Proudly in partnership with Planeterra

Here at Travelsphere we are passionate and driven to make our holidays a force for good. In partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, we support a number of local projects and social enterprises around the world by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate some of the profits from our tours to support these initiatives, so it’s great to know that when you choose us you are helping to make a positive impact through travel.

Who are Planeterra?

The Planeterra Foundation is the leading non-profit using community tourism to change lives. Planeterra helps local organisations and communities use tourism as a catalyst to improve people’s lives, protect their natural environments, and celebrate their culture. Put simply, it is a better kind of tourism – improving the lives of community members as they provide travellers with better experiences. Planeterra is more than just an agent of change and driver of communal well-being, they are tested and trusted builders of self-esteem and pride. By visiting a Planeterra project you can be assured you are helping to uplift communities through tourism.

By supporting an ever-growing network of community tourism enterprises around the world, Planeterra ensures money from tourism is increasingly remaining in the hands of local people. As a result, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel.

Working together to help change more lives through Travel

Help Planeterra strengthen community tourism around the world when you book Travelsphere by donating today. Making a donation is easy – simply tick the box in the checkout when you book online or opt in to donate when booking over the phone. A £5 donation will be made to Planeterra and what’s more, we will match every donation that is made. Together we can help unlock opportunities for communities to thrive through tourism.

Planeterra projects

  1. cooking on holiday

    OODLES OF NOODLES

    The Oodles of Noodles project is a social enterprise which helps at risk youngsters. It acts as a curriculum module for the youth to practice their English language and presentation skills - two key qualities that are a necessity for success in the hospitality industry. Students lead a noodle-making class with travellers and teach them about the twenty-six different types of noodles available in Hoi An, Vietnam.

    LEARN MORE
  2. CCaccaccollo weaving, Peru

    CCACCACCOLLO WOMEN’S WEAVING CO-OP

    The Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op supports a community close to the Inca Trail, funding training programmes to help bring back weaving traditions that have been lost over generations, and helping communities benefit from the tourism industry. 

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  3. NAVAJO TACO FOOD TRUCK

    The DinéHózhó project ‘Native Grill’ is a food truck run by a local Navajo family. DinéHózhó aims to provide economic opportunities to communities in Navajo Nation Indigenous-owned businesses connecting them to the tourist industry.

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  4. MI CAFECITO COFFEE TOUR

    The Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour is a successful tourism and agriculture co-op which has created many employment opportunities for members of the community as well as connected local farmers and artisans with a market to sell their products.

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  5. BEIT KHAYRAT SOUF

    Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-owned café. It uses its meal experience and cooking class to boost women's economic empowerment, breaking the cycle of unemployment for women while also providing a platform for local youth to volunteer and learn about diverse cultures.

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  6. SQUAMISH LIL'WAT CULTURAL CENTER

    The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center aims to share their cultural knowledge and inspire understanding of the Lil’wat and Squamish Nation cultures, as well as provide youth in the region with opportunities to train in the hospitality industry through the on-site museum and cultural tours.

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  7. Salaam Baalak Trust

    SALAAM BAALAK TRUST

    Salaam Baalak Trust is an organisation that offers safe housing, counselling, education, and support to over 5,000 children in New Delhi. The organisation manages five safe homes across the city and help at risk youth learn new skills, and receive support for scholarships, job placements, and other resources.

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  8. UBUNTU CAFE

    The Ubuntu Team, empowers communities and creates jobs through social impact businesses, including the Ubuntu Café. The team supports the Ubuntu School, which provides therapy, education, and vocational training for children with special needs.

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  9. STHREE CRAFT SHOP AND CAFE

    The Sthree Café works with women in the local community to increase their income, strengthen their financial independence, and help them become economically empowered. The Sthree Café employs local women, providing them with a fair wage and the skills and training needed to work in the service sector.

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  10. SHEDIA HOME

    Shedia – meaning “raft” in Greek – is a not-for-profit organisation that works to employ and empower people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion in Greece. They have a vast number of programs which includes a café-bar-restaurant in the historical centre of the Greek capital called Shedia Home.

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FAQs

What is Community Tourism?

Travel experiences owned, led, and run by communities - non-profits, cooperatives, and social enterprises. At its very best, it breaks down barriers to engage underserved communities in meaningful, life-changing ways.

Why Community Tourism?

There are some forms of tourism where no money reaches the hands of local people. Planeterra works to break this cycle by supporting and uplifting community tourism. By strengthening community tourism around the world, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel.

Who is Planeterra helping?

Our community partners are local nonprofits, grassroots community organizations, and existing social enterprises. All of whom are working directly to empower women, youth, rural and Indigenous communities, or the environment through travel.

Examples of what the result of that support looks like in communities around the world: 

  • Women starting their first jobs outside the home

  • Children getting increased access to education

  • Youth gaining skills to help them find long-term employment

  • Women taking on leadership roles in their communities

  • Communities earning a sustainable income through cultural celebration

  • Communities promoting a sustainable environment for generations to come

Where are the funds going?

Your donations will help fund the future of community tourism. It will power Planeterra’s vital initiatives to empower communities worldwide by providing essential tools, access to resources, and opportunities. From educational webinars on financial literacy and marketing to pivotal seed grants, your donations can be the catalyst communities need to thrive.

Can I claim Gift Aid?

Planeterra is a registered nonprofit in Canada and a Charity in the US, however, they are not registered in the UK and therefore Gift Aid does not apply in this instance.

Experience a Planeterra project on one of our tours

  1. The Best of Costa Rica

    Nature-lovers will be enchanted by Costa Rica, taking in wonderful wildlife to volcanoes.

    • Return flights
    • 16 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
    • 10 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, 1 night in flight

    12 days from
    £3,399
    was £3,799
    Explore
  2. Highlights of Sri Lanka

    If you're searching for a paradise island teeming with wildlife, incredible landscapes and a colourful culture, head to Sri Lanka.

    • Return flights
    • 11 nights in 4 or 5-star hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 23 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 11 dinners

    13 days from
    £2,649
    was £2,949
    Explore
  3. Invitation to Vietnam & the Temples of Angkor

    This fascinating introduction to the diverse landscapes of Vietnam also includes a visit to Cambodia's Angkor temples.

    • 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners
    • 10 nights in 4-star hotels, overnight cruise, plus 2 nights in flight
    • Return flights

    14 days from
    £3,224
    was £3,399
    Explore
  4. Kenya: Safari and Savannah Sunsets

    Spot Africa's most thrilling animals, including the 'Big Five', on safari in Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara.

    • 23 meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
    • Return flights
    • 8 nights in great quality lodges, hotels and luxury tented camps, plus 1 night in flight

    10 days from
    £3,999
    was £4,199
    Explore
  5. A Journey through Southeast Asia

    Vietnam's stunning Halong Bay, Cambodia's magnificent Angkor temples, Mount Phousi in Laos and a cruise of the Mekong to Thailand – this epic journey includes so much.

    • Return flights
    • 18 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels, overnight cruise, 2 nights in flight
    • 43 meals: 19 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinners

    22 days from
    £4,749
    was £4,999
    Explore
  6. National Parks of United States of America

    Epic Wonders of the National Parks

    Marvel at the jaw-dropping scenery in nine of America’s national parks on this incredible adventure through seven different states.

    • Return flights
    • 15 nights in great quality hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 17 meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

    17 days from
    £3,999
    was £4,199
    Explore
  7. Epic Peru

    This intriguing country is like nowhere you've been before, where Incan ruins, lost civilisations and intoxicating landscapes are king.

    • Return flights
    • 13 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
    • 19 meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

    16 days from
    £4,049
    was £4,249
    Explore
  8. Jordan's Ancient Wonders

    Discover historic and biblical sites, explore the 'Lost City' of Petra and soak up magical desert landscapes as you immerse yourself in Jordan's treasures.

    • Return flights
    • 7 nights in 4-star hotels, 1 night in a Desert Camp
    • 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

    8 days from
    £2,174
    was £2,299
    Explore
  9. Grand Tour of Canada & the Rocky Mountaineer

    From east to west, this ultimate trip across Canada takes in all the must-see highlights and includes a breathtaking journey on the Rocky Mountaineer train.

    • Return flights
    • 15 nights in great quality hotels plus 1 night in flight
    • 5 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches

    17 days from
    £6,274
    was £6,599
    Explore
  10. Just Landed

    Contrasts of India: Northern Cities and Kerala Backwaters

    This is an all-out exploration of India, from the Golden Triangle in the north to Kerala's peaceful backwaters in the south.

    • Return flights
    • 16 nights in 3, 4 and 5-star hotels and a houseboat plus 1 night in flight
    • 37 meals: 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 16 dinners

    18 days from
    £2,899
    was £3,199
    Explore
  11. Just Landed

    Taj, Tigers, Temples and Rajasthan's Palaces

    Venture beyond the Golden Triangle to discover the cultural highlights of India’s Rajasthan.

    • Return flights from London
    • 13 nights in 4 and 5-star and heritage hotels plus 1 night in flight
    • 13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 13 dinners and welcome drink

    15 days from
    £2,849
    was £2,999
    Explore

At Travelsphere we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the communities we travel to. Customers can make a voluntary donation of £5.00 per passenger travelling. 100% of this donation will be passed to Planeterra. This donation will be added at time of booking. All donations will be matched by Travelsphere up to the value of £5.00 per passenger.

This can be removed until 14 days before departure, by request and you can let us know via enquries@travelsphere.co.uk. Requests to remove or change donations will be refunded until this time. Requests to change or remove donations after this time cannot be made.

Minimum donation is £5.00 per booking. The donation value can be increased, please ask at time of booking or let us know via enquries@travelsphere.co.uk

If you cancel a booking, or your booking is cancelled by us, then your total donation will be refunded to you. If you would like to continue with your donation, rather than receiving a refund please do let us know at time of cancellation. Otherwise, it will be refunded to you.

Planeterra is a registered nonprofit in Canada and a Charity in the US, however, they are not registered in the UK and therefore Gift Aid does not apply in this instance.