Sweeping landscapes, grand palaces, and crumbling temples may dazzle, but for the veteran of overseas journeys, often the most cherished memories are the personal interactions with the local people. To western travelers, such encounters are especially enchanting among the rich, vibrant cultures of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, but can also be found right at home. Regrettably, throughout these regions most are far from rich—mired in a deadening cycle of poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, or governmental neglect. As tourists, we come, observe, savor our encounters, and leave. As people of conscience we are saddened and moved to action.
A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
Our response is Heart (and) Passion — a fusion of the joys of travel with the warmth of giving. Heart+Passion sponsors unique journeys that include much of what conventional tourists do and see, but include a giving and volunteering dimension that tourists rarely experience—in partnership with a respected Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). It might be volunteering on a medical mission with the dedicated physicians of Turtle Will, visiting wells
excavated by charity:water, or observing surgeries performed on children with cleft palettes by the brilliant surgeons of Global Smile Foundation. Of course, in addition to the personal time our travelers volunteer, a substantial portion of the cost of every Heart+Passion journey represents a tax deductible contribution to our partner NGOs.
So in a world obsessed with taking, Heart+Passion offers the opportunity for giving—giving to those most in need, where they live. And in giving, it is both those that give, and those that receive, who are transformed.
