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Zero-waste and beyond: 7 holidays that will let you make a meaningful impact

A lake on the way to Milford Sound. New Zealand Walking Tours takes you through paths seldom trodden to locations not accessible by land vehicles.

Now more than ever before, travel can be a catalyst for positive social change, an economic driver for environmental conservation, while being transformative – in nearly every sense of the word.

This year, instead of looking at travel as merely a means of discovery and exploration, consider how your trip plans could be more purposeful – whether that means challenging yourself physically, seeking out a path seldom trodden, or making a meaningful impact on the destination you visit.

Do not know where to start? Here are seven purpose-driven holidays for 2019, curated by travel experts at Bannikin Asia.

1. Leave no trace in the United States

 

This year, lower your carbon footprint with the World’s First Zero Waste Adventure, courtesy of Natural Habitat Adventures, global leaders in responsible adventure travel and eco-tourism.

This initiative, debuting as part of Nat Hab’s Safari America: Yellowstone Country tour on July 6, 2019, will divert nearly 100 per cent of all on-trip waste produced as a by product of Nat Hab-sponsored trip operations.

From arrival to departure, travellers will be encouraged to refuse, recycle, compost, upcycle or reuse potential waste such as plastic straws and individually wrapped items.

2. Embrace permaculture principles in Colombia

In an attempt to honour our natural resources, permaculture is a growing travel trend which encourages greater respect for the earth. In April 2019, the first boutique ecolodge of its kind will open its doors in Colombia, ushering in a new era of experiential travel in South America.

Cannúa, an 18-room retreat set within 27-acres of protected forest, was conceptualised as a permaculture retreat from the beginning, and its overall holistic approach has been rooted in permaculture principles.

Specifically designed to exist in harmony with its natural surroundings using sustainably-sourced building materials such as bamboo and compressed earth blocks, Cannúa will supply its on-site restaurant with two acres of organic gardens and permaculture-informed food forests.

3. Actively go astray in Slovenia

According to the Huffington Post, risk-taking can open up a world of unforeseen opportunities for those willing to make the leap. On your next trip, go beyond your comfort zone and take a daring journey meant to challenge your physical and geographical limits.

Ascend the triple peaks of Mt Kenya or the Julius Mountains in Slovenia, or cycle the iconic climbs of the Pyrenees (featured on the Tour du France).

4. Be a citizen scientist in Peru

Citizen science, the act of collecting data on flora and fauna, is a great way to give back in-destination.

Rainforest Expeditions’ four lodges, a group of retreats in Tambopata, Peru, have designed such experiences called Wired Amazon, an initiative of interactive science projects created specifically for travellers.

Among these activities is Discover a New Species, an experience led by Dr Juan Cardos, which studies a rich biodiversity of insect families. Similarly, travellers with Rainforest Expeditions can also partake in the Tambopata Macaw Project, which documents how these birds live in the rainforest.

5. Explore unseen woods in New Zealand

There’s never been a better time to disconnect from our devices and go on a natural escape where unplugging is not just encouraged, it’s necessary.

Beautiful hikes into ancient, 1,000-acre forests, stunning mountainscapes around isolated lodges and long walks on unchartered powdery coastlines are just as enjoyable without a hashtag.

New Zealand Walking Tours guides lead travellers through paths less trodden that reach locations not accessible by land vehicles, so guests can expect a renewed sense of energy, and opportunities for quiet contemplation with every step.

As John Lennon once said, life is what happens when you’re busy making plans, and in today’s context, life is what happens between Wi-fi signals.

6. Dig deeper in Ireland

While Earth may not have many places left undiscovered, there are plenty of opportunities to dig deeper into existing destinations and uncover cultures that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Ireland, a country filled with deep history, is still home to communities rich with ancient Irish culture. Explore the land with Wilderness Ireland’s hike along the Wicklow Way, or discover historic towns filled with ancient non-colonised culture.

One such place is Dingle, which boasts of the 6th-century Reask monastic site. This ancient city is also home to some of the oldest archaeological sites in the country, such as the Gallarus Oratory, said to be the best preserved early Christian Church in Ireland, and the Dún Beag Fort, which dates back over 2,000 years to 500 BC.

7. Enjoy community-conscious explorations in Canada

Choosing socially-aware travel that involves slow food, local initiatives and responsible destination development is a way to make travel more purposeful.

Adventure Canada’s circumnavigation of Newfoundland delivers all of the above. Visit the indigenous community of Miawpukek, whose residents have successfully married centuries-old traditions with contemporary culture.

Also journey to L’Anse aux Meadows, a well-preserved Unesco World Heritage Site and home to a 1,000-year-old Norse settlement.

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These upcoming tours offer socially-aware adventures around the globe, from conscious immersion in ancient Irish culture to citizen-scientist forays into Peru’s rainforests