Another hope is that by seeing foreigners investing money and showing interest in their country, locals will learn the value of their own culture and environment.

Many people go to Kenya to see the animals, but next to the abundant wildlife are people who still don’t have running water, food or education. Until those needs are filled, Karaca said, the native people won’t care about protecting lions or other conservation efforts.

“If you care about that wildlife,” she said,  “it is completely dependent on Kenya as a country.”

Although bringing tour groups to countries like Kenya may not directly deal with these issues, they are helping people develop an appreciation and heart for the country, not merely the attractions it offers.

“People go to see the animals, but they come back loving the people,” she said.

Though it may be a small way to help, bringing participants into contact with different organizations doing good things still contributes to the cause in some way.

Shanga Beads in Arusha, Tanzania is one example. Located on Aruisha’s main road, Shanga is made up of a gift shop, workshop and restaurant. The restaurant, River House, employs people who are disabled. In Tanzania, those with disabilities are often looked down upon.

“Life is already so very difficult even when you are healthy,” Karaca said, speaking of life in Tanzania.

Shanga takes used glass bottles and other recycled material like plastic and fabric to create unique bracelets, ornaments, and other crafts.  All of Shanga’s income goes toward employing more disabled Tanzanians.

“They just had a mission of providing something for their own people,” she said.

Shanga is not only a place to buy gifts. Its employees set up workstations so tour groups can see how they melt down glass to make beads or how they assemble the bracelets.  On Blacklin’s trip, one worker came out with a chart of sign language and taught the group some words.

Karaca said visiting Shanga fills the need of providing an activity for the tour but also has the positive impact of helping those who need it. When you buy one of these bracelets, you know you have met the people who make them.

“I wear one of those bracelets every day,” Blacklin said.

At the end of the day, participants have the opportunity to participate in what are called “sundowners,” where they have time to sit and quietly watch the sunset. It is a chance to be with their own thoughts and think about what they have seen and experienced.

“That changes you at the end of the day,” she said.

Karaca said she is unclear of the future of sustainable travel, but her hope is that in five or 10 years, people will stay passionate about being responsible travelers and that sustainability will become a natural part of life.

“You just cannot give up hope,” she said.

(This story was posted in a series. This is the third of three posts. If you missed them, you can read parts one and two.)