At DC, we throw that term around a lot: but what exactly does it mean to embark upon an Unforgettable Vacation with Purpose?
Here at Discover Corps, we firmly believe that travel has the unique ability to foster connection, understanding and positive change. It’s not just about visiting new places—it’s about creating lasting, meaningful experiences that help us see the world through a different lens. DC was founded by a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer with the fundamental desire to spark positive change through travel. These principles remain part of our core values, ensuring that every trip we offer opens hearts, inspires personal growth, and strengthens the global bond that unites us all.
As the world continues to change, we have only become more confident that travel, when done right, has the outsized potential to positively impact ourselves and the world around us. At the end of the day, it’s why we exist as a company.
In this spirit, Discover Corps emphasizes…
Positive Local Impact
Not all travel is created equal! In fact, some types of travel can be downright harmful to vulnerable communities and ecosystems. That’s why each and every DC trip is designed to impact both the communities and wildlife that we encounter in a good way. Our hand-selected partnerships provide access to inspiring initiatives that are changing the world for the better.
In some itineraries, this could mean spending a morning with an organization working to restore coral reefs in the Baja peninsula; for others, hands-on participation in service activities is central to the experience. We partner with local organizations — NGOs, non-profits, etc.– to bring the added layer of involvement and to ensure that our groups are having a positive effect on the destinations we visit.
Immersive Small Group Experiences
As anyone who has traveled in a large group knows, a herd of tourists is an unwieldy entity. That’s why we limit our groups to 12 people at maximum, with a more common cohort size of 6 – 8. Small and nimble, our groups are able to go beyond the standard tourist destinations and give our business to those delectable hole-in-the-wall, local-favorite restaurants; stay in small boutique hotels; sit down with local activists and leaders and learn more about what inspires them–in an intimate setting. Leaving the giant tour bus behind is the first step to truly knowing a place and exploring in a more sustainable way.
Emphasis on Global Citizenship
Experiencing life in new areas of the world prompts travelers to look inward, to reexamine previously held beliefs, challenge stereotypes and see firsthand the power of empathy and community. Through travel, people can engage with global issues, from environmental challenges to social justice, and recognize their role in the interconnected world. This exposure helps cultivate a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging individuals to contribute to solutions that benefit both local and global communities. Ultimately, travel nurtures a more inclusive mindset, essential for effective global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.
Now, more than ever, the world needs the power of travel. In a time of division and uncertainty, stepping outside our everyday lives and engaging with diverse cultures can break down barriers, spark empathy, and inspire solutions to global challenges. Each journey with Discover Corps is a step toward a more connected, compassionate world, where we learn from each other and grow together.
Looking to give back in a big way? Check out these upcoming trips with more substantial volunteer components:
Tanzania: Safari & Service – Spend a few days assisting in a local school, with everything from prepping educational materials to teaching English in the classroom to crucial infrastructure projects that help to make school a safe & inviting environment.
Thailand: The Elephant Experience – If you’re looking to get your hands dirty caring for elephants and living amongst a local village community, you’ve found your trip.
Cuba: Building Bridges – The bulk of our time will be spent developing art projects with the youth who reside in an area of Havana called Lawton. Create ceramic tiles for the town’s murals, repairing the nearby soccer fields, play sports together along with a range of other meaningful activities.
Galapagos Islands: Family Volunteer Vacation – Spend two mornings lending a hand at a sanctuary for giant tortoises, helping out by removing invasive plant species and planting endemic bushes and trees that tortoises eat.