For centuries tourism has been a “seek-and-destroy” industry. Not intentionally of course, but by its very nature having thousands of people, sometimes per day, track through an attraction is destructive. Whether our desire is for pristine countryside, ancient ruins or amazing architectural wonders, unchecked and unbalanced it leads to destruction.

There are “So very few places that man hasn't scarred, taken for granted or taken in vain” in the mass tourism explosion of the 20^th century. It has taken 25 years since songwriter John Kay penned those words in a song called “Nothing But” for the concept of “leave nothing but footprints” to emerge as a conscious ethic among travelers. Slowly, both the tourism industry and the traveling public are embracing environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism. Finally, the world is realizing that we will destroy that which we cherish if we don’t change our ways.

Travelers looking to go one step further and make a positive difference in the cultures they visit can find a number of companies at Cultural Travels that actively plan trips around helping preserve culture and heritage. From offering mini Peace Corps-type volunteer holidays to stays in fabulously restored Moroccan homes, these companies all work to preserve the lands they cherish while giving back to the community.

Myths and Mountains philosophy is to enrich the lives of its clients by introducing them to a deeper understanding of the cultures they visit. All of their group trips are limited to 10 travelers and are closely tailored to the individual desires of each group member. They offer five broad themes and unique journey ideas that span 90 basic itineraries. Myths and Mountains gives back to the communities it visits in a myriad of ways. Read more about its services in our Pick of the Month.

Global Volunteers has been helping empower communities throughout the world for 20 years. With teams active in over 70 communities in 18 countries, travelers from Global Volunteers experience a culture from deep within by working side by side with the community to better the local standard of life. From teaching English in Ecuador to restoring the grounds of Glencree Centre for Reconciliation in Ireland, this company offers travelers a hands-on experience of truly making a difference. Co-founder Michelle Gran shares the inspiration for creating Global Volunteers in this month’s article Honeymoon Sojourn Leads to Couple’s Life Work.

Living Itineraries, Experiential Learning and Twenty Minutes In The Morning are three principles that make Immersia unique. Its InDepth™  trips combine all of these unique features. Constant monitoring allows the living itinerary to make adjustments if ceremonies or festivals are occurring in the vicinity. The integration into village life allows travelers to learn in a cooperative atmosphere, and 20 minutes each day are devoted to learning a few key phases to make their experience truly integrated and exceptional.

Exceptional is the only way to describe the Hypogeum in Malta. This World Heritage Site is just one of the ancient stone monuments which The OTS Foundation is committed to preserving. After surviving for 5,000 years, these prehistoric stone structures are under attack from the forces of nature and overuse, and, recently, vandals. OTS helps educate the local people about their ancient past and the fantastic treasures left in their hands, and is dedicated to making Malta reputation one that is more than just a European island in the sun. Travelers with OTS’s Elderhostel program and independent groups enjoy learning about the magnificent history of this great island crossroads.

Another company preserving the heritage of its chosen land is Fez Medina Morroco. Offering home rentals in the medieval medina (Arab quarter) of Morocco’s religious center, these homes are lovingly restored to their original splendor. The project also works to revitalize the public areas of the medina and the accessible treasures there. Additionally, Invisible World is helping support scholarships for artists from all over the world to study with traditional craftsmen.

Making a difference in way we visit the world is a principle upon which I founded Cultural Travels. It has truly been a pleasure learning more about the companies in this month’s issue. Only together can we make a difference and heal the damage that the mass tourism peddled by the Travelocity's of the world does to our delicate planet.

Sheri Leigh