1. All-Inclusive Fun & Sun
Swim-up bars. Delish food. Instagram-worthy beaches. While the all-inclusive icon Sandals is known for these, it also has the Reading Road Trip, where couples spend time tutoring in a local school. But even if you don’t volunteer, you’ll still be supporting the Sandals Foundation. So when you’re enjoying yummy tropical drinks at the LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa, schools across the Caribbean are getting new computers. And while you’re golfing at Jamaica’s Grande Riviera resort (greens fees included!), you’ll be helping the Sandals Foundation golf academy provide young local golfers with scholarships.
2. Urban-Chic Luxury
Your first thought probably isn’t that a week at the Ritz is the ultimate in selflessness. Famous for its five-star service (and pillow menu!), The Ritz-Carlton also has Give Back Getaways, where you can donate a half or full day of your time doing charity work, from feeding endangered iguanas on Grand Cayman to working in a floating sea turtle hospital in the coastal city of Sanya, China. We’re partial to giving back in NYC—first, explore the city and experience some seriously delicious dining (you have to try the signature oysters at the hotel’s Auden Bistro & Bar). Then spend a few hours at the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, serving lunch to homeless families.
3. South African Safari
If you crave adventure and luxury, you’ll love the customized options from Hands Up Holidays. Examples include: a Costa Rica ecotourism trip, where you’ll see sloths and monkeys in the rainforest before helping with reforestation efforts, or a honeymoon in New Zealand, where you’ll ride in a helicopter and hand-feed seabird chicks a “sardine smoothie” (awww!). Our favorite is the South African safari: Stay at the Lion Sands River Lodge in one of 20 luxe thatch-roofed suites with views of Kruger National Park and rhinos as neighbors you’ll “meet” during scenic drives. Then lend a hand at a community garden project.
