Where to go for your first post-COVID trip? These four epic trips give back

Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Scotland

If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a Victorian manor amid an ancient Caledonian pine forest, head to the Scottish Highlands. A 23,000-acre private estate owned by conservationist Paul Lister, this wilderness reserve is devoted to “rewilding”: reviving the ecosystem by reintroducing original flora and fauna. To date, efforts have included planting nearly 1 million native saplings, restoring peatlands and working to save the threatened Scottish wildcat. Each trip contributes to the cause, with part of the proceeds going to the European Nature Trust (TENT).

Fogo Island Inn, Canada

The ultra-modern, 29-room Fogo Island Inn in Joe Batt’s Arm, N.L., is not only a luxury travel experience — it’s also a 100 per cent social enterprise. The hotel, dramatically perched on the far eastern edge of Canada, was created with the purpose of buoying the remote island’s economy. All operating surpluses are reinvested in the community through Shorefast, a registered charity with multiple programs and “not-just-for-profit” businesses.

Zapata Ranch, U.S.

At this working cattle ranch in Southern Colorado owned by the Nature Conservancy, you can sleep in a historic, 1800s-era homestead, go horseback riding alongside a herd of 2,000 wild bison, hike the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or explore the nearby Great Sand Dunes National Park. You’ll also learn firsthand how ranching can be used to help preserve and protect vast landscapes through efforts like planned grazing.

Playa Viva, Mexico

Regenerative travel calls for giving back to the land, animal and humans, and this sustainable boutique hotel does just that in an ambitiously wide range of ways (see: their 30-plus-page annual impact report). The off-the-grid property runs entirely on solar energy, plus they focus on reforestation, regenerative agriculture and sea turtle conservation. They also offer English classes and other education to kids from four communities, hire locally and source from area farmers, too.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind. When you make a purchase through the link in this article, we may earn a small commission. Our journalism is independent and not influenced by advertising. Learn more