Why travel ethically
IT SUPPORTS LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Ethical travel puts money directly into the hands of locals—through family-run hotels, guides, restaurants, and artisans—instead of large foreign-owned chains. I do this as much as possible. Often, this is hard to find with internet searches, so I try to go to the locations I'm sending people to in order to make those smaller local connections. This empowers communities, supports job creation, and helps preserve cultural traditions.
IT FOSTERS AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Traveling ethically often leads to deeper, more meaningful connections with locals and their way of life. Rather than staying in a tourist bubble, you engage in experiences that are genuine, educational, and memorable.
IT REDUCES EXPLOITATION
Ethical travel avoids harmful practices like wildlife tourism that exploits animals or large companies that harm communities. It ensures your experiences are positive for everyone involved—not just the traveler. When travelers respect local customs, dress codes, and sacred sites, it promotes cultural exchange without exploitation. Ethical travel encourages learning and mutual respect rather than turning a place and a culture into a commodity.
IT HELPS PROTECT THE PLANET
Let's be honest—typically, no one cares more for a place than the locals. By keeping our business local, we lean on the wisdom of the people indigenous to the land and help protect fragile ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.
This kind of travel isn’t about sacrificing comfort—it’s about making intentional choices that leave you with a more meaningful experience and leave a place better than you found it.
The trip truly was amazing! I saw Italy in a way I never would have had I planned the trip on my own. Everything was planned to perfection and you are a delightful and generous host. It was such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for an incredible and unforgettable adventure!
-Deanna
Having everything planned out was a game-changer: zero stress on me. Alyssa executed everything perfectly, with just the right mix of activity and downtime. She was super flexible too, especially when it came to meals. I could actually relax and enjoy every moment.
-Terrie
By far the best-planned trip we have ever been on. Perfect mix of events and personal time. We love how Alyssa is purposeful to find local businesses and out-of-the-way attractions so as to help the locals and not the big tour companies. The venue was more than perfect. We would HIGHLY recommend this talented tour service and are already signing up for another adventure.
-Lee
By far the best-planned trip we have ever been on. Perfect mix of events and personal time. We love how Alyssa is purposeful to find local businesses and out-of-the-way attractions so as to help the locals and not the big tour companies. The venue was more than perfect. We would HIGHLY recommend this talented tour service and are already signing up for another adventure.
-Lee
I went on my first yoga retreat to Italy with Alyssa’s group. It exceeded all my expectations!!! You could tell Alyssa did her homework in searching for the right place for this retreat…and she nailed it! We had a personal chef using farm to table ingredients, that I still miss every day!!! She arranged great excursions. You can’t go wrong if you choose Alyssa to help plan any adventure you choose! She’s a 5 star travel agent in my opinion!!!
-Karen
This group trip was the most relaxing vacation I've ever been on. I didn't had to think or worry about a single thing this whole time.
-Francesco
Alyssa is adept at sorting through the hype, and knows where to direct you to travel to not just SEE destinations, but EXPERIENCE them in full. We were given expert direction on dining, transportation, how long to dedicate to each stop, accommodations, best season to visit, and more - and now have a trip that feels like joyful anticipation rather than a daunting project.
-Penelope
We have a decent amount of experience with international travel [but] this most recent trip we decided to reach out to Alyssa. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It made planning our trip so much more enjoyable and less overwhelming. She was thoughtful in her recommendations and made sure that we were frequenting places that supported the local community and provided us with opportunities for a more immersive experience. Whether you are new to international travel or a seasoned traveler, we highly recommend Alyssa’s services! We look forward to working with her on future trips!
-Lauren
The trip truly was amazing! I saw Italy in a way I never would have had I planned the trip on my own. Everything was planned to perfection and you are a delightful and generous host. Thank you for an incredible and unforgettable adventure!
-Deanna
Having everything planned out was a game-changer: zero stress on me. Alyssa executed everything perfectly, with just the right mix of activity and downtime. She was super flexible too, especially when it came to meals. I could actually relax and enjoy every moment.
-Terrie
By far the best-planned trip we have ever been on. Perfect mix of events and personal time. We love how Alyssa is purposeful to find local businesses and out-of-the-way attractions so as to help the locals and not the big tour companies. The venue was more than perfect. We would HIGHLY recommend this talented tour service and are already signing up for another adventure.
-Lee
I'm an independent traveler who can plan like nobody's business, but it takes so. much. time. It's like having a part time job in addition to my real job and real life. There's nothing like knowing I can trust you to do the research and handle the logistics so I can just show up and enjoy. I don't need to worry about tips and drivers and deciding where to eat - some of the things that just feel like a chore when I travel - because you've already done it.
-Alicia
I went on my first yoga retreat to Italy with Alyssa’s group. It exceeded all my expectations!!! You could tell Alyssa did her homework in searching for the right place for this retreat…and she nailed it! We had a personal chef using farm to table ingredients, that I still miss every day!!! She arranged great excursions. You can’t go wrong if you choose Alyssa to help plan any adventure you choose! She’s a 5 star travel agent in my opinion!!!
-Karen
This group trip was the most relaxing vacation I've ever been on. I didn't had to think or worry about a single thing this whole time.
-Francesco
Alyssa is adept at sorting through the hype, and knows where to direct you to travel to not just SEE destinations, but EXPERIENCE them in full. We were given expert direction on dining, transportation, how long to dedicate to each stop, accommodations, best season to visit, and more - and now have a trip that feels like joyful anticipation rather than a daunting project.
-Penelope
We have a decent amount of experience with international travel [but] this most recent trip we decided to reach out to Alyssa. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It made planning our trip so much more enjoyable and less overwhelming. She was thoughtful in her recommendations and made sure that we were frequenting places that supported the local community and provided us with opportunities for a more immersive experience. Whether you are new to international travel or a seasoned traveler, we highly recommend Alyssa’s services! We look forward to working with her on future trips!
-Lauren
