Travel and Purpose CATALYST

Claire is an Irish travel writer and the Roamie-ing Reporter for G Adventures' Roamies trips—small group tours for 18-35 year-old travelers. Here she discusses her recent trip to Peru, where among other adventures, she climbed Rainbow Mountain, sandboarded at Huacachina and explored Machu PIcchu. The G Adventures program G for Good offers travelers the opportunity to visit positive social projects on their trip.

Christina Lowery is Cofounder and CEO of Girl Rising, a storyteling nonprofit that supports girls' education in 12 countries. 130 million girls around the world do not have access to education and it is the mission of Girl Rising to change the way girls' education is viewed and valued. Their content reaches 400 million viewers in 170 countries. CATALYST talks with her about her visit to Rajasthan, India and the work of Girl Rising.

Tanya Weaver, Executive Director of the American Foundation for Children with Aids, works in African countries where there are more orphans with AIDS than anywhere in the world—15 million. In Zimbabwe, her programs offer farming assistance, goat breeding and beekeeping programs to help families as well as providing medical supplies. In addition, they offer traveling programs called Vacations with a Purpose which provide volunteering opportunities for travelers.

Lindsay visited Rwanda and Gorilla Guardians Village, an environment that promotes sustainable travel and combats gorilla poaching. Hear what it’s like to trek among gorillas and learn about their efforts to protect and conserve these animals. Listen as she talks about the history and travel options in this country, once known for a vicious genocide, and now a unified nation ready to welcome travelers.

Patrick lived in Kyrgyzstan for 9 years, working to bring tourism there and promoting outdoor adventure. Historically it has been a mountaineering destination, home to one of the easiest 7000m peaks in the world, and recently ski touring and horseback riding have become popular. The country has experienced political instability, including a number of revolutions. Listen to Patrick recount his first hand experience of the 2010 revolution.

Victoria founded the nonprofit Maysea in Nicaragua where she works with rural off-grid jungle communities. She also runs "co-giving trips" that combine adventure with impact in this area of the Pacific Coast renowned for surfing and outdoor exploration.