Your Unmatched Travel Provider

Written By: Taylor Edwardson

Plan nothing; experience everything!

Choosing the right travel organization for an all-inclusive, impactful experience can be overwhelming. With reviews, word-of-mouth, and gut instinct to consider, it’s easy to feel uncertain. We understand! That’s why at GIVE, we go above and beyond to ensure every traveler feels confident and well cared for when they choose to travel with us.

Let’s start by highlighting what sets GIVE apart from other travel providers…

What’s included in your trip cost?

I. All-inclusive itineraries

  • All accommodations and amenities.
  • Three meals a day and clean drinking water.
  • In-country transportation (including airport pickups & dropoffs).
  • Service projects that are designed and collaborated hand-in-hand with our host communities- they tell us what they’re goals are, and we provide the support to make it happen. Learn more here. 
  • Experience authentic cultural immersion in our host communities, where empowered local leaders share their culture and arts, fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections. 
  • Epic adventures that enable authentic experiences and bucket-list moments. For example, you can swim with dolphins in the Indian Ocean, sandboard down an active volcano in Nicaragua, or visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand.

II. 360-degree support

  • Round-the-clock pre-departure customer support and 24/7 support while in the country. 
  • We will support travelers through every step of the process, ensuring they receive the correct documentation before their trip and feel 100% prepared to embark on their journey with us. We even partner with a local travel agency that will assist travelers with booking flights and finding the most cost-effective options, based on their location!
  • Our GIVE staff will accompany you throughout your entire trip, ensuring your utmost safety. From the moment you arrive to the safety of your departure, we got you covered. 

III. Sustainable Projects

  • We focus on three main pillars of sustainability: English education, eco-friendly infrastructure, and environment/wildlife conservation.
  • Collaborative grassroots projects between GIVE and the local community, including long-term partnerships, are established before travelers arrive, prioritizing preparation, organization, and fluidity between all parties involved.
  • These volunteer projects create local empowerment, form foundational relationships, and directly impact the community members we work alongside.

IV. Ethics

  • Local ownership of projects – directly overseeing what’s being built in their community. 
  • Local GIVE staff (guides, education coordinators, construction managers, etc.) working hand-in-hand with travelers empowers local ownership and self-sufficiency.
  • GIVE is a people-over-profit organization.
  • Asset-based community development is our methodology.
  • Read more in our Guide for Responsible Travelers.

V. Who is leading you?

  • Expert guides in the field of international outdoor leadership (a mix of local & international staff).
  • We can guarantee that your safety & well-being is the #1 priority of every GIVE staff member. 
  • All guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), risk management, and outdoor leadership.
  • Alongside the wisdom of our local staff, our international staff spend a significant amount of time in the host community gaining a deep understanding of the local culture, language, norms, & respective practices.

VI. Global Citizenship 

  • Gain global perspectives and become an advocate for social justice and global sustainability. 
  • Discover the true meaning of global citizenship through lived experience. 

VII. Giving back to the host communities

  • In addition to the community empowerment these locally-led projects provide, your trip cost also directly funds the sustainability of these projects for years to come. Knowing you directly paid for the bag of cement you are using to help build the foundation of the secondary school in Tanzania means more. 
  • Check out GIVE’s project page to see our impact first-hand.

VIII. Lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences!!!

  • Meet like-minded travelers who quickly become life-long friends. 
  • After your return home, continue the good vibes by joining GIVE’s Ambassador community! Sign up after your trip to connect with other past volunteers, engage in meaningful conversations and monthly meetings, and continue nurturing your global citizenship 🙂

Let’s see how GIVE compares to other travel providers…

The Details GIVE Trip Other Providers
Itinerary & Structure ✅ Fully organized, structured itinerary with 360-degree support. ❌ Often lacks structured plans; can feel unorganized.
In-Country Transportation ✅ All transportation to and from the airport, project sites, and excursions included. ❌ Hidden fees for transportation; travelers need to arrange their own.
Meals ✅ All meals included. Authentic local food experiences. ❌ Meals may not be included, requiring extra payment.
Accommodations ✅ Community-based accommodations (homestays, volunteer houses) that foster cultural immersion. ❌ Hotels or other accommodations that don’t engage with the local community.
Local Community Engagement ✅ Direct interaction with local community members through projects and cultural activities. ❌ Limited interaction with locals; less opportunity for cultural exchange.
Project Support & Oversight ✅ Ongoing project guidance and support from local community leaders and GIVE guides. ❌ No local or guided oversight; less support for volunteers.
Project Type & Ethics ✅ Asset-based, sustainable community development approach that empowers locals. ❌ Needs-based approach that may cause more harm than good in local communities.
Guide Availability ✅ Guides available 24/7 for assistance & support. ❌ Guides may not be available at times or even not on the same premises as travelers.
Cultural Adventure Experiences ✅ Included as part of the trip, offering meaningful immersion into local culture. ❌ Additional costs for cultural experiences.
Orientation & Ongoing Support ✅ Comprehensive trip & cultural awareness orientations with ongoing support. ❌ Limited or one-time orientation with little follow-up.
Transparency & Sustainability ✅ Clear breakdown of where your money goes, with a focus on sustainability. ❌ Lack of transparency regarding the allocation of funds.

Choosing an ethical volunteer organization can be difficult, but we make it easy. As you saw above, many travel providers do not prioritize either the host communities or the traveler’s needs. In contrast, we ensure you get to plan nothing but experience everything! GIVE offers a transformative, immersive travel experience where one can embrace discomfort and experience radical personal growth. Our all-inclusive itineraries and traveler support are truly unmatched. We are so grateful for our global citizens, our global community, and the impact they all make. If you want to be the roots of change… apply for a trip with GIVE, your unmatched travel provider!

Reserve your spot or apply to travel with GIVE!

“The nonprofit’s dedication to sustainable development and ethical tourism practices served as a model of responsible travel—one that prioritizes mutual benefit and long-term partnerships over fleeting experiences. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to travel with purpose, for the friendships forged, and for the lessons learned. It reminded me that travel, at its best, is not just about ticking off destinations but about fostering understanding, empathy, and positive change”

– Olivia Ramos (SE Asia Package)