We've heard from a lot of people that they feel tossed between using their sparse holiday time to travel somewhere to do something fun, versus using that time to give back to the world. Increasingly we're seeing travel and tourism companies launch that cater to both needs, including a social enterprise called Much Better Adventures.
Much Better Adventures is targeting people who love being active (from skiiers to yogis) as well as adrenaline junkies (Mt. Everest, anyone?) who care just as much about the planet's wellbeing as their own.
"We, Alex, Ed, Sam, Tom and Guy, rejected the rat race to build Much Better Adventures as our own little fight against the impersonal, mass produced and green-washed 'adventure' packages that are forever thrown at us, like there is no alternative," the founders explain.
"We also wanted to create a one-stop shop to easily compare all adventure providers whilst highlighting local businesses and the efforts of those that work to keep our natural playgrounds the amazing places they are."
They also offer listings of volunteering holidays including those that focus on marine and animal conservation. Some of the other adventures that stood out to us: cycling through wine roads in Italy, gorilla trekking and white water rafting in Uganda, a surf and service retreat in Costa Rica, and a yoga and ski retreat in France.
Contact Information
Much Better Adventures website
Much Better Adventures on Twitter
Much Better Adventures on Facebook
Surfing for a Cause
'Much Better Adventures' Help You Organize Ethical Travel Experiences
Trend Themes
1. Ethical Tourism - Companies offering holiday experiences that combine physical activities with giving back to the planet, such as conservation and volunteering opportunities.
2. Adventure Providers Comparison - The creation of a one-stop shop to easily compare all adventure providers while highlighting local businesses and conservation efforts, differentiating from the impersonal and mass-produced options.
3. Surf and Service Retreats - Holidays combining physical activities such as surfing with volunteering opportunities, for example, environmental conservation, enabling travelers to have fun and give back to nature in the same trip.
Industry Implications
1. Travel and Tourism - The tourism industry can expand with more services, such as the inclusion of volunteering and conservation for travelers who care just as much about the planet's wellbeing as their own.
2. Local Businesses - With the highlighting of local businesses, small tourism providers focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly options can stand out in a market often dominated by mass-produced packages.
3. Adventure Sports - Adventure sports continue to innovate in their offerings by highlighting environmental initiatives and philanthropic work, differentiating from traditional sports packages and appealing to travelers who want a blend of adrenaline and a sense of purpose.