Make a Difference -- and See the World, Too

Philanthropy travel -- a growing trend -- links two of my favor sports, doing good and seeing the world. Clearly charities, corporations and the travel industry also have caught on. Luxury tour operators offer "vacations" to Africa, the Far East and Latin America, among others, reports the New York Times. They're joining the ranks of long-time travel-tour charities like Habitat for Humanity, which has partnerships with many corporations, such as Marriott's Spirit to Serve initiative. You can now even bid your frequent flyer miles to fly to Ghana and other destinations in dire need in programs like Delta's Delta's Force for Global Good. The drumbeat for "corporate social responsibility" has become highly creative in the travel industry, most recently in the Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Partnership inaugural meeting focusing on global opportunities to benefit the environment and economic development. Fundraisers ahoy!