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 a recent story that brings Buy a Trip, Give a Trip to life.
The Travelers
On October 18th, 2025, a group of children from the village of Mpinga ya Mugesera, aged between 10 and 15, set off on an adventure to Rwanda’s Burera District. Their destination was the Twin Lakes region, a place many tourists know well but few local children have seen from a traveler’s perspective.
The Details
Our partners at Kingfisher Journeys started the day by introducing themselves and setting the tone. The children couldn’t hide their excitement. They danced, laughed, and celebrated being chosen for this special journey.
First on the itinerary was canoeing on Lake Ruhondo. For every child, it was their first time sitting in a non-wooden canoe. The moment they pushed away from shore, the air was filled with chatter as they pointed out birds, hills, and ripples on the water, seeing familiar landscapes from an entirely new point of view.
As they floated, the guides shared a lesson about caring for the environment and the importance of sustainability. Together, they talked about reducing, reusing, and recycling. One child realised, “every time I throw plastic in the lake, I’m killing fish.” It was a simple sentence that showed just how deeply they were processing what they were learning.
After the canoeing, came a gentle hike up to a local school, then on to lunch at a nearby home. The children quickly realized they were being hosted by someone they knew from their own community. Over plates of food, they shared stories and laughter, telling their neighbor about what they had learned that morning.
On the walk back, the group began collecting litter along the paths. They even stopped to talk to other children from the neighborhood, asking them to hand over plastic so it could be put in the right bins. Their sense of responsibility had clearly shifted. One girl summed it up beautifully: “Nature is my home, I should take care of it.”
Later in the afternoon, the children played traditional games and shared reflections about what stood out to them most. Before the day ended, each child received a small care package containing rice, cooking oil, notebooks, and pens.
The Impact
The day left both social and environmental impacts. The children not only cleaned up plastic waste but also inspired their peers to think differently about their surroundings. More profoundly, they returned home seeing the beauty of their environment with renewed pride and a promise to protect it.
Book your next journey with us to encourage young people to dream big, discover their heritage, and protect our world.
Partner Organization:
Kingfisher Journeys
Kingfisher Journeys is a Rwanda-based tour operator committed to sustainable and responsible travel, creating real jobs for marginalized communities and championing environmental conservation through initiatives like plastic-free tours, carbon offsetting, and community engagement. Their mission is to ensure every adventure makes a positive difference for people and the planet.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
