Explore the Land of Fire and Ice in Iceland

Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice”, is known for its dramatic and contrasting natural landscapes. It is characterized by its active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and extensive glaciers. Iceland’s unique geological features, such as the volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla, and massive glaciers like Vatnajökull, contribute to this nickname. The nation is also known for its stunning natural phenomena, including the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) and its vast  terrains, offering breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Travelers will begin the journey in the capital of Reykjavik, to become familiarized with the group. Depart for the South Coast to the guesthouse, the home base for the week. After stopping at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, travelers will take a ferry to the Vestmannaeyjar Islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Visit the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, just below the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. At Reynisfjara, travelers will have a chance to marvel at the basalt columns and hear the legends of the stone trolls. Move on to venture into the scenic Valley of Thor, a stunning and remote highland nature reserve. Here, travelers will take a “Super Jeep” to see dramatic and captivating landscapes, with views of Sólheimajökull’s famous glacier, black volcanic sands, and more.  While hiking at Skógafoss, visit its famous waterfall, one of the most beautiful sceneries in Iceland. Head back to Reykjavik on the final day. Explore the city one last time, before leaving for final departure.

This is a 5 day trip that costs $2,395 led by Under30 Experiences, which caters to solo travelers and adventurous young adults ages 21-35, but they don’t enforce a strict age limit. They are a small team that loves sustainable travel by supporting local communities in an eco-friendly way. The company was founded 10+ years ago by co-founders Matt Wilson and Jared O’Toole. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Be A Clean Water Courier

Waves for Water (W4W) provides clean water solutions worldwide through projects funded by the “Clean Water Courier” program. Operating across dozens of countries, W4W’s mission is to provide access to clean water to every single person who needs it.  The nonprofit’s philosophy is to empower people to take initiative, step outside their comfort zones and create unique personal experiences. W4W was born out of a love for discovery, travel and adventure and the group wants its volunteer model to similarly encourage and empower individuals during their trips.

For prospective travelers, Waves for Water has teamed up with surf company Hurley to develop an independent volunteer program called Clean Water Couriers. It is not a traditional volunteer model, but more of a do-it-yourself method meant to be utilized by travelers who want to make a positive contribution to local communities. Each person creates their own travel experience and then crowdfunds on the site to buy water filters to distribute while on their trip. W4W provides the online platform and serves as a resource for information about the filtration systems and how participants may donate them on the ground. Travelers can make a huge difference in the lives of people and communities in distress by packing a few water filters for their trips. The filters are compact and easy to use and can provide up to 100 people with clean water for up to five years. They cost $25 to $50 each.

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From Argentina to Antarctica

Antarctica, the “White Frontier” is known for its vast ice sheets and frozen landscapes. Despite being covered in ice, the nation is considered the world’s largest desert because of its incredibly low precipitation levels. The continent is home to many species of cold-resilient fauna, including several species of penguins, like the Emperor penguin, Adèle Penguin, and Gentoo penguin. The ice is a hub for scientific research due to its unique environment, offering insights into climate change, glaciology, astronomy, and more. Travelers will start their journey in Ushuaia, one of the most southern cities in the world. On the way to Antarctica, travelers can observe the landscape from the  to see icebergs, whales, albatross, and more. In Antarctica, the group will get the chance to visit penguin rookeries, get a glimpse of a variety of seal species, and keep an eye out for whales. The group will have several days to take in our planet’s southernmost ecosystem before returning to Ushuaia.

This is a 13 day trip and costs $10,899. This trip is led by G Adventures, a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s 8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Join the Hurricane Maria Cleanup Cause in Puerto Rico

In September of 2017, category five storm Hurricane Maria swept through Puerto Rico, devastating communities and claiming lives. The island's power grid was destroyed, its agriculture devastated, and other infrastructure badly damaged, and eight years later, Puerto Rico’s communities are still recovering. Based about 30 minutes outside the capital, San Juan, this volunteer trip utilizes participants’ areas of expertise to contribute to the recovery effort through everything from infrastructure repair to education assistance to support of small businesses. While aiding restoration, participants will have free time to explore the magnificence of the natural environment and the richness of the nearby San Juan and other opportunities, like the incredible beaches and cultural sites. 

This trip is 7 days and costs  $1,557. Globe Aware,  a nonprofit organization, offers international volunteer programs that go beyond tourism. Globe Aware programs promote the immersion of participants in a unique way that also aligns with the United Nations sustainability goals. Volunteers get the chance to experience cultural awareness: acknowledging and celebrating the culture of a community, but not changing it. Participants will also work alongside the host community and help teach and learn skills with the concept of promoting sustainable practices. 

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Sail in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Explore the wonders off of the southern shore of India, beginning in the scenic Sri Lankan city of Negombo and ending on the sandbars of Malé in the Maldives. The two Indian ocean countries are just over 600 miles apart, and Sri Lanka has significantly impacted  the Maldives’ culture. Travelers can move between the islands in a traditional dhoni boat, a multi-purpose sailing ship used in Sri Lankan and Maldivian cultures for decades. These islands provide plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach and enjoying scenic views. Still,  they also offer a great deal of unique cultural experiences. Travelers can visit spice plantations in Kandy and visit the AMBA Estate, an organic farm, guest house and social enterprise in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. Adventurous spirits can also embark on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. Then, snorkel to shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Maldives and enjoy authentic local seafood. 

This 14-day trip costs $3,195 and is led by G Adventures, a sustainable, small group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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Volunteer With Marine Conservation in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is considered to be one of the most diverse and spectacular marine features in the world. However, it is also under immense threat. Climate change is threatening the future of the reef, and all the species that call it home. Yet, there is still a lot that humans can do to protect this pristine underwater environment. This volunteer opportunity brings travelers to Cairns in the north of Queensland. Once there, volunteers begin their marine conservation project where they will collect data on the reef, gather marine debris and help rehabilitate sea turtles. All these efforts contribute to research on the Great Barrier Reef, as well as help to protect Earth’s great wonders. Weekends are free to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, unique wildlife and adventure sports the region is famous for. There will be opportunities to dive, surf, kayak, swim and snorkel. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy bungee jumping, gorge swinging, whitewater rafting and parasailing. 

This is a 2-week or 3-week trip that costs $2,075 for two weeks. The trip is led by IVHQ, a volunteer travel company with 338 projects in 50 countries, rated #1 Volunteer Travel Company by Go Overseas 7 years in a row. It is a cost-effective option with some programs as low as $20 per day with accommodation and meals included. They are a Certified B Corporation, 100% carbon neutral and every project aligns with a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

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From Marrakech to the Sahara

Take a journey through the diverse landscapes of Morocco, where the sand dunes of the western Sahara desert transport travelers to another world. From the lively tea houses of Marrakech to the historic citadels that tower above the desert, Morocco unfolds natural wonders and vibrant culture before its visitors. At the Todra Gorge, the journey’s first stop, travelers will descend winding limestone canyons overlooking the flowing river below. In Merzouga, the group will have the chance to ride camels in their natural habitat amongst the hulking red dunes of the desert before sharing stories with locals by the fire. On the way to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the group will traverse the Route of 1000 Kasbahs with its rich red fortresses before wandering the narrow alleys and beautiful architecture of Aït Ben Haddou. In Marrakech, the group will visit the ornate Bahia Palace and historical landmarks like the Saadian Tombs while breathing in the beauty of the Red City.

This is a seven-day trip and costs $419. It is a G Adventures’ 18-Thirtysomethings trip geared toward young, budget-minded travelers. G Adventures is a sustainable, small-group tour company that has been leading travelers for 35+ years. They have been pioneers in community tourism, and their trips directly benefit the local communities they visit. They have a responsible travel effort called G For Good and partner with the nonprofit Planeterra, dedicated to ensuring communities touched by tourism benefit from it. They were rated one of CATALYST PLANET’s  8 Best Sustainable Travel Companies.

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