5 reasons why a GIVE trip is the best present ever
Written by: Samantha Abajian
It’s late at night and you’re carefully curating your holiday wishlist. The reflection of the screen glows on your face as you search for new shoes and features of the newest iPhone. But soon, the shoes will be “so last season” and a new iPhone will be released faster than you can blink. The one thing that will always be in style is meaningful travel.
Traveling may not be the first thing you think of when creating your gift list… but why not?! The gift of travel is invaluable. It gives you lifelong memories, friendships, and new perspectives. It may seem unattainable compared to shopping online or buying a gift card (you can get a GIVE gift card, too!), but it’s not. GIVE makes travel accessible, simple, and exciting.
GIVE is more than a travel organization, it unites passionate individuals and communities abroad to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide. Traveling with GIVE is an opportunity to experience real connection, growth, awareness, and adventure. While the reasons to choose a trip with GIVE this holiday season are endless, but here are my top five reasons why a GIVE trip is the best gift ever!
The gift of travel is invaluable. It gives you lifelong memories, friendships, and new perspectives.
1. Traveling pushes you beyond your comfort zone and teaches you more about who you are.
One of the biggest reasons people don’t take the leap to travel is fear. Don’t get me wrong, I was terrified when I first decided to take my trip to Tanzania. That’s what makes GIVE so special. You have an entire team of personable and skilled people ready to guide you through each step of an incredible adventure (from pre-trip to post-trip!). Who knows? You may even surprise yourself and what you were initially afraid of was easier than you thought! Traveling with GIVE allows you to explore your confidence and safely surrender to uncertainty and new experiences. Traveling is truly the best way to learn about yourself, spark inspiration, and build courage – a gift beyond compare.
2. Traveling shows you the value of connection.
You are never alone when you choose to travel with GIVE. Through group travel, you meet like-minded people who share many of your same values, ambition, and the spirit to make a trip across the world. There is a shared desire for new connections and new experiences. These connections extend beyond your fellow travelers to your guides and community members. Whether it’s sharing gelato with your guides after a long day of work or taking a painting lesson from a local artist – there is power in these simple moments. There was something beautiful about such a familiar and warm situation somewhere unfamiliar and new. A different language and way of life may seem like barriers to forming relationships. Yet, they fade away when you realize that we aren’t so different. As cliche as it sounds, you will make friendships that last a lifetime, withstanding any oceans that stand between you.
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3. Traveling with GIVE leaves a lasting impact.
Traveling is always exciting, but there’s something extra special when you travel with GIVE because you are choosing to leave a positive impact and learn from a community abroad. Every aspect of your GIVE trip is based on asset-based community development. This ensures a sustainable impact by focusing on the communities resources and assets as the basis for development. One of my favorite memories in Tanzania was our first day on the worksite in the village of Kairo. Working alongside members of the community, we vigorously shoveled out dirt to make room for the construction of new school buildings from eco-bricks. In an instant, it started pouring rain. We continued shoveling, dancing together as the rain came down on us, and singing songs that we would know by heart by the end of the trip. I never knew shoveling dirt could be so fun. Traveling with GIVE means working alongside locals eager to share their skills and knowledge with you on and off the worksite. Whether you are constructing eco-bricks, permaculture farming, or even shoveling out some dirt, each GIVE program allows you the chance to be a part of the community in a way that is meaningful and positive.
Traveling with GIVE means working alongside locals eager to share their skills and knowledge with you on and off the worksite.
4. Traveling is an opportunity to become more globally aware.
Culture is one of the biggest reasons why traveling is always such a special experience for me. It is easy to get wrapped up in our daily lives, and our routines can feel like all that matters. Traveling expands your understanding of the world around you. Beyond certain narratives prevalent in popular media, traveling with GIVE allows you to learn more about a country and its culture through its communities firsthand. Compassion and vulnerability become a core part of travel when you open your heart and mind. You are taught to let go of what you think you know and make room to learn. GIVE takes you a step further as you become completely immersed in new communities and cultures. A five-star hotel can feel tempting, but I can assure you that nothing is more beautiful and comforting than the warmth of the village in Kairo, Tanzania or the welcoming hearts of Sop Chem, Laos.
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5. Traveling creates memories that are timeless.
Sure, a new iPhone can capture beautiful moments, but it can never capture the feeling of a journey across the world. In a year, that phone will be old news, but your trip will be with you forever. The memories of your travels will always be yours, on both your best and worst days. All the excitement, curiosity, and gratitude are forever a part of you, and that’s simply priceless.
Compassion and vulnerability become a core part of travel when you open your heart and mind. You are taught to let go of what you think you know and make room to learn.
Ready to give the gift of travel? Check out GIVE gift cards
A GIVE gift card is the most sustainable and timeless gift out there! Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, the gift of travel is the perfect gift. Plus, receive an extra 10% on gift card value through December 31st! Shop gift cards.