12 Days of Greener Giving: Day 12 - Adventure Travel with Purpose
The holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate the people on your list who value experiences, exploration and memories that last — all while treading a little lighter on the planet.
Purpose-driven travel makes a meaningful gift because it shifts the focus from things to experiences, offering deeper connection to nature, culture and place through more thoughtful approaches to tourism. From small-ship expeditions and community-centered adventures to hotels and stays designed with sustainability in mind, these picks bring together wonder, intention and planet-friendlier ways to see the world.
Scroll below for some of Seeing Green’s favorite travel brands to explore, and check out our video for a quick overview of today’s selections.
Photo: UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures offers small-ship expedition travel that brings guests closer to nature through immersive experiences in places like Alaska, Costa Rica and the Galápagos. With intimate group sizes and a strong focus on conservation, wildlife and local connection, UnCruise makes adventure travel feel both meaningful and responsible.
Online: www.uncruise.com
Photo: Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel designs purpose-driven adventures that connect travelers with people, cultures and landscapes around the world. Their small-group trips, community partnerships and transparency around impact make Intrepid a thoughtful choice for travelers who want exploration with intention.
Online: www.intrepidtravel.com
Photo: Frontiers North Adventures
Frontiers North Adventures
Frontiers North Adventures creates unforgettable Arctic journeys centered on sustainability, education and stewardship of the North. From polar bear viewing to northern lights experiences, their deep partnerships with Indigenous communities help ensure tourism supports the places and people it touches.
Online: www.frontiersnorth.com
Photo: Six Senses (Seychelles)
Six Senses
Six Senses reimagines luxury hospitality through a strong commitment to wellness, sustainability and connection to place. Each resort blends thoughtful design, local culture and environmental responsibility, making every stay feel indulgent without losing sight of impact.
Online: www.sixsenses.com
Photo: Ecobnb
Ecobnb
Ecobnb connects conscious travelers with eco-friendly accommodations committed to sustainability and low-impact tourism. From agritourism farms to off-grid retreats, the platform makes it easier to choose stays that respect nature, communities and local traditions.
Online: www.ecobnb.com
Other Brands to Explore…
A few more of our favorite conscious travel companies to explore this holiday season and beyond:
&Beyond is a luxury travel company focused on conservation-led experiences that support wildlife protection, community partnerships and long-term stewardship of the places guests visit.
1 Hotels is a mission-driven hotel brand blending nature-inspired design withsustainability practices like energy efficiency, reclaimed materials and community engagement in urban and resort destinations.
Beyond Green is a curated collection of hotels and lodges that meet rigorous sustainability standards while delivering immersive, place-based travel experiences.
Byway specializes in flight-free travel, designing slow, low-carbon journeys by train and ferry that emphasize scenic routes and meaningful connections along the way.
G Adventures offers small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on local guides, community benefit and responsible tourism across more than 100 countries.
Hurtigruten is a pioneer in sustainable cruising, operating hybrid-powered ships and science-led voyages that explore some of the world’s most remote polar regions.
Kind Traveler is a social impact platform that unlocks exclusive hotel offers in exchange for donations to vetted local charities supporting communities and ecosystems.
Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to deliver expedition-style travel that combines education, conservation science and responsible exploration.
Ponant operates luxury expedition cruises with a strong sustainability focus, including cleaner propulsion technologies and immersive itineraries in fragile ecosystems.
Viatu is a digital travel platform that connects travelers with vetted, sustainability-focused experiences and accommodations around the world.
Purpose-driven travel highlights how meaningful experiences can go hand in hand with positive impact, whether you’re giving the gift of an adventure or choosing journeys that respect communities, culture and the natural world.