For those who appreciate a touch of indulgence at the end of a long day, guests can expect the same level of comfort and privacy usually enjoyed on a five-star vacation. Head back to relax in a deluxe tent or cottage with en-suite bathroom, hot running water, electricity and a private plunge pool on the veranda deck.
If Africa does not appeal, Exquisite Safaris also arranges trips to tropical destinations such as Burma, Cambodia, Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, Thailand and Vietnam. Tours usually last between two to three weeks and are customized for groups of no more than eight.
An experience like this does not come cheap though. A typical six-star trip costs approximately US $1,000 per person, per night not including airfare. There is no charge for the philanthropic add-on and Exquisite Safaris donates 10 percent of its profit plus your loose change (tax deductible) directly to the grassroots projects visited. What's more, the giving does not have to end as soon as you land back at home. Exquisite Safaris works with organizations such as Philanthropy Now to help travelers empowered by the experience to continue donating upon their return. To book a tour with Exquisite Safaris visit www.exquisitesafaris.com.
Adventurous travelers hoping to take an active step towards minimizing global warming effects should set off on an expedition with upmarket travel company Abercrombie & Kent. As one of the World's leading luxury travel specialists dedicated to conservation tourism, Abercrombie & Kent has joined forces with Friends of Conservation to support global warming projects on all seven continents and raise a hefty $1 million dollars.
As part of the Climate Change Challenge, the once-in-a-lifetime expeditions aboard the Explorer 11 will visit destinations threatened by global warming such as Antartica and Mount Kilimanjaro. Led by Professor James McClintock who has more than 20 years experience in conducting research in polar waters, guests will be part of a team that delivers scientific equipment to monitor climate change. As part of the experience expeditors will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the research facilities at Palmer Station.
One thing's for sure, guests of the Explorer 11 will not be roughing it out at sea. Providing the perfect balance between on-board amenities and all-out adventure the cruise ship features outside cabins for every guest, some boasting the luxury of a private verandah too.
A place on this extraordinary trip is priced from US $6,190 per person for 14 days plus a minimum pledge of $500 to Friends of Conservation. The package includes full board accommodation and open bar, transfers, fully guided sightseeing, expedition leader, professional lecturers and baggage handling.
For those who prefer to keep their feet on land, Abercrombie & Kent's extensive collection of meaningful vacations also includes projects such as living with elephants in Botswana, planting trees in the Musai Mara in Kenya and helping local schools in Tanzania. For more information, visit www.abercrombiekent.com.
