3 Ways To Travel The World With Social Impact

Impact

May 17, 2017

(Other possible titles for this post, “Central America + Cameras + Cacao” or “How To Be Bougie and A #Blessing” haha)

Oh heyyy friends! So most of you know that I work full-time as a storyteller here in San Francisco, but some of you don’t know that every year I do an international photojournalism project that makes my heart go b o o m (#hamiltonlyrics). This year, I got giddy about traveling to my galpal Cándida’s country of heritage: Guatemala. And, you better believe there were a malamillion puns we came up with for our insta captions. I know many of you love to get your passport stamped, too, so here are a few tips on how you can travel with social impact.

1. Collab With the Like-Minded

Carly (@carlymask) and Cándida (@_candida) are my super-photogenic, insta-ready baes. I’m so bummed that my SF sister, Claire (@clairexue) couldn’t be my wing woman, but when we saw the flower installations it almost felt like she was there, haha. Anyways, these gals were the perfect companions because they not only have a go-getter spirit (foot dangle near a volcano? ok.) but they also care for people well which is clear by how they take the time to listen and engage with people. Traveling and creatively collaborating with companions I vibe with makes a huge difference while abroad!

2. Consume Mindfully (there and at home!) aka Spend Money Where It Matters

Asceticism and simplicity are mutually incompatible. Occasional superficial similarities in practice must never obscure the radical difference between the two. Asceticism announces possessions. Simplicity sets positions in proper perspective. Asceticism finds no place for a “land flowing with milk and honey.” Simplicity rejoices in this gracious provision from the hand of God. Asceticism finds contentment only when it is abased. Simplicity knows contentment in both a basement and abounding.” – Richard Foster, “Celebration of Discipline”.

Just because you’re traveling responsibly doesn’t mean it needs not be pretty. Guys, again, working title for this post was “How to Be Bougie And A Blessing”…which is basically my #lifestyle, haha.

Support social enterprises that have a local impact like boho-sheek fashion brand Stela9, textile dreamland Luna Zorro (the gal/brand behind #thisantiguahouse), and the hotel that’s basically my aesthetic spirit animal the Good Hotel. These all make jaw-dropping products that reinvest in the local community.

And don’t plan everyy detail because sometimes things pop up on a Tuesday like the Avocado Tour that just makes this girl’s day.

And at Casa De Stela…we had delicious smoothies every morning.

win win win.

3. Contribute Your Skills

As I mentioned before, ever since I’ve started ComePlum (and honestly, if you hear the full story, it’s the big reason why I even got to start this thang), I’ve taken a photojournalistic trip every year. In 2014, I lived in Kenya photographing jewelry artisans like Mulinge and Ojiko with Soko . In 2015, I traveled with a couple to pick up their adopted daughter in India. And last year, I was in Romania working with the Gypsy community. This is one the most practical ways I can use my love for pretty things as a service.

This year, I had the chance to visit the farm collective responsible for the deliciousness that gets put into a bar of my favorite Dandelion Chocolate – the delicious treat I like to gift to my clients! (Peep the boomerang-filled insta-story here).

So, I don’t need to beat you over the head or make you feel guilty about not buying fair trade (esp. if you live in San Francisco where it’s seemingly on blast but in case you haven’t, I’ve included in the resource section of this post a helpful documentary, infographic, and a list of fair-trade chocolate brands!) …but what I will do is show you that when you do buy fair trade, not only do you and your taste buds good but you also positively impact and support families in a sustainable way. Mega mega props to the farm collective Uncommon Cacao who pays innovative farmers, like Pedro (in the purple shirt), almost double the going rate for their labor.

Also, please know it smelled like vinegar (because of the fermentation process) and fudge most of the time on the farm.

I love vinegar and fudge.

h e a v e n.

When you plan your trips, I encourage you to reach out to organizations and non-profits that could use your skills. If there is no easy onboarding process on their website, make the first move. They are busy people changing the world so take out the guessing work for them! Pitch to them what you can do, your why, and how it could also benefit them. Woo them. Serve them.

I encourage you not to be a consumer, but a contributor

Not a tourist, but a mindful traveler.

Be luxe, while loving people well!

Our love for getting our passports stamped can have a positive impact.
And, if you ever need help planning your next trip with impact, let’s have a brainstorm session at Dandelion Chocolate here in the ‘hood! Reals.