A Guide to Meaningful Travel
Travel that respects people, places, and the planet.
Proudly published in Lake Oswego Lifestyle Magazine as part of our ongoing community travel column.
Oceania Cruises’ “Go Local” experience, inviting travelers into the homes and lives of local communities.
As a traditional travel agency, our work is deeply intertwined with the travel landscape, yet your booking choices hold even more power to impact the communities you visit. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that the global travel sector contributed over $9.9 trillion to the worldwide GDP in 2023 and is projected to have exceeded $11.1 trillion in 2024, supporting nearly 348 million jobs worldwide. These numbers underscore the significant opportunity we have as travelers.
While we hope you’ll consider using a travel advisor for your next trip, here’s our brief 2025 guide to selecting partners and experiences that make a meaningful difference:
Choose Vetted & Responsible Partners
Ensure you engage with tour operators, cruise lines, and agencies that thoroughly vet in-country partners. They should maintain at least $1 million in liability insurance, adhere to strict safety protocols, and have a deep knowledge of local cultures and laws. For meaningful travel to succeed, the experiences must be safe and genuinely beneficial, as well as fun and engaging for the traveler.
Avoid trips that promise a positive impact but lack follow-through, fall short of expectations in terms of experience, or compromise safety.
A G Adventures family harvesting experience in Peru’s Sacred Valley, where travelers engage directly with local traditions and livelihoods.
Support Community-Centric & Immersive Programs
Opt for companies like G Adventures, whose Ripple Score system ensures that over 70% of travelers’ spending supports local economies, far exceeding the typical 10–20% retention. This approach empowers local guides and businesses, integrating travelers into community life.
Seek immersive cultural experiences, such as Oceania Cruises’ “Go Local” initiative, where crafting with artisans or dining with local families ensures tourism dollars spur local economic benefits. Supporting such initiatives also signals their importance to travelers and ensures that they remain a long-term focus.
Consider Environmental and Cultural Impact
G Adventures’ Geluxe guests dancing with locals in a Maasai village in Kenya, supporting community tourism.
Think of each trip as an opportunity to uplift local economies and forge meaningful connections. Then prioritize experiences that support sustainability and cultural preservation, enhancing cultural heritage and leaving a lasting positive imprint.
No matter where your next adventure leads you, we hope your travels profoundly impact you and the places you visit. By considering these brief guidelines, we hope your journeys foster economic growth and more meaningful travel. Travel thoughtfully, and let our collective adventures be journeys toward shared global stewardship.
