How To Create A Social Impact When You Travel

Of everything that travel gives you, one of the most overlooked things is the ability to create a social impact. As you sail through the oceans and cross borders, you come into contact with a number of different communities around the world. In doing so, you have a wonderful opportunity to propagate positive ideas to the far ends of the earth, and make a true difference.

But how exactly can you achieve this? What are the options to explore when traveling that may allow you to bring about a social change?

Here are three ways you can make your travels count and create a positive social impact while flicking from country to country.

Advocate For A Sustainable Lifestyle Wherever You Go

Being mindful about your carbon footprint and making green choices as an individual is incredible. But let’s face it: unless a good chunk of us are making true efforts to be sustainable, there is very little difference to be made. However, when you travel, you have the opportunity to induct people from all over to your cause and make a bigger dent in the monstrosity we call climate change.

As a globetrotter, you get to connect with hundreds of people on every one of your trips. If you start advocating the benefits of sustainable living to each person you meet, chances are that a handful of them will actually get inspired and bring about some conscious change in their habits. 

Slowly and gradually, this will lead to the green movement growing and encompassing much of the world.

Start A Travel Blog And Use It To Talk About Small Businesses

Much of the travel industry is infiltrated by giant businesses aiming to get richer and richer. In this sea of sharks, the survival of the small fish is challenging. With little money to invest in marketing and PR, small businesses in the travel industry are often left bankrupt.

If you travel often and have a travel blog, you can make yourself the voice of these small businesses. By talking about them to your friends, family, and followers, you can direct consumer traffic to those who are struggling to make a living in the travel industry.

Visit Places That Can Benefit From Your Skills And Become A Volunteer

Lastly, instead of scheduling your next trip to Venice or Paris, consider visiting underprivileged areas that could benefit from your presence. Volunteering in countries that do not have the resources to get the help they need is an exceptionally fulfilling and rewarding experience.

The best way to go about this is to first recognize what skill set you possess, and then offer your services accordingly. For example, a doctor can volunteer in non-profit health programs in areas like Africa, where medical facilities are limited and often considered a luxury. 

Similarly, a teacher’s services would be extremely helpful in countries like India and Bangladesh, where much of the population lives below the poverty line and cannot send their children to schools.