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.
Our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model has traditionally focused on creating travel opportunities for local youth. However, this year’s excursion in Siem Reap takes a different approach. We believe that travel should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Since our beginnings, giving back has been a core aspect of our brand. We are committed to making a positive impact on 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 Saturday, July 5, 2025, the women from Eco Soap Bank were invited to join a day trip designed to inspire discovery, connection, and self-care. Eco Soap Bank, a Cambodian NGO in Siem Reap, helps improve sanitation and promote women’s empowerment by recycling soap and running hygiene programs. Each woman contributes her own story and skills to Eco Soap Bank, whether she is a soap maker, production manager, or cleaner. Together, they play an important role in their community.
The Details:
Many of these women rarely get the chance to see the beautiful cultural and heritage sites near their homes. Their morning started with a guided visit to three temples, each picked for a special reason.
Their first stop was Ta Nei Temple, tucked deep within the forest. This peaceful and rarely visited temple provided a serene space for reflection and tranquility amidst nature.
Next, the group visited the majestic Preah Khan Temple. Its ancient corridors and trees growing through the stone made a strong impression on the team, inspiring feelings of resilience.
The last stop was Neak Poan Temple, which sits on the water and is reached by a scenic boardwalk. Known for its healing qualities, this temple offered a calm and spiritual experience for the group.
For lunch, the group was invited to Easia’s Angkor House for a private, home-style Khmer meal. In a peaceful, traditional setting, they enjoyed fresh dishes made with local ingredients. The meal was a time to relax, share stories, and feel appreciated.
At the end of the day, this hard-working team expressed their gratitude for feeling valued and cared for, as well as how much they had enjoyed the experience. This trip helped strengthen the relationship within the group and the entire management team at Eco Soap Bank. Many were moved by the opportunity to participate in this trip, and for some, it was their first time visiting the temples near their city.
One participant beautifully summed up the spirit of the day: “It’s my first time taking the time to visit a temple and truly enjoy myself without worrying about anything around me.”
Partner Organizations:
Eco Soap Bank is a local NGO that employs women across Africa and Asia to turn leftover soap into new bars for people in need. Their mission is to improve lives through hygiene education and women’s empowerment. By recycling soap that would otherwise go to waste, they help the environment and provide jobs for women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Easia Travel is our local partner in Asia, creating memorable trips in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. They are committed to sustainability and focus on responsible tourism, supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and reducing their environmental impact.
Together, Eco Soap Bank and Easia Travel created a plastic-free excursion. The team from Eco Soap Bank brought refillable bottles, and Easia Travel followed their plastic-free policy, ensuring that the entire trip had no negative environmental impact—except for the CO₂ emissions produced by the vehicle. Cambodia is a developing country, and currently, they do not have electric cars available for use.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
