The concept of giving back while you travel is about leaving a destination in better shape than you found it and, in recent years, its gone from trendy to mainstream. However, you don’t have to dedicate your entire trip to a nonprofit project or shell out big money as part of an overseas volunteer program. Small efforts can have a profound impact on an individual or a community and will make for an all-around more memorable and meaningful travel experience. Here are six ways you can travel with a purpose—enriching not only your life but the lives of others, as well. Shop Locally Shopping locally keeps the money where it’s most impactful: supporting local communities and individuals. Seek out local artists’ co-ops, farmer’s markets and small businesses and buy handmade goods over mass-produced trinkets like magnets and T-shirts. Craftspeople net more of the profit when you buy at the community level. Additionally, ask locals where they eat to discover some delicious, family-run restaurants and cafes. You’ll not only be positively impacting the owners and economy, but will also get a more authentic taste of the region. Go Green Reduce your carbon footprint by thinking green when you travel. Avoid having

Like most things in life, vacations are all about getting the most bang for your buck. That’s especially important when it comes to your accommodations abroad. Ritz Carltons and Four Seasons are very nice but you actually get so much more for about the same price if you stay in a villa instead. No matter your budget, it’s really easy to find a villa for a reasonable price—wherever you’re traveling. Here are some of the reasons you should choose a villa over a hotel to make the most out of your getaways. First and foremost, a villa will have a lot more square footage than a hotel room. At a five-star hotel like the Four Seasons, a lower rate room will be about $500 a night to sometimes over $1000 a night. Spending $1000 a night for a villa will give you access to at least two bedrooms, among many other rooms—increasing your overall square footage. One of those rooms is a full private kitchen. Having access to a kitchen is super convenient. It allows you to make breakfast in the morning and not have to worry about getting up early for a reservation and also gives you the opportunity