Our Foundation

Travel Widely, Tread Lightly, Give Sustainably

As passionate travellers, we want to give something back to the incredible places that have inspired us for so many years.

The charities we support are based mainly in the developing world, and focus first and foremost on health and education and secondarily on conservation and environmentalism.

We also support projects that foster the positive attributes of tourism and the respectful preservation of tourist areas and the environment. After all, we want these spectacular sites to be around to enjoy for a long time to come.

Here are just four of the projects we have supported to give you a flavour:

The Moriah Centre - Big Bend, Swaziland

A numeracy and literacy training centre for underprivileged children, many of whom have lost one or both parents. The children are fed three meals during the day and are taught by four teachers, equipping them to read, write and do basic calculations.

Alola Foundation - East Timor

The Alola Foundation was established in 2001 to raise awareness of, and campaign against, the sexual and gender-based violence inflicted on women in East Timor. Today the organisation has expanded to offer the women education and humanitarian assistance, as well as maternal and child health cover.

Conservation, Excavation and Development of the Minaret of Jam, Afghanistan

The minaret, in the remote south-west of the country was listed as Afghanistan's first World Heritage Site in 2002. The Lonely Planet Foundation helped fund UNESCO's excavation of the site. By preserving the minaret, local people will be provided with a source of income from intrepid travellers.

WaterAid - Africa and Asia

WaterAid is a charity dedicated to helping people escape the stranglehold of poverty and disease caused by living without safe water and sanitation. WaterAid works with local organisations in 15 countries in Africa and Asia

Every traveller can make a difference. So travel widely, tread lightly and give sustainably.