Explore Ancient Ruins in Libya

Located in northern Africa with a long Mediterranean coast, the nation of Libya is renowned for its well-preserved ruins and archeological wonders that testify to the country’s rich history. Once the site of Phoenecian trading posts, the area was colonized by the ancient Greeks in 630 BC and eventually conquered by the Persians nearly a century later. Persian rule was ended by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, returning to the control of the Greeks until being annexed by the Romans in 74 BC. Having passed through the hands of so many powerful historical civilizations, the region has been endowed with remarkable cultural diversity and inspiring historical sites. During this trip, travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Libya’s history and explore the remnants of these ancient civilizations. On the first day, travelers will arrive in the capital city of Tripoli, which was founded by Phoenician colonists in the 7th century BC. From there, the group will drive to Ghadames, an oasis settlement and trading center known as “the pearl of the desert” which lies on the border between Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. A full day will be dedicated to exploring the traditional Berber architecture and the natural scenery of the Sahara desert before returning to Tripoli. Afterward, travelers will drive to Leptis Magna, once an important city in the ancient Carthaginian and Roman civilizations and now one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Mediterranean region. Among these famed ruins are the Severan Basilica, the Arch of Septimius Severus and a number of other grandiose structures which have stood for millenia. The final full day of the trip will be spent at the Roman ruins in the city of Sabratha, established in 500 BC by the Phoenecians and now best known for its impressive three-story Roman theater. Travelers will spend their final night in Tripoli before returning home the next morning.

This 7-day experience is $2,550 per person and includes all accommodations, transport, activities, tour guides, and most meals.

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Travel From Phnom Penh to Bangkok

Having emerged in recent decades as two of the most alluring destinations in Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Thailand now attract travelers who come to enjoy their tropical scenery, electric nightlife, delicious local food and awe-inspiring historical sites. On this trip, travelers will make their way from Phnom Penh to Bangkok over the course of five days, while staying in hostels and partaking in an exciting array of activities. From biking through the Cambodian country to visiting the largest religious monument in the world at Angkor Wat to visiting the ancient ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the journey creates ample opportunity to engage with Cambodia’s rich culture. In Thailand, travelers will get the chance to take in Rong Kluea, a bustling trade center between the two countries, as well as the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok.

This is a five-day trip and costs $247. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community.  This trip caters to travelers 18 to 30-something with plenty of free time to make new friends and go with the flow.

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Experience History and Cuisine in Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and is famous for the stunning beauty of its tropical setting and the awe-inspiring remnants of the Mayan civilization. On this trip, travelers will immerse themselves in the wealth of history and culture embedded in the region, while also enjoying the beaches and nightlife of Mexico. The trip will begin in Mérida, the largest city in southeastern Mexico and one possessing a rich cultural history. The city was founded in 1542 by Spanish conquistadors on the site of the Mayan city of T’hó, and many of its historic buildings, including the famous Cathedral of Mérida, are constructed using stone from Mayan ruins. Here, travelers will be able to adventure through the city and explore nearby cenotes, large natural sinkholes filled with water. The Mayans believed that the cenotes were the entrance to Xibalba, or the underworld, and used them for ceremonial purposes as well as water sources. After leaving Mérida, travelers will visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itzá, a city whose towering pyramids and temples have remained well preserved for nearly 1,500 years. Afterward, travelers will arrive in Valladolid, where they can enjoy traditional Mayan dishes and rest for a night before venturing on to the pristine beaches of the Mayan Riviera. The next few days will be spent in Tulum, the site of the only Mayan ruins built next to the ocean. The Mayan city of Tulum was a prominent trading center between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it remains one of the best-preserved ruins in Mexico. While in Tulum, travelers will also have the opportunity to relax on the beaches, go snorkeling, swim in more nearby cenotes, and indulge in the local cuisine. The final stop will be Cancún, where travelers can spend the last few days of their trip enjoying the stunning coast, warm water, and vibrant nightlife of the city. Included is also a day trip into the jungles of the Yucatán to visit a small local community that will teach travelers how to prepare their mouth-watering traditional dishes. Travelers can spend their final nights partying in Cancún’s exciting bars and clubs or discovering excellent restaurants before the end of the trip. This 9-day Roamie trip starts at $735 and includes accommodations, 12 meals, transportation, and various activities. G Adventures partners with Hostelworld to organize Roamies, which are flexible small-group trips for travelers ages 18-35, who stay in hostels and receive an immersive travel experience. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and the company focuses on giving back revenue to local communities.

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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Fight Poverty in India’s ‘Pink City’

India’s “Pink City” of Jaipur is named for its bright building facades dating back to the early 1700s. The city has since become Rajasthan state’s cultural and economic hub. Unfortunately, Jaipur also hosts a large number of impoverished residents whose basic needs remain largely unmet. On this trip, volunteers will help rescued child laborers and disadvantaged children by providing support at schools and day care centers. Participants will also work to improve educational facilities by refurbishing the existing structures. All projects are focused on increasing the quality of life for Jaipur’s disadvantaged communities. During spare time, volunteers can explore Jaipur’s bazaar, take an elephant ride at the nearby Amer Fort, visit a traditional carpet factory or eat with a local family. Volunteers can look forward to enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of India while bettering the quality of life for those in need. This one-week trip costs $1,557.

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Volunteer in Sustainable Farming in Guatemala

Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, is endowed with an abundance of rich ecosystems and fertile land. However, almost half the population cannot afford the cost of the basic food basket, while food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the country. In recent years, sustainable agriculture has seen a sharp rise in popularity as it simultaneously tackles environmental issues and poverty-induced challenges. However, the introduction of these newer farming practices has also generated a demand for more hands in the field to maintain optimal production. Through this project, volunteers will be able to work with local farmers just outside of Antigua, where they can learn about the sustainable farming of coffee and macadamia nuts and participate in every step of the production process, from picking to weeding, planting, processing, and packaging. At the same time, volunteers will gain a deeper understanding of traditional agricultural techniques that have been practiced for centuries. This project also offers participants the chance to immerse themselves within local Guatemalan life and learn more about the rich history and culture of the region.

This minimum 1-week experience starts at $665 per person and includes airport pick-up, host family accommodations, meals, and 24/7 emergency support. Volunteers will work for 3-4 hours per day from Monday to Friday.

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Escape To The Landmarks of Greece

Greece is home to the longest coastline in Europe, filled with pristine beaches, Mediterranean forests, and rugged mountains. The country is also home to a myriad of prominent archeological sites from its ancient civilizations; these include the monasteries of Meteora, the mystical Delphi Archaeological Site, and above all, the city of Athens, home to the world-famous Parthenon, the incarnation of millennia of philosophy and culture. Travelers will follow the coastline from Corfu to Athens, the opportunity to visit these landmarks and take in the beauty of this unique nation. From the hanging monasteries of Meteora, to the ancient city of Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose structures include ancient buildings like the treasuries, an altar for animal sacrifices, the trip will immerse participants in the deep history of each remarkable site. In Athens, travelers will continue to embrace classic architecture through the city’s many archaeological sites before visiting Shedia Home, a non-profit cafe which provides purpose and employment to over 150 individuals undergoing homelessness in Athens.

This is a five day trip and costs $489. This trip is led by the sustainable travel company G Adventures. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This trip is a Roamie, a hostel-based trip style geared towards 18-35 year olds looking to explore iconic destinations through an immersive, small group experience.

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