Holidays To Make A Difference

Holidays, adventure and sustainable luxury are all in a day's work here at True Tribe HQ. While skipping off into the sunset to relax on a beach for two weeks might sound ideal, adding a little conservation or charity work into your break is easier and more rewarding than you might think. We’ve rounded up our favourite work/holiday combinations here to inspire an epic next trip that will do some good and leave you feeling even better.

1. Rainforest conservation in Peru

With the irresistible history and culture of the Incas to soak up in Peru, it’s easy to spend all your time seduced by breathtaking Machu Picchu and the charms of the Sacred Valley. Of course, once you’ve satisfied your ancient history itch, there’s so much more to Peru than dizzying altitudes and dramatic peaks. Seeped in dense vegetation, the Andean rainforest is a picture-perfect setting with a beating jungle heart. After exploring the country’s more famous sights, set your sights on a rainforest conservation trip, lodging in an open air room, high in the trees and sleeping to the sounds of monkeys and birds calling around you. Projects include collecting data on the beautiful blue-headed macaws, reptiles and jaguars as well as planting biodiversity community gardens.

2. Community outreach in Guatemala

Nestled on the banks of Lake Atitlan, ANZAN Atitlan is a luxury retreat like no other. Featuring four perfectly curated spaces with views over the lake and volcanoes, this minimalist Guatemalan boutique hotel is the ultimate escapist paradise. Spend a few days relaxing on your private terrace, treating yourself to yoga, massage, reiki and reflexology by the live-in holistic therapist, and finish your days with organic, farm-to-table cuisine from the impeccable on-site ANZAN kitchen restaurant. While here, take advantage of the brilliant community-driven initiatives like Eco Libri>, set up by the owner to give back to local schools, build sustainable stoves for the villagers and education sponsorship for children to fulfil their potential.

3. Agriculture volunteering in Morocco

Enjoy a more hands-on experience? Make your way over to the picturesque Atlas Mountains in Morocco for the opportunity to get stuck into some sustainable farming. The Agriculture Project works closely with volunteers and local farmers to help maximise agricultural output and sow the seeds for a brighter future in these remote communities. When not rigging irrigation systems and getting dirty in the fields, take the opportunity to see the Atlas Mountains from above with a hot air balloon ride or head to one of Morocco’s pristine beaches for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

4. Coast conservation in New Zealand

For adventures further afield, consider New Zealand a perfect choice. An adventure-seeker’s paradise, these small isles have mountains, greenery and coasts to satisfy all types of holiday. While New Zealand boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, it’s communities are struggling to counteract the coastal pollution plaguing much of its coastlines. As part of a longer hiking adventure around the country, consider adding some time to volunteer with IVHQ to help clean up New Zealand’s beaches and preserving tree nurseries in order to keep these lush spaces sustainable and healthy for future generations of travellers.