Wealth-Bulletin.com: Travel Philanthropy has Arrived

link to entry | comments (0)

Travel Connoisseur Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel

"Exquisite Safaris is wonderful because it combines the best of everything. You get world-class accommodations, the top notch activities, and then end up at a project that is life changing." -Travel Connoisseur Magazine

Philanthropic Travel: Enlightened Luxury

Two Februaries ago, in the middle of a sticky East African night, Ted van Beuren sat in a remote region of Kenya, eyes fixed on the horizon. From his cushy Rusinga Island Lodge bed, near the shores of Lake Victoria, he watched as a storm approached like none he'd ever witnessed. Lightning bolts fired in blinding spurts, each time illuminating a landscape of fallen trees and grazing hippos. And the sound of thunder, at first almost inaudible, rose to a pitch so high it felt like a thousand bombs exploding in unison.

In the same room, van Beuren's 23-year-old son tried to sleep. But as the seconds passed and the eye of the squall moved closer, a blast of wind burst through the net door, blowing the room's curtains against the ceiling and the atmosphere into chaos.

"What was that?" Ted Jr. yelled as he jolted upright. "What's happening?"

A moment later, the skies opened, unleashing a torrent of rain so hard it drowned out the thunder and dimmed the lightning. But as he sat there, the man who had left his safe Pennsylvania neighborhood to visit the unknown halfway around the world could not think about the powerful meteorological event unfolding before him. Nor could he think about fly-fishing, his passion, and one of the adventures he had hoped to share with his son while in Africa.

"All I could think about was what I was going to do with the quality time I had left in my life," he says. "All I could think about was that morning."

That morning, van Beuren found himself first in Nairobi, in a densely populated slum where orphans of AIDS victims lived alone in extreme poverty. And then later in a village on Rusinga, where a young man without even a high-school education had somehow managed to pull together the necessary means to start not only a medical center, but an international export business to support it.

Images from those encounters did not sweep over van Beuren immediately. But as the day's cadence slowed, and the clock turned past midnight, and that storm drew near with a strength he'd never seen, they came into focus. As the CEO of one of the biggest multi-sports facilities on America's East Coast vividly tried to recall every last detail of his day, a message reverberated through his body.

"It was like God was speaking," van Beuren says. "That storm was his cleansing me, and I knew what I had to do. Everything was all of the sudden extremely clear."

What van Beuren felt in that Rusinga Island hut last year is what David Chamberlain -owner of a San Francisco-based company that offers philanthropic vacations such as the one van Beuren experienced -calls "the Socratic moment, that defining flashpoint that triggers the need to want to help in some profound way."
Chamberlain experienced it in 1972 when he ventured to Haiti with his grandparents and spent a morning playing soccer on a rural part of the island with children his own age. He wore Miami Dolphins-embroidered clothes and painfully white loafers. They wore next to nothing. But as soon as the ball flew through the air, one language emerged, and so did a voice inside the middle-class foreigner from Boston.

"The overwhelming emotion was one of, 'These kids are just like me,' "Chamberlain says. "And then my thought was, 'I could've just as easily been born somewhere else.' It was one of those experiential things you never forget."

Today, Chamberlain is dedicated to exposing others to that kind of sensation through Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide, which he founded last year in an effort to cater to a growing trend -the wealthiest generation's desire to connect with the world in a meaningful way. His recipe is simple: luxury and social conscience, then serve in a customized manner">Blend equal parts luxury and social conscience, then serve in a customized manner.

"What David is doing is wonderful because it combines the best of everything," says Chellie Kew, founder of Qfund, a non-profit organization whose grassroots endeavors in Africa are sometimes observed by Exquisite Safaris travelers. "You get the world-class accommodations, the top-notch activities, and then end up at a project that is life-changing."

Using Africa as an example, a day in the itinerary of an Exquisite Safaris trip could go something like this: early morning game reserve tour; late morning spa treatment; and then an afternoon visit to a sub Saharan township, where individuals like Kew may be coordinating the implementation of banana trees to create a source of economic stability.

In the evening, travelers return to their quarters, such as a private lodge or mobile camp. They enjoy a gourmet meal under a canopy of stars and then fall asleep in the comfort of a deluxe tent or cottage, complete with en suite bathroom, hot running water, electricity, and, maybe, a plunge pool built in to the veranda deck.

"It's a total luxury experience," Chamberlain says. "Only you're coming out of that so called bubble for an afternoon or a morning and seeing what's truly going on in the country you're visiting."

Exquisite Safaris also designs trips to destinations such as Burma, Cambodia, Ecuador, Galapagos, Peru, Thailand, and Vietnam. Most last between two and three weeks and are tailor -made for groups of no more than about eight.

The cost usually isn't cheap; a typical six -star experience in, say, Botswana can run a traveler around $1,000 a night, not including airfare. But there is no charge for the philanthropic add-on. And $250 per traveler of Exquisite Safaris' profit goes directly toward grassroots projects visited.

"That's one of the key differentiators," Chamberlain says. "There are certainly a lot of give -back plans out there, but how many are taking that money and truly empowering the people in the place?"

Any American who has traveled overseas since the turn of the century knows the impact foreign policy can have on international relations. Even though choices made by political leaders don't necessarily reflect the beliefs of the constituents, they are often thought to be closely associated. Because of that, U.S. citizens especially have drawn increasing amounts of ire over the past decade, whether in Iraq, Italy, or even Ireland.

"There's no question that due to recent events people don't think as fondly of us anymore," Chamberlain says. "So what better way to reconnect with the world and change opinion than through philanthropic travel?"

While the concept would seem a perfect tool for shrinking that cultural gap, it is undoubtedly proving to be a strong bonding agent for individuals with even the closest ties: family members. By interacting with one another on a daily basis for a couple of weeks in a third-world area, relatives -even those who are normally separated by great distances or the busyness of everyday life -come away from the experience tighter than ever before.

At least that's what Mellinger is hearing.

"It's probably the most common piece of feedback I get," he says. "But it makes sense. Here you are with your wife and your kids and your grandkids in an unfamiliar environment, living together, learning together, making decisions together. You can't underestimate how powerful of a force that is."

Many adults are moved to tears by their philanthropic encounters. And most never forget the faces they see. Atherton still remembers walking into a small home in Nairobi several years ago and being introduced to Marion, whose parents had died of AIDS. A little girl with a big smile, she was being cared for by her 13- and 15-year-old sisters because her aunts and uncles had succumbed to the disease too.

"I think about her every day," says Atherton, who also serves on the board of the American Red Cross' Bay Area chapter. "I just held her and didn't want to let her go."

Young travelers are equally affected. Just ask Mellinger, whose clients often admit to seeing their children become more actively involved in charitable causes. Or Kew, whose Qfund-organized International ONE March for Children event prompted a Los Angeles-area private girls school to raise money for an educational facility in Zambia.

"There's just something about kids connecting with kids," Kew says. "When that opportunity to feel and to witness is presented to young people, it really does propel action."

It also creates an important forum where values are instilled and legacies are discussed. As Chamberlain says, "There's no better experience for a wealthy family than traveling together in this way, because it sets up a chance to make decisions on what they're going to do as far as passing on that wealth."

And when that's decided? Tour operators can be big assets then too; indeed, Exquisite Safaris works with coaches such as Charles Maclean, whose PhilanthropyNow organization is available to help potential donors identify their personal giving missions when they return. Maclean says participants often describe this process as empowering, because obstacles to giving are stripped away, charitable confusion is erased, and an ongoing commitment toward doing good is established.

When CNN founder and former Time Warner vice chairman Ted Turner announced in 1997 that he would give $1 billion to United Nations programs over the next decade, it signaled the renewal of a post-Industrial Age phenomenon: big names making big donations. Benjamin Franklin did it. Andrew Carnegie did it. John D. Rockefeller did it.

"It's really no different," Mellinger says. "They were great figures who garnered enormous wealth and then, when they entered the latter parts of their lives, focused on charity and giving."

The same kind of activity is coming out of the Information Age. The difference is the depth and breadth of the wealth -and the new level of direct involvement that exists.

The last couple of years have borne major witness to this movement. Sir Richard Branson helped build a "school of entrepreneurship" in South Africa. Angelina Jolie visited Millennium Villages in Kenya. And Warren Buffett decided he would unload most of his fortune in five foundations, with the lion's share -some 70 percent of the former Berkshire Hathaway executive's more than $40 billion -going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for which Buffett is now a board member.

"People aren't just writing checks anymore," Mellinger adds. "They’re giving their time and energy and resources as well."

Maclean, citing a Luxury Institute and PhilanthropyNow collaborative report, says this kind of idea shift within the affluent community comes from traveling into the heart of a place, which sparks an emotional release and alters an individual's definition of himself.

"What you're seeing is a new generation of wealthy individual that, instead of going down in history as a rich person, wants to brand their family as a living icon of generosity,"he says. "Just look at Bill Gates. He's gone from most wealthy to most generous."

There may not ever be a better time for this conceptual change, either. Despite increased awareness of global issues, many are not improving. To wit: Almost one-sixth of the world's population still does not have access to safe water, and more than 140 million children have been left orphaned.

"The situation is as dire as it's ever been," Mellinger says. "But the more people can travel, the better chance that can change. And the more they're willing to go to places like India and Central America and parts of Africa they were never willing to go before, it will change. Because then you can't ignore it."

Van Beuren hasn't. Nor will he. He's planning to go back to Africa soon through Exquisite Safaris. Only next time he's taking his wife and several of their friends. They'll visit outreach sports programs he's set up in places like Kenya and South Africa and build relationships with more people who have big hearts but little opportunity.

Then, at some point, they'll go on safari or take a boat out fishing for Nile perch. But at all points they'll stay somewhere with five-star flavor. "Because in the end," van Beuren says, "who doesn't want a fillet and creme brulee?"

``
Make an appointment with an expert.

Join us on Facebook and get to know us on Twitter

Learn More:
Personal Philanthropy = The Globalization of Empathy
Living Legacy and Philanthropic Voyages
Your Philanthropic Travel Team
Around the World with Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Journeys begin with Exquisite Safaris
Member of the United Nations Foundation World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism
The Advent of Philanthropic Travel by Mark Lovett Global Patriot
Financial Times/FT.com: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travelers
Vacationing in Generosity: Philanthropic Travel
TheGlassHammer.com Philanthropic Travelers
Your First Philanthropic Travel Experience

Philanthropic Travelers:
The One's Who Do: Philanthropic Travelers
John Legend: Philanthropic Traveler

link to entry | comments (1)

OMYNEWS.COM (Korea): Philanthropic Travel No Mere Diversion

Acropolis by Dean Chamberlain

David Chamberlain is the founder of Exquisite Safaris, a travel company that combines private luxury with philanthropy. Targeting affluent clients who seek meaning in their travels, Chamberlain's company provides luxury vacations and, at the same time, an opportunity to contribute to society. Because these travelers have the resources to do so, they can really make a difference in the communities they visit.

Chamberlain calls it philanthropic travel, the latest socially relevant business model in the travel industry. Vacation packages are custom-designed to fit a client's needs. For example, a stay in a five-star hotel is combined with a visit to a humanitarian outreach project. Some clients bring along their children, exposing them to philanthropic travel at an early age to provide the right bearing and meaning in their lives.

In a recent interview, Chamberlain said philanthropic travel literally saved his life, especially after he quit the U.S. Army. He talked about how most of his clients have maintained a personal bond with the people they have visited. He also discussed how philanthropic travel can bring personal fulfillment and empowerment and how travel can be the best path to world peace.

What inspired you to create a travel company like Exquisite Safaris? "I love to travel, I love helping others, learning, and I love to have a great time. Meditation helped me realize that we can create whatever we want -finding peace within was the first step and clearly my inspiration. Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel has been waiting for me to wake up and smell the music of life."

What exactly is travel philanthropy? Are we seeing a social revolution in the travel industry? Exquisite Safaris is committed to creating heart-to-heart personal connections for sentient human beings worldwide. If children are introduced to the philanthropic world at a young age, I am sure that experience will manifest itself later in a better world for all of us.

Philanthropic travel is more than a mere luxury or diversion; it is a source of deep personal fulfillment providing a powerful connection to the world in which we live. As travelers develop ties to their favorite destinations and look for ways to give back to the communities they visit, philanthropic travel introduces openhearted travelers to local residents and helps them understand the challenges of the people in the places they visit. Philanthropic travel generates resources for outreach programs that support and empower people by providing clean water, medical and dental facilities, schools, training, jobs, homes, micro-finance and entrepreneurial guidance.

What are some of the humanitarian projects lined up by Exquisite Safaris? How do you choose a particular project?
We prefer projects that support female children, orphans, the handicapped and who ill receive medical assistance and education. We prefer American and European travelers with children who have difficulty in school, lack direction as teenagers and are at risk for joining gangs, the military and other nationalistic institutionalized insanity.

Given the resources of these travelers, do you think travel philanthropy is much more effective in terms of social transformation than "voluntourism?"
Personal resources have no bearing on the decision between philanthropic travel and voluntourism. They are both excellent ways to connect authentically with the people in the place you visit. I have found philanthropic travel to be an experience that a larger number of travelers have the preference, tolerance and time available to experience. I am an advocate for literally and figuratively building bridges that connect people at the heart.

The choice between philanthropic travel and voluntourism is whether you want to spend a morning or afternoon introduction to the humanitarian project, later making a financial commitment to support it to sustainability or whether you want to spend your entire vacation there banging a hammer. A majority of people want the connection to the project and the personal bonds that are forged in that experience without taking construction jobs away from those you intend to help -we are visitors there after all. Typically, our philanthropic travelers are invited back to spend longer than a morning or afternoon, but as a first experience philanthropic travel is perfect for most.

Can you describe a typical traveler's day in Exquisite Safaris? What are the top destinations picked by affluent travelers?
We do not deliver typical days at Exquisite Safaris. If anyone experiences a typical day, I will refund their payment less $250per person we deliver to the project that you visit! Everyone has their own favorite destinations. The best way to begin to understand our experience is to learn more about our partners, guides, destinations and then view our photos.

I am interested to know the level of participation of your clients for philanthropic activities and projects. Do they continue to help a cause long after the trip?
We encourage our clients to learn more about philanthropy before, during and after their philanthropic travel experience by working with professional philanthropic advisor partners like Tracy Gary to define their personal philanthropic family legacy. Ninety percent of all philanthropic travelers have developed a personal bond to the people they meet at our projects and continue to support that relationship by referring friends to visit and contributing in giving circles at home.

Travel in itself is a mind-expanding experience, how enriching or overwhelming can travel philanthropy be for people who are so used to living a luxury lifestyle?
People are intelligent, resilient and compassionate regardless of their personal success, affluence and celebrity. We take care of the logistics and brief travelers on protocol for their visit. We are not responsible for the emotional endorphins created during their experience. We are using luxury philanthropic travel to educate, empower and inspire people to awaken and engage. We hope through that experience they will evolve into even more compassionate individuals and leaders for peace on earth.

How did travel philanthropy change you as a person? What keeps you motivated?
Philanthropic travel saved my life; I quit the U.S. Army to follow my dream of world peace through travel. That's enough to keep anyone motivated.

What are your most memorable travel moments?
Spending time with the children of the Vietnam Friendship House just south of Hanoi, Vietnam. Experiencing shamanic rituals in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador and trance dancing in the Kalahari with the Bushmen.

Learn More:
Travel Philanthropy has Arrived: WealthBulletin.com
Understanding Philanthropic Travel
Travel Connoisseur Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide
Fast Company Magazine on Philanthropic Travel
PersonalLifemedia.com on Philanthropic Travel
DIY Foreign Policy: Philanthropic Travel
Philanthropic Traveler funded High School opens near Victoria Falls, Zambia
The Fable of Stone Soup
My First Philanthropic Travel Experience
Affluent Parents Dedicated to Instilling Philanthropic Values in their Children
Giving while Living: The Deeper News About the New Philanthropy
Dr. Jeffrey Sachs on the Strategic Steps Out of Poverty
Are We Talking about Philanthropy Yet? No, We Are Not

Philanthropic Travelers:
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Marc Gold 100 Friends Project
Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Chellie Kew
Rachael Paulson Philanthropic Traveler
Milton & Fred Ochieng: Philanthropic Travelers
Jane Kaye- Bailey: Philanthropic Traveler
Richard Branson: Philanthropic Traveler
Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler
Karen Jacobsen: Philanthropic Traveler
Oprah Winfrey: Philanthropic Traveler
Palm Beach Life Magazine: Philanthropic Travelers

link to entry | comments (0)

We not Me: Philanthropic Travel

link to entry | comments (0)

Page 1 of 1 pages