Category Archive

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy. We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Visit to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, with our local partner and Iñupiat guide
• Tour a local family ranch and meet their reindeer
• Visit the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska
• Speak to local mushers and dog sled at a local dog sled kennel
• Learn how to curl with local players at the Fairbanks Curling Club
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• A Taste of Alaska Lodge
• Running Reindeer Ranch
• Chena Hot Springs

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Trustees for Alaska: Donated $500 towards environmental conservation efforts in 2021
• Alaska Travel Industry Association: Donated $500 towards scholarship funds in 7/22
• Alaska Chamber: Donated $500 towards operations in 8/2022
• Northern Alaska Environment Center: Donated $500 towards environmental conservation in 12/2022
• Morris Thompson Cultural Center: Donated $5,000 towards cultural preservation efforts in 10/2023
• Trailside Discovery Camp (TDC): Donated $1,000 as a fundraising prize in 2/2024. Funds generated support their C3 programs, which educate and engage Alaskans of all ages to support clean air and water, build healthy and resilient communities, and become empowered stewards.
• Bread Line Inc.: Donated in 05/2025 as part of Explore Fairbanks’ Golden Heart Giving: Tourism Cares for Fairbanks to Bread Line Inc. Funds support four different programs: Stone Soup Café, a downtown soup kitchen that serves free hot breakfasts and cold sack lunches for the community five days a week; Stone’s Throw, a free culinary job training program; Stone Soup Garden, a project to provide fresh and local food to people experiencing food insecurity in downtown Fairbanks; and Kids Café, a monthly gathering of families to make food for the Stone Soup Café and learn more about what they can do to help fight hunger in our community.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Learn more about the non-profit Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, followed by a cooking lesson with organizers and local Rwandan women
• Embark on a wildlife excursion to see the famous golden monkeys deep inside Volcanoes National Park
• Embark on chimpanzee trekking deep inside Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Learn about mountain gorillas at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Join a responsible gorilla trekking experience near the slopes of the Virunga
• Meet locals and appreciate their art, learn to weave traditional baskets, and make banana beer at the Red Rocks Cultural Center
• Honor and learn more about the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide at the Genocide Memorial

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
• Ingagi Park View Lodge
• Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Volcanoes National Park
• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

Gorilla Doctors:

• Donated $150 towards life-saving veterinary care to eastern gorillas in 2021
• Donated $515 towards life-saving veterinary care to eastern gorillas in 2/2023
• Donated $500 for every tour departure

Dian Fossey Research Center:

• Donated $150 to support continuous gorilla research and conservation
• Adopted mountain gorillas Bukima and Nyirindekwe, directly supporting gorilla protection in Rwanda

Aspire Rwanda:

• Donated $1,000 towards local vocational training and literacy lessons

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy. We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Learn more about the non-profit Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, followed by a cooking lesson with organizers and local Rwandan women
• Embark on a wildlife excursion to see the famous golden monkeys deep inside Volcanoes National Park
• Embark on chimpanzee trekking deep inside Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Learn about mountain gorillas at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Join a responsible gorilla trekking experience near the slopes of the Virunga
• Meet locals and appreciate their art, learn to weave traditional baskets, and make banana beer at the Red Rocks Cultural Center
• Honor and learn more about the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide at the Genocide Memorial

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Nyamirambo Women’s Centre
• Ingagi Park View Lodge
• Heaven Boutique Hotel
• Volcanoes National Park
• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Gorilla Doctors:
• Donated $150 towards life-saving veterinary care to eastern gorillas in 2021
• Donated $515 towards life-saving veterinary care to eastern gorillas in 2/2023
• Donated $500 for every tour departure.
• Dian Fossey Research Center: Donated $150 to support continuous gorilla research.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Enjoy local vineyards and wineries where you taste wine and learn more about the local wine production process
• Visit to the ‘Bridge of the Incas’, a historical site and mineral formation
• Explore the local small community, El Calafate, in Patagonia
• Trek the Perito Moreno Glacier and the Canal de los Tempanos
• Explore El Chaltén, a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province
• Hike the famous Fitz Roy loop
• Trek along a glacier valley for a view of Cerro Torre
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Chalten Suites Hotel
• Hielo & Aventura
• Parque das Aves

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Ushuaia Tree Planting: On behalf of Gondwana Ecotours, our Operations Manager leads tree planting in Ushuaia at a government-run kindergarten, which offers free education and supports local families.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Embark on an all-day safari in Arusha National Park
• Visit a Maasai boma to learn about their traditional, pastoral way of life
• Spot wildlife responsibly during a game drive in Tarangire National Park
• Head down to Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive
• Look for wildlife during multiple game drives in Serengeti National Park

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Serena Hotels, Arusha and Ngorongoro
• Elephant Rock Luxury Camp Tarangire
• Ang’ata Serengeti Camp
• Ang’ata Migration Ndutu Camp

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Maasai Community School
  • We provide supplies and fund improvements to the school building for a Maasai-operated school that serves a remote community that we visit during our safari.
• Friends of Serengeti
  • We make a $50 per guest donation to Friends of Serengeti, an organization that directly supports and advocates for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing people, nature, and wildlife in the greater Serengeti ecosystem.
• Enduimet Wildlife Management Area
  • We used to visit this community-driven wildlife management area and made donations on every visit. The money raised funds local employment and a program for local herders to get reimbursed whenever wildlife kills livestock. This program has reduced human/wildlife conflicts.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bryggen, the historic harbor district in Bergen
• Embark on a scenic boat tour along the coast to Florø
• Explore a historic fishing village, led by a local with strong ties to the community
• Board a boat for a guided visit to Vingen, one of the largest rock carving sites in Northern Europe
• Visit a local sheep farm and village in Nordfjord
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Hotel Bergen Børs
• Knutholmen
• Hotel Alexandra
• Union Øye
• Hotel Brosundet

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Conservation and social services are well-funded in Norway. Donations on behalf of our Norway guests are redirected to be shared among our supported projects in our other destinations.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Look for and responsibly view nesting sea turtles at Tortuguero National Park during our pre-trip extension
• Embark on a boat expedition into Tortuguero National Park led by a local, naturalist guide during our pre-trip extension
• Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy Center and museum to learn about sea turtle conservation and protection
• Eat with a local family and learn about local life and culture
• Explore a full-day tour of Corcovado National Park
• Enjoy a local, organic coffee plantation tour to learn about coffee production
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Finca Rosa Blanca
• El Tigre Vestido
• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
• Corcovado Wilderness Lodge
• Pierella Ecological Garden

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Sea Turtle Conservancy Center:
• Donated $675 in 2023 in support of research and conservation
• Donated $580 in 2024 in support of research and conservation

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Our yacht burns ultra-low sulfur diesel, comparable to what is sold by cars, instead of “heavy fuel” that most large ships use
• Kayak or skiff near Admiralty Island National Monument, viewing Alaska’s brown bears and nesting bald eagles from a responsible distance away
• Witness humpback whales and possibly orcas while traveling through Frederick Sound, Windham Bay, and Stephens Passage, practicing our Animal Welfare Policy to ensure responsible viewing
• Our yacht brings guests to wilderness areas that larger vessels cannot access. We employ the ‘leave no trace’ practice, ensuring that we leave trails and other wilderness areas the way we found them for minimal environmental impact
• To reduce carbon emissions, we’ve also curated the itinerary to incorporate human-powered transport as an essential and enjoyable way to explore the area during each day of this tour like hiking and kayaking

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

• We limit single plastic use onboard and use environmentally friendly cleaners
• We collaborate with local farmers and fishermen, embracing farm-to-table practices whenever possible to ensure our meals support the local economy

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

We will add our donations following our first departure for this tour in May 2026.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Visit to dog sledding camp on a remote glacier
• Excursion to the Kenai Fjords National Park
• Watch and learn about bears during a day of responsible bear-viewing at one of Alaska’s National Parks while led by an expert guide
• Explore and visit local businesses while at Homer Spit
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Coldwater Alaska
• Emerald Air Service
• Dean Homestead & Art Studio
• Seward Helicopters
• Sunny Cove Kayaking

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Trustees for Alaska: Donated $500 towards environmental conservation efforts in 2021
• Alaska Travel Industry Association: Donated $500 towards scholarship funds in 7/22
• Alaska Chamber: Donated $500 towards operations in 8/2022
• Kachemak Nordic Ski Club: Donated $1000 towards trail maintenance and child learning in 11/2023
• Trailside Discovery Camp (TDC): Donated $1000 as a fundraising prize in 2/2024. Funds generated support their C3 programs, which educate and engage Alaskans of all ages to support clean air and water, build healthy and resilient communities, and become empowered stewards.
• Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks: Donated $1000 as a sponsor in 4/2024. This money will be used to promote the enhancement, preservation, and protection of the natural, scientific, and historical resources of Kachemak Bay State Park.

Our itineraries feature activities that operate sustainably, bring economic dollars to local infrastructure and communities, contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural areas, educate on the cultural identities and customs of local communities, and abide by Our Animal Welfare Policy.

We intentionally curate our itineraries with activities that highlight destinations’ nature, wildlife, and culture while maintaining our commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

• Rafting on the Nenana River
• Visit to Husky Homestead at Denali National Park headquarters
• A river adventure on a motorized boat
• Wildlife viewing in Denali National Park
• Visit local and family-owned restaurants

We work with local businesses, non-profits, and micro-businesses wherever possible, especially those that champion environmental practices.

By working with such businesses, we can support the success of sustainable businesses, ensure that meaningful change is a lasting process, and contribute dollars to the local community.

You can learn more about our partners and their sustainability initiatives on their websites, linked below:

• Husky Homestead
• Alaska Railroad
• Aramark Alaska
• New Wave Adventures
• Temsco Helicopters
• Mahay’s Jetboat Adventures

Every year we donate a portion of our revenues to carefully vetted and selected local nonprofits in the areas where we travel as another measurable practice of responsible travel.

By giving back, we invest in a more sustainable future and ensure a direct impact on the communities and environments we visit on this tour.

• Trustees for Alaska: Donated $500 towards environmental conservation efforts in 2021
• Alaska Travel Industry Association: Donated $500 towards scholarship funds in 7/22
• Alaska Chamber: Donated $500 towards operations in 8/2022
• Trailside Discovery Camp (TDC): Donated $1000 as a fundraising prize in 2/2024. Funds generated support their C3 programs, which educate and engage Alaskans of all ages to support clean air and water, build healthy and resilient communities, and become empowered stewards.