Longtime travel agent Marcie Lauritsen-Mann practically had her bags packed, ready to attend a travel industry conference at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui when she saw news of the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina in August 2023.
The owner of Highlands Ranch Travel Agency said the industry group considered canceling the conference but instead jumped into action to be of service.
They flew with more than 220 suitcases full of diapers, baby food, personal hygiene products, and other necessities and spent their time on the island volunteering at food banks and the Humane Society.
“When I came home after volunteering in Maui,” she says, “I knew this was a life-changing trip.”
Lauristen-Mann says this type of travel, called positive-impact travel, is a growing trend. More and more travelers want to get more out of their journey than just a tan and tchotchke.
Positive-impact travel allows tourists to invest in themselves with the gift of an exciting travel experience and invest in the communities they visit.
Social-impact travel can look different for each person, Lauritsen-Mann said, and she and her team at Highlands Ranch Travel can tailor a trip to reflect their clients’ specific faith values, social values, hobbies, or interests to craft a trip of a lifetime.
Meaningful opportunities include volunteer programs, wildlife conservation, work on fishing waterways, faith-based missions, and educational and cultural opportunities.
“We have clients request many different areas and experiences worldwide, from trekking to see the gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda to taking a cruise through the Panama Canal. Each trip has a unique window to the world,” Lauritsen-Mann said.
Here, Highlands Ranch Travel offers an overview of three destinations for those travelers interested in elevated experiences through wildlife conservation, sustainable travel, community outreach, and social impact.
Protecting the Incomparable Wonder of the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are truly a unique destination unlike anywhere else on Earth. Preserving this biodiverse landscape is at the forefront of all the cruise lines and tour companies that travel there. The only way to visit the protected island is by boat with an accredited tour company. With very tight regulations, the Galapagos offers one of the last untouched but accessible destinations on earth.
Conservation efforts to restore and protect land and marine habitats are critical to the long-term health of the islands, something that tourism dollars directly support. Many cruise lines travel with international scientists onboard, who not only educate visitors about the islands and why they need to be protected but also continue ongoing research dedicated to conserving the unique habitats and species of the Galapagos.
Terryl Lofgren, an Adventure Travel Specialist with Highlands Ranch Travel, says one of her clients recently returned from the Galapagos and described this once-in-a-lifetime trip with her family this way: “We were so excited to see that the blue-footed boobies really have blue feet! The naturalists onboard taught us so much about the Galapagos species, and it was amazing for my kids to have a part in preserving the islands for future generations.”
Rediscovering the Aloha Spirit on Maui
The aftermath of last year’s wildfires on Maui made apparent the impact that travel has on local communities and their economies. While the islands ask visitors to respect the locals and the land, tourism to Hawaii is needed now more than ever.
Hawaii’s “Mālama Hawaiʻi” Program encourages travelers to give back to local communities through organized volunteer opportunities while on vacation. The projects range from reforestation projects and tree planting to self-directed beach clean-ups and local quilting sessions. After the wildfires, the tourism board launched the specific “Mālama Maui” initiative, which also includes opportunities for volunteering at food banks and the Humane Society.
“I have been genuinely enriched by what I experienced in Hawaii, from the resilience of the locals to how our travel community came together to help,” Lauritsen-Mann said about her trip to the island after the historic fires. “I encourage our clients to visit Maui. While Lahaina remains closed to visitors, the other parts of the island — Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pāʻia, Makawao, and Hāna — are open for business and warmly welcoming visitors.”
She says the local economy heavily depends on tourism, so simply planning a vacation there is an act of giving back.
Safari with Purpose in South Africa
South Africa is the ideal destination for those looking for variety in a vacation, from the lively cosmopolitan cities to the wine regions and classic safari game reserves.
The Royal Malewane in Greater Kruger National Park offers visitors luxury lodge accommodations immersed in the wild seclusion of the African bush. Hotel stays there help fund the Foundation and Conservation Research Center, which supports animal research, conservation, and anti-poaching efforts.
While journeys to Africa are usually focused on the “Big Five” game animals, local cultures and spectacular wildlife encounters often have visitors yearning to return. The "Big Five” are the original five species for big game hunting but are now the focus of conservation efforts: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.
Lauritsen-Mann has traveled to South Africa many times. She recalls the wildlife encounters that had a particular impact on her. “I vividly remember seeing the cute African penguins basking on Boulders Beach. My safari group was amazed as we watched three giraffes traverse a river, which is a highly unusual sight. It’s these types of unique experiences that make a vacation life-changing.”
Over the years, as Lauritsen-Mann has explored new destinations, she has developed an interest in immersive travel that focuses on education and positive impact. “I hope we inspire our clients to invest in their lives and expand their horizons through travel!”
As a travel expert passionate about creating new experiences and adventures for her clients for over 40 years, Marcie’s favorite travel quote is, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine. She views travel as an investment in oneself and is pleased to see that investment extended to the communities positively impacted. Highlands Ranch Travel is one of the few remaining travel agencies with a brick-and-mortar location. Sitting with a person while planning your travel adds personalization and customization that can’t be replicated through the screen. Find Marcie and her experienced team at 41 W Highlands Ranch Pkwy Suite 110 and at hrtvl.com.
Positive-impact travel allows tourists to invest in themselves ... and invest in the communities they visit.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Saint Augustine