About travel otherways
The idea
Travel otherways is not a typical travel company.
Travel otherways is an alternative way of travelling, a platform for curated travel companies and trips with purpose, an act of empowerment and a counter-movement to mass tourism.
Traveling with Local Impact
Only about five percent of the income from global tourism reaches the local population of the countries visited. We want to counteract this by traveling consciously and responsibly and making sure that more money we spend goes to where it is needed. In this way, we ensure that part of the income from tourism is distributed more fairly and broadly and create local impact.
Mission
At Travel Otherways, our mission is to revolutionize the way people travel by promoting responsible tourism that creates a meaningful local impact. We believe that travel should not only be a source of personal enrichment but also a catalyst for positive change in the communities we visit.
Vision
Our vision is to build a global travel community that values cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development. We strive to create travel experiences that go beyond the surface, fostering deep connections between travelers and local communities, while preserving and celebrating the world's diverse natural and cultural heritage.
Why?
-
We are dedicated to empowering local communities by promoting fair and inclusive tourism practices. Through our partnerships with local businesses, artisans, and guides, we aim to provide economic opportunities and preserve traditional ways of life.
-
We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices. By prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting conservation initiatives, and encouraging responsible travel behavior, we aim to protect the fragile ecosystems and natural resources that make our planet unique.
-
We believe in the power of cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding and respect. By facilitating authentic interactions between travelers and locals, we aim to bridge cultural gaps, challenge stereotypes, and promote a more interconnected and tolerant world.
-
We envision travel as a transformative experience, not only for individual travelers but also for the destinations we visit. Through community-based projects or educational initiatives, we strive to leave a lasting positive impact on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of the places we explore.
How?
-
We carefully curate our itineraries to ensure they align with our values and principles. We prioritize off-the-beaten-path destinations, authentic cultural encounters, and immersive experiences that allow travelers to connect with local communities and contribute meaningfully to their development.
-
We work hand in hand with local stakeholders, including community organizations, nonprofits, and social enterprises, to create sustainable tourism models. By collaborating with like-minded partners, we can maximize the positive impact of our activities and support grassroots initiatives.
-
We actively advocate for responsible tourism practices and engage in dialogue with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and travelers. By raising awareness about the importance of sustainable travel, we aim to inspire others to join us in creating a more responsible and compassionate travel culture.
Founder & Travel Coach Melissa
“As the founder of travel otherways, travel is my passion. In the past decade, I've explored over 40 countries, uncovering hidden treasures and seeking authentic experiences. Working with NGOs has taught me the importance of solidarity and equal encounters. I'm dedicated to promoting fair and responsible travel, spreading awareness on making a positive impact. Let’s rethink tourism by creating transformative experiences, supporting local communities and preserving our world’s beauty.”
Travel otherways foundation
Building cultural bridges – Shaping the global future together
The initiative travel otherways foundation is a non-profit addition to travel otherways that builds on the organization's purpose and values. We want to rethink tourism and create positive impact.
Your donation
Travel otherways is no startup funded by investors. Travel otherways is not an all-inclusive tour operator with high profit margins. And travel otherways is not for the masses. Travel otherways is slowly growing and is managed by the founder Melissa herself.
Your donation helps travel otherways grow and promote responsible tourism. It supports initiatives like the "travel otherways foundation," a non-profit under the Keep the World Foundation. Every contribution makes it possible to create meaningful projects that inspire more people to travel sustainably.