Author Archives: beaevans

Questions On The Path to Meaningful Travel

A wake-up call around 4 a.m. began our day. Within 30 minutes, we were on the bus. Despite the yawns, excitement charged the air. Time was of the essence. We were on track to arrive at our destination before dawn. Once there, though, we still needed to locate the perfect place to watch the sunrise. After all, we weren’t the only ones wanting to see the sun rise over Angkor Wat. Being able to do so was an anticipated highlight of our trip to Cambodia.
Meaningful Travel in Cambodia

Adding a Dimension of Meaning to Travel

Eating delicious Cambodian food also ranked high on the list! A search for locally popular Phnom Penh restaurants led us to Friends The Restaurant. Run by former street youth and their teachers, this Tree Alliance restaurant provides training and the promise of a career for youth who previously saw no future.

Friends the Restaurant has become a destination for travelers looking to enjoy amazing Cambodian dishes. And they do so while supporting a meaningful cause. What a dynamic combination!!!

Eating at Friends the Restaurant is a meaningful travel experience.

Friends International demonstrates what is possible when addressing needs through social enterprise. The businesses they have created through training facilities provide services enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

What Does Meaningful Travel Mean to You?

Reflections such as these inspired Ripple Effect Journeys and prompted questions like:

  • How can we create travel programs that move beyond the sights to stories about experiences shared with the people who live there?
  • Is it possible for those experiences to be mutually beneficial to travelers as well as communities of people in the country being visited?
  • If so, what does that look like? How does performing service differ from learning service?

I invite you to join us on a journey that explores questions like these.

I’d also like to learn from you.

  • How would you describe meaningful travel experiences?
  • Does the thought of “giving back” while traveling appeal to you?
  • If so, what types of experiences would enable you to give back?
  • Have you ever participated in a service trip? Tell us about about your experience.

I look forward to exploring the world of meaningful travel with you.

Meaningful Travel Experiences

Travel with IMPACT: A Service Trip Alternative

Resolving to Live Life to the Fullest

The New Year is almost a month old. Along with many of you, I’m determined to live this year to the fullest!

Inspired by Janice Kaplan’s  Gratitude Diaries,  I am writing about as least one thing I am thankful for daily. And while it may seem a bit out there, I’m practicing the Superwoman pose in front of my mirror every morning. I didn’t come up with that on my one, but rather was inspired by Amy Cuddy’s popular TED Talk, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are.”

Preparing to Travel with Impact - Ripple Effect Journeys

Someone suggested I include a picture of me in my Superwoman pose, but I think my granddaughter is so much cuter!

It turns out that these two activities were included in Life Hacks “30 Little Things to Do to Become a Different You in 2016.” I may be on to something because the list also suggests “travel some place new.” Well that’s right up my alley!

Combining the Love of Travel and a Passion to Empower Others

As you may know, I’ve spent much of my life helping adoptive families travel to their birth country via Adoptive Family Travel—travel that I LOVE being part of.

Lately, though, I’m thinking about new ways to help. How can I combine traveling to marvelous places with my passion to support organizations dedicated to helping people by empowering them? How can I help others do the same?

Check out this recent “Reasons Why People Travel Abroad” infographic from Travel Type.
How do your reasons compare?

Why People Travel Infographic from Travel Type

Why People Travel Infographic from Travel Type

Are you among the 32% who are “curious about how others live”? Or, is your reason similar to the 24% who travel “to discover what’s really important in life.”?

Some people participate in a service or mission trip, which have increased in popularity in the past several years, as a way to fulfill these reasons. If you Google “What is a service trip?” you’ll find 625,000,000 results! So what is it?

According to VolunteerTourismViews, a service trip is “the practice of individuals going on a working holiday, volunteering their labor for worthy causes (such as) aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain specific environments or research into aspects of society or environment, in an organized way alongside touristic activities.”

Travel with Impact

But I envision a trip that is more about listening, learning, understanding, encouraging and supporting global communities and their efforts. Ripple Effect Journeys was created to do just that. Rather than “aiding or alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society,” Ripple Effect Journeys participants will walk alongside community members on their quest for change.

We’ll do so by taking you beyond the sights. Ripple Effect Journeys connects you with people striving to improve their lives and the organizations empowering them to do so. You’ll come to understand the challenges faced and champion the possibilities. As a result, we believe the desire to be a partner for change will accompany you home. That’s Travel with Impact!

Traveling with Ripple Effect Journeys, you’ll:

Ripple Effect Journeys Infographic - Travel with Impact

Travel with Impact – Ripple Effect Journeys

Ripple Effect Journeys – Peru

Our first trip will be to Peru where we’ll introduce you to Peruvian Hearts. Those of you familiar with Adoptive Family Travel, may remember that Ana Dodson, a Peruvian Ties participant, founded this organization. We look forward to introducing you to the girls Peruvian Hearts empowers. We can’t wait for you to hear their dreams and learn how they plan on making these dreams come true.

Picture of two Peruvian Hearts Scholars

Peruvian Hearts Scholars: accounting student, Maribel (L); Electical engineering student, Rosa (R).

And let’s not forget the wonderful places we’ll visit along the way. Cusco, The Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu! I can almost hear the Peruvian Pan Pipes welcoming us!

Majestic Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu’s majesty awaits you!

We are thrilled to launch Ripple Effect Journeys and excited about its impact. Join us and you’ll meet amazing, like-minded people interested in a meaningful, impactful and fun travel experiences. I can’t wait for you to participate. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving further information about our trip to Peru or future Ripple Effect Journeys, please contact me at Bea@thetiesprogram.org.

Bea Evans, Ripple Effect Journeys Founder

Bea Evans

By Bea Evans, Ripple Effect Journeys Founder

7 Places to Shop For Meaningful Holiday Gifts

nEY0D2CMeaningful travel creates a desire to give meaningful holiday gifts.  It is an experience.  It is a connection between people and the things they are involved with—their families, their livelihood and their interests. It is an opportunity to learn and to share, moments that provide insight and foster understanding.  And, sometimes these experiences lead you to meaningful gift ideas.

As I’ve traveled, I’ve learned about so many interesting projects that have led me to wonderful gifts to share at the holidays. As this holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about the gifts we wish to give. Just like I enjoy meaningful travel, I’m fond of sharing meaningful gifts.   When you give a gift from any one of these organizations you are giving a gift twice. What could be more meaningful than that?

Meaningful Holiday Gifts – Heifer International

meaningful holiday gifts

A couple of weeks ago, I asked my 4 year old grandson to help me chose gifts for him, and his sister and brother. I explained I loved giving gifts that helped people, and Heifer International allowed me to do just that.  Together we looked through The Most Important Catalog in the World” published by Heifer.  While he identified the different animals featured in the catalog, I was able to explain why people were so excited to receive the various animals.  As Christmas gifts are shared, we’ll talk again about the animals. Gifts with meaning.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts  – Ten Thousand Villages

meaningful holiday gifts

Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages provides a sustainable North American marketplace to members of artisan co-ops in Africa, South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and East Asia.  Exquisite jewelry, unique home accessories, colorful textiles, charming personal accessories and extraordinary art pieces can be found online or in one of their many stores. As a volunteer at the St. Paul Ten Thousand Villages store, I often tell guests their gift giving is multiplied when making a purchase at the store. Not only are they selecting a gift for a friend or loved one (or perhaps themselves), they are giving a gift of dignity and self-sufficiency to the artisan who crafted the item.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts – SERRV

meaningful holiday gifts

Dedicated to creating a sustainable world through connections with artists and farmers, eradicating poverty is at the heart of SERRV’s mission.  Founded shortly after World War II to help with refugee resettlement, SERRV is a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization.  Since then the organization has grown to include online and catalog sales as well as three stores.  SERRV items are also often found in gift shops and at fairs throughout the country.  Distinctive décor items, colorful kitchen items, stunning personal accessories, quality apparel for both men and women, memorable holiday and gift items can be found on the SERRV website.  Each item is created by an artisan with a story to tell, a story that provides added meaning to the gift you are giving.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts –The Blessing Basket Project

Blessing Basket Correct Logo

Generating Opportunity, Empowering Entrepreneurs, Creating Prosperity.”  A China Ties – Adoptive Family Travel (a Ripple Effect Journeys sister organization) alum recently introduced me to The Blessing Basket Project.  Working with basket weavers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Uganda and Madagascar, The Blessing Basket Project sells a variety of woven goods including baskets, trays, clutches, hats and totes online and through its partners, such as Whole Foods.  Because each item bears the name of its creator, it’s possible to personally get to know that individual through the organization’s “Artisan & You” initiative.  The Blessing Basket Project employs a prosperity wage model resulting in lasting impact for the entrepreneur, their family and their community.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts – The Gift of Identity Fund

meaningful holiday gifts

The Gift of Identity Fund provides funding to adoptees “visiting their birth country with the goal of helping them understand their identity, heritage and culture” while traveling with Adoptive Family Travel, a signature Ties Program.  If you have a place in your heart for international adoptees and their well being, this is the gift opportunity for you.  Commemorate this holiday season and the New Year by giving a unique Gift of Identity ornament that reads, ““Every road, every path, every waterway leads to self discovery.”   Another idea–The ornament’s sentiment also makes it an inspirational gift for those graduating in the year ahead, or as people you know are making transitions in their lives.

christmas decoration

Just as I’m always seeking my next meaningful travel experience, I’m always interested in learning about new ways to purchase meaningful gifts.  Here are two of my recent discoveries.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts – Trades of Hope

meaningful holiday gifts

After hearing about Ripple Effect Journeys, Caitlin Borge introduced me to Trades of Hope.  Focused on helping women break the cycle of poverty, Trades of Hope markets products through a home party model (some of which take place virtually) as well as selling them online.  The beautiful items you’ll find here make wonderful gifts while also offering the gift of hope. We know of a party going on now through Dec. 9. If you’d like an invite, let me know.

Meaningful Holiday Gifts – Wakami

meaningful holiday gifts

John Quinn, co-founder of the Sinapi Foundation, contacted me after learning about Ripple Effect Journeys.  Partnering with several organizations working in Guatemala, the Sinapi Foundation “wants to participate in the transformation of indigenous communities, while respecting their culture, to increase their opportunities for creating sustainable improvement to their way of life.”  Wakami is one of these partners.  Maria Pacehco’s vision to connect rural Guatemalan villages with local markets began with Kiej del Los Bosques in 2004. In 2006 the vision grew to include opportunities in other parts of the world with the birth of Wakami. Enter Wakami’s online store to select a special bracelet or necklace for the favorite gal or guy in your life.

christmas decoration

May your holiday season be filled with meaning, and may the gifts you give, give twice!

Bea Evans

By: Bea Evans
Founder, Ripple Effect Journeys

 

 

The Love of Humanity – Blending Travel and Philanthropy

Powerful forces are created when travel blends with the love of humanity.Blending philanthropy with travel creates powerful forces for good. Imagine seeing the sights you long to see while also making a difference in the world. That’s philanthropic travel.

Philanthropy As a Noun or as a Verb?

Let’s start by defining philanthropy. The word philanthropy is derived from ancient Greek and means the “love of humanity.” It encompasses the desire of people to understand and support one another. Today, philanthropy is often thought of as the practice of supporting a cause financially for the purpose of improvement.

But what if we thought of philanthropy as a verb? What if philanthropy were acts of love for humanity? How does that mindset change impact the scope of philanthropy? And how can these acts of philanthropy enrich our travel experiences while positively impacting the global communities we visit?

Travel and the “Love of Humanity”

If you’ve had the good fortune to travel, stop a moment to remember the sense of anticipation you felt before leaving home. Recall the places you looked forward to seeing, the experiences you dreamed about. Now, think about being on vacation and the pictures you took. Breathtaking vistas, places steeped in history, tranquil scenes. People going about their daily lives, colorful markets, unique forms of transportation. A variety of experiences you don’t want to forget.

A picture worth a 1000 words

Do you remember the fun you had sharing your experiences with others? Chances are the real sharing was not done via pictures. Chances are, it was the story you told about the picture that created the really interesting, fun or inspiring message. Pictures capture a moment in time and illustrate the setting and characters in your story. It’s up to you to describe the plot. Here’s where the “love of humanity” comes in. Really good stories tell a tale about how characters, you and those you meet, are changed by their interaction.

Good stories often feature meaningful travel experiences

People travel for lots of different reasons. Here are a few: relaxation, learning, to meet people, adventure, personal growth, romance, family time, business, health, to explore something new, to see life through a different lens.

Many travelers desire authentic experiences that enable them to connect with people in the places they visit. They “live out a love of humanity” en route. Here are three ways you can add the depth of philanthropy to your next journey.

Eat and Shop As a Travel Philanthropist

1. The act of philanthropy through the restaurants you choose

Preparing for a recent trip to Peru, I learned about Restaurant Aldea Yanapay in Cusco. Described as a funky place with good food, the proceeds from this restaurant support Aldea Yanapay, a home for children. Going out to eat and trying different foods is a highlight for many travelers. And the fact that my purchase helped to support a worthy cause was like icing on the cake!

Eating at Friends International restaurants engages you in an Act of Philanthropy.

There are several Friends International restaurants in Cambodia created with a larger purpose in mind. Not only is the food delicious, its presentation is exquisite. The young people working as waiters and cooks are part of a culinary arts training program for marginalized youth supported by Friends International in partnership with TREE Alliance. Tourism in Cambodia is growing in popularity, and trained service workers are needed. The training these young people receive opens the employment-opportunity door resulting in empowered lives. And those of us lucky enough to dine there are part of the solution through our act of philanthropy.

As you prepare to travel, have fun looking for places to eat where you can make a difference.

2. Support Local Social Entrepreneurs

After a wonderful meal at Friends Restaurant in Phnom Penh, we wandered over to Nailbar, another program of Friends International. Here, girls receive training on how to give massages, manicures and pedicures, indulgences travelers often enjoy. Many hotels and spas offer these services, so there is a high demand for trained employees. Speaking from personal experience, these girls are learning the skills needed. Located adjacent to Nailbar is a gift shop featuring handmade items by young people in the Friends International community. (But I’m getting ahead of myself – more on shopping below!)

Arturo Rojas is the founder of Lima Tasty Tours in Peru. Members of his extended family were some of the original settlers in Villa el Salvador, considered one of the largest squatter settlements in the world. Thanks to strong community leaders, this area has become a thriving and productive home to many. Arturo began Lima Tasty Tours because he is excited about Peruvian food, and its influence and impact on Peruvian culture. While his company falls more in line with a small business as opposed to social entrepreneurship, it showcases and supports local producers and restaurateurs. “Que Buena Causa,” one of the tours offered by this tour company, involves a visit to a local comedor (a local soup kitchen) and artisan’s home. Before arriving to the comedor, Arturo and his guests stop at a local grocery store to purchase items to be used for future meals. Guests then exchange food items for the opportunity to visit, help with cooking and enjoy lunch. Such an experience is not a typical form of travel or philanthropy. However, it is a social enterprise that benefits the traveler and the local residents.

A visit to a local comedor with Lima Tasty Tours.

 

3. Shopping That Makes a Difference

Travelers often wish to return home with gifts for friends and family. Plus, it’s always fun to select something for yourself as a keepsake of your memorable time exploring another part of the world. For some, seeking out the right treasures is a fun vacation activity. It can also be an act of philanthropy as it supports local artisans and projects around the world.

Remember the gift shop I mentioned next to Nailbar in Phnom Penh? Here gift items made by a young people involved with Friends International are tastefully displayed. Jewelry, coin purses, zipper pouches and even cookbooks featuring Friends International restaurant recipes can be purchased.

Purchasing craft items from artisan cooperatives is an act of philanthropy

There are numerous artisan cooperatives in Guatemala where weavers demonstrate their craft and sell their products directly to travelers. Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit UPAVIM, a women’s cooperative located in Guatemala City’s Zona 12, an area of the city with few opportunities and even fewer resources. Members of this cooperative developed a vibrant handicraft business that now sells items locally as well as internationally. This income-generating project resulted in the women’s ability to create a variety of educational and heath care programs serving local children and their families.

IMG_0198_opt

In a previous blog post, Philanthropic Travel Enriches the Journey, I mentioned Theodosia, an artist supported by Paraguay Hecho a Mano. Founded by Osvaldo Codas, Paraguay Hecho a Mano’s recognizes the artistic ability of local artisans. For many of the artisans, the sale of their crafts is the only source of livelihood. Providing or finding marketplaces where artisans could earn a fair wage for their work  was a goal of the organization. Purchasing a craft item created by an artisan associated with Paraguay Hecho a Mano, as I often did in the Hotel del Lago’s gallery, allowed me to buy a gift and yet give the gift of livelihood to another. Philanthropy in action.

Philanthropy Helps You Look Beyond When Traveling

Look beyond what's in front of you

Andrew Zimmern said  “Please be a traveler, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond what’s right in front of you. Those are the keys to understanding this amazing world we live in.”

Try incorporating Acts of Philanthropy into your travels. Doing so will enable you ‘to understand this amazing world we live in’. After all, it is this understanding that allows us to demonstrate a “love of humanity” which is at the heart of philanthropic travel.

Bea Evans

Bea Evans

By  Bea Evans
Founder, Ripple Effect Journeys

Philanthropic Travel Enriches The Journey

Philanthropic travel is a form of voluntourism.  A growing movement, voluntourism  is “the conscious, seamlessly integrated combination of voluntary service to a destination and the best, traditional elements of travel — arts, culture, geography, history and recreation — in that destination,” according to VolunTourism.org.     Tourism Cares recently published “Good Travels – the first study on the motivations and practices of charitably inclined travelers.” The infographic below highlights some of the report’s key findings.

philanthropic travel

Good Travels Study

How would you describe meaningful travel?  Is it something you think about?  If so, do you include yourself as part of the 41% who “had some form of meaningful interaction with a local community”?  Do you agree with the 64% who “felt giving back greatly contributed to trip satisfaction”?  I certainly do.  Here are a few examples of what that has meant to me.

Meaningful Travel In Guatemala

After joining The Ties Program team, I traveled to Guatemala with Adoptive Family Travel. At the time, my daughter sponsored a child, Catalina, through Children International. The organization kindly arranged for me to meet Catalina at the hotel where I was staying. Shortly after she and her mother arrived, I learned they had left their home very early in order to arrive at the agreed upon time. In fact, it was so early that they had not had time for breakfast. So with the help of Children International’s translator, I invited them to join me for a bite to eat at a local Burger King, a first for Catalina and her mom.

After our meal, I gave Catalina the gifts my daughter sent. While appreciative for the items she received, I sensed from Catlina’s quiet conversation with her mother that something else was on her mind. The translator seemed reluctant to share what was being said. After some gentle prodding, I learned that Catalina dreamed her madrina, or godmother, was going to bring her a bike. Clearly embarrassed by this request, the translator apologized for Catalina’s behavior. Apologize? Really? How often does one have the opportunity to fulfill a child’s dream?

Thanks to the support of the translator and others at the local office, we headed to a local bike store to make a little girl’s dream come true. As the bike was loaded into a pick-up truck, Catalina’s mother invited us to join them on the ride home. Driving up the mountainside, I prayed for Catalina to quickly learn how to work the bike’s brakes, while wondering if I should have purchased her a helmet. Eventually, the truck parked on a plateau overlooking a steep mountainside. An entire community of small of dwellings built of cement blocks and corrugated metal packed the area. As the bike was unloaded, a gaggle of excited children surrounded us. Proud of her new possession, Catalina led us down the mountainside, cutting through a few houses, as the driver followed carrying her bike.

The Gift of a Bike
I have returned to Guatemala several more times since then.  While there, I’ve enjoyed peaceful moments sailing on Lake Atitlan, people watching and shopping in Chichicastenango’s colorful market, and climbing the temples of Tikal – Guatemalan sights one shouldn’t miss. It was fun to see Catalina a couple more times, each time remembering our first visit and the trip to the bike store. My meaningful interaction with Catalina and her mother continues to enrich my memories of traveling to Guatemala.

Philanthropic Travel Benefiting Local Communities

Travel that engages your mind and heart leaves lasting impressions. For a number of years, I coordinated a group travel program for families to Paraguay. The tour often included a visit to a rural school. Many of the school’s students were children of area artisans associated with Paraguay Hecho A Mano. Over the years, families on the tour donated books, school supplies, and sports equipment to the school. They also donated funds used to build a library, bathroom facilities and an outdoor kitchen.

philanthropic travel

Thiodosia – a Paraguayan potter

The Good Travels study reports that 48% of travelers find “its very important for their spending and donations to benefit local communities” as part of their pre-trip planning. This certainly was the case for the families mentioned above. Meaningful travel opportunities for the group continued while visiting the home of Theodosia, a local artisan. Arriving by ox-cart, a typical form of transportation in this area and provided by local farmers, families sat in a circle around Theodosia as she created clay sculptures. Afterwards, they were invited to create a piece of pottery with Theodosia’s help. A great example of meaningful interactions with a local community member in a very hands-on way.

After this very authentic travel experience, families were able to “give back” by purchasing pieces of Theodosia’s work. Truly a win-win situation: Theodosia received direct support for the work she had done and travelers received unique souvenirs reminding them of the places they visited and the people they met.

Staying Involved After Travel

Last January, I traveled to Peru in preparation for Ripple Effect Journeys, a group travel program combining tourism and philanthropy. I have been to Peru many times, but wanted to visit with a focus on philanthropic travel.

From a tourism standpoint, the city of Cusco is an ideal place to stay. Nestled in the Sacred Valley, an area surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire. From here it is possible to visit a number of Inca ruins, including Machu Picchu. The area was eventually part of the Spanish Colonial Empire adding another dimension to it’s history, culture and traditions.

Equally important, my time in Cusco allowed me to spend several days with Danny Dodson, the executive director of Peruvian Hearts. Ana, Danny’s sister and a Peruvian Ties – Adoptive Family Travel alum, founded the organization in 2003. (She truly is an example of the 40% of the people mentioned in the Good Travels study who stay involved in a cause after traveling.) Peruvian Hearts recently expanded their mission to focus on  Peruvian Promise. A women’s leadership and empowerment program, Peruvian Promise strives to break the cycle of poverty through the education of young women.

philanthropic travel

Peruvian Promise Scholars

During my visit, I met a number of the Peruvian Promise scholars. They are bright young women encouraged by Peruvian Promise to dream about a future (something not supported for many girls around the world.)   But dreams happen only if goals are established and achieved. Peruvian Promise is there to provide the framework. The importance of education, as the key to success,  is stressed.  Leadership workshops, the guidance received from mentors, and opportunities to serve empowers the girls.  Getting to know them, visiting their homes, meeting their families and hearing their stories greatly enriched my Peruvian travels. These genuine conversations and authentic experiences gave me insight into the country beyond the sights.

As a result of my experiences, I have introduced a number of people to the mission of Peruvian Promise, encouraging them to join me in supporting their work through periodic donations. Doing so allows my trip to Peru to continue with meaning and purpose. According to the Good Travels study, I’m not alone in my desire to maintain connections as these after returning home.

*What does meaningful travel mean to you?
*How do you feel about traveling with a purpose?
*What are the causes you’d like to learn about or the activities you wish to pursue?

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Bea Evans

Bea Evans

By Bea Evans
Founder, Ripple Effect Journeys

Welcome to The Ripple Effect Journeys Blog

Together, we’ll:
• learn about issues women and children face around the world
• discuss the meaning of philanthropy
• meet grassroots organizations focused on empowering the people they serve
• explore links between travel and philanthropy
• create a community of globally minded individuals
• discover a sense of meaning.

We look forward to getting to know you!