Have a big impact in the communities you visit. Simply use a small amount of space in your luggage to pack supplies needed by community projects around the world.
One time when we were traveling in the Dominican Republic we were on an excursion with other couples. When we visited a school in a very impoverished area, this couple pulled out a backpack full of school supplies and started handing them out. We were able to help handout supplies and be a part of the sharing. We were also a bit embarrassed that we hadn't thought of it ourselves. Ever since that day whenever we travel we always take supplies to a group that needs them in an area we are visiting.
And, it's surprisingly easy. All you need is to save some space in your suitcase, or if you travel light like we try to do, you could take an entire suitcase full of supplies. The best part is that you can enlist help from your own friends to gather the supplies and allow them to join in on the giving with you.
All you need to do is:
Visit their website, https://www.packforapurpose.org/
Then select your destination....
You will then be presented with list of accommodations and tour companies who are working with Pack for a Purpose. Select one that you are either using or that is close to where you will be.
Next you will see all the details for the project supported by that hotel, tour operator, or etc.
You will be given information on the location to deliver your supplies / donation and how to pack. Now you have everything you need in order to bring meaningful impact to the place you are visiting.
Your involvement can be as much or as little as you like. You can be involved in working with the group, meeting them and handing out supplies, or you can just drop off your supplies at a drop-off location and be on your way quickly.
Here's some pics from times we were lucky enough to work with groups or deliver supplies while traveling.
One thing is for certain, we always get much more from these adventures than what we bring.
