Our support - ploughing back what we reap

Responsible travel is about doing business properly, not just supporting charities. However, we are firm believers that travellers and tour operators should 'put something back' into the communities they visit for the benefit of those who are unable to reap the benefits of tourism. Many of the people we work with share this ethos and more than 40% of our ground agents are also involved with local charitable causes.

Take a look at the many projects Explore currently sponsor and which you too can support. In addition, on many tours it may be possible to visit a school or local project. Over the years we have helped many local communities with small but important projects such as building a community hall for our porters’ village in Peru, supporting disaster relief following the earthquakes in Pakistan and Gujarat, and providing a threshing machine for a village in Cambodia. Following the 2004 tsunami, Explore, its staff, customers and friends raised over £28,000 and sent over 8,000kgs of supplies to the affected areas. Check your trip dossier for what we are doing in the country you are visiting and how you can get involved.

We hope that you will consider continuing the support of these worthwhile causes once you return home. Membership and regular donations are the best ways to support as they give these worthwhile projects stability to plan for the future. Most donations in the UK can be made with Gift Aid which enables the charity to claim an extra 28p for every £1 given. For this reason, in most cases we do not encourage or accept donations directly whilst on tour.

Note that we are unable to send or pass on gifts to individuals or organisations on your behalf due to airline security and luggage restrictions. If you wish to give gifts, please take them with you. Remember, the best way to support our charities is financially. If you do take gifts with you, please ask your Tour Leader for advice on how to give.