience a new destination while giving back.

Classic Galapagos: The Natural Habitat Experience

One bucket-list topper on most families’ lists: Galapagos Islands. The remote, endangered and beautiful destination offers incredible wildlife experiences on the island of Floreana. Travelers set sail on a small-group journey by yacht, exploring the islands and picturesque volcanic landscape. Active families enjoy the opportunity to hike, snorkel with sea lions and tour the archipelago with experts.

The isolated locale is home to a host of both native and invasive species challenging the natural habitat. Trips booked with Nat Hab benefit the Floreana Biodiversity Heritage Community Campaign, involved in restoration projects working to reintroduce and aid more than 10 endangered species to the island.

Safari America: Yellowstone Country

Take in the breathtaking sites of Yellowstone National Park and all that entails, including sightings of wolves, bison, bears and elk — to name a few. Enjoy a wild trek through America’s safari along rafting excursions by day and star-gazing at night while sleeping in luxury safari-style tents.

As exciting and beautiful as the trip will be for the family, it will also benefit the Yellowstone Forever Wolf Project, which works to understand and aid the delicate wolf ecosystem of the park, keeping existing and future wolf residents independent and thriving.

Classic Polar Bear Adventure

There only a few options for travelers to get to the remote and tiny northern Canadian town of Churchill, Manitoba, to experience the Polar Bear Capital of the World, and Nat Hab’s Classic Polar Bear Adventure is one of them. This excursion drives guests directly through the scenic, frozen and enchanting landscape on tundra-ready Polar Rover vehicles. See polar bears in their natural habitat, some even getting close enough to the truck to say hello. Ride through the boreal forest on dogsled and learn all about Churchill’s history and culture from local leaders.

Trip proceeds go back to the community and aid in local repairs and upkeep throughout the year.

If there is another destination you had in mind, such as Mexico, Uganda or Costa Rica, Nat Hab has a trip for you. Check out the full list of contributing excursions and tour options online and plan a philanthropic getaway for the whole family.