Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we’re on a mission to democratize tourism. We aim to connect local youths to their own environments as travelers and stewards.
Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders, see the sights, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories we often take for granted.
Since our beginnings, giving back has been a core aspect of our brand, driving us to positively impact the communities and environments of the destinations we visit.
Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
On August 16, 2025, a group of children and adults from the Emberá Drúa community set out to discover the world beyond their village, joining Elevate Destinations’ very first Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in Panama.
Ranging in age from 3 to 15, the children, along with their adult chaperones, rarely leave their community. For many in the group, this was more than a day out; it was their first real opportunity to see what exists beyond the world they know. Even for some of the adults, it was their first time experiencing Panama City.
The Emberá Drúa, often referred to as the Guardians of the Panama Canal Forest, live in close connection with the land and the rhythms of nature. When our travelers visit Panama, the Emberá community welcomes them with vibrant music and traditional dance. Their artisans are renowned for their vibrant baskets, intricate masks, and beautifully carved pieces crafted from cocobolo and tagua. Today was an opportunity to flip the script, as they were the ones experiencing Panama as travelers.
The Details:
The day began in Puerto Corotú, where the Emberá children gathered, full of anticipation. This riverside spot is where the community docks their canoes before heading into the city or nearby towns. After sharing breakfast at a local restaurant, the group set off together toward the vibrant city.
By mid-morning, the group arrived at the Panama Biodiversity Museum, where staff and their naturalist guide, Claudio, greeted them. For many of the children, it was their first time in the city, and the museum’s wonders sparked wide-eyed amazement and curiosity.
A simple but powerful moment unfolded at the museum when a local girl visiting with her parents joined the Emberá group, quickly forming a friendship with two of the girls. These trips are designed to build bridges between communities, fostering empathy and understanding that can spark positive change. It was inspiring to witness this connection in action.
Lunch was prepared by Natuviva, a local school-lunch catering company, and enjoyed picnic-style at the museum’s tables. The children gathered together, sharing hot meals and juice, with laughter and lively chatter filling the air.
In the afternoon, the group made their way to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. Even though rain kept the ships out of sight, the children’s excitement only grew as they settled in to watch an IMAX 3D movie about the canal’s history. With 3D glasses on, popcorn in hand, and smiles all around, the kindness of the visitor center staff made the experience even more special.
As evening fell, the group returned home with new stories and memories to share. The impact of these ‘Buy a Trip, Give a Trip’ excursions extends far beyond a single day; they empower participants to return home with fresh perspectives and aspirations, showing how travel can spark lasting, positive change in their communities.
Throughout the day, the adults shared that most of the children had never left Emberá Drúa before. Even spotting airplanes on the tarmac at Albrook airport was a thrill. For the adults, too, this trip was a rare and welcome opportunity to step outside their daily routines.
This day was about more than just fun and adventure. For the children of Emberá Drúa, it was a chance to see that there is a world beyond their community; a world that can inspire them to keep learning and dreaming. The goal is not for them to leave their roots behind, but to know that they have the right and the opportunity to become whatever they aspire to, no matter the challenges. It’s important for them to realize that their world is bigger than what they see every day.
Partner Organization:
OGAYA is committed to regenerative travel, working to protect and celebrate Panama’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come. Their journeys invite travelers to step beyond the familiar, connect with nature and local communities, and return home inspired to make a difference.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
