Impact Travel delivers an experience that clients will never forget. On day 2 of their intinerary, the team were experiencing Old Delhi with no frills! There were no tourists here. Smells, sounds and atmosphere permeates every ounce of your being here and it is an introduction to India like no other. Personally guided, clients were treated to 'human traffic jams' in the small chowks, blessings from local temples and experiences that they recounted as highlights of the whole trip!
On Day 3, the team traveled north on the train to Amritsar where they were treated to one of the most moving and religious sites that Sikhs go on pilgrimage to - the stunning Golden Temple. Here the team visited late at night where they witnessed the ritual of putting the Guru Granth Sahib to bed - a holy book that Sikhs regard as God.
Only a day later the team tooks jeeps to the foothills of the Himalaya where they would stay for 7 days - this would be where Impact Travel would really touch hearts.
Impact Travel has extraordinary relationships with local schools and businesses that allows clients to get right into the heart of the community and make a difference in a short time. The impact though is two way - as the team were profoundly impacted by the generosity f the local families and children.
At Dharamkot Schhol over four days, the team painted, decorated, taught craft lessons and built long-lasting relationships.
The transformation was incredible: from dark, colourless rooms, were were able to turn learning environments into colourful, interesting rooms where the kids could feel proud of their work that hung on the new notice boards.
Impact Travel clients spoke highly of their experiences - saying that the whole trip had changed their lives. Some have committed to return on future trips.
Can you afford not to get involved?
Contact Jeremy on 01253 315975 or 07713 256854 for more details on the Nepal departures next year.
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Impact Travel is committed to the ongoing development of Kawaza village and its school.
Impact Travel currently sponsors Michael Tembo (see picture) who is 19 and from the village of Ngozi Nelson. Michael graduated from Kawaza Basic School and is now studying at St Luke's High School to complete his secondary education.
Children frequently travel up to 300km to boarding school once they have completed their 'basic' education at Kawaza. The uniforms, books, food and transport are often beyond the reach of village families. Impact is happy to support the educational development of local children and offers clients the chance to take part through our sponsorship scheme.
If you would like to become involved in sponsoring a student, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Shared boarding sponsorships can be arranged for as little as £25 per annum. This is one way Impact Travel is helping to make a big difference to young lives.
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Impact Travel is currently working on a new project in Zambia, the trip is set to be for the summer of 2008. We are excited about the partnership we have formed with Kawaza Village in the South Luangwa region of the country. A remote village, set in the most wonderful African landscape will provide our clients with a chance to really experience Zambian life. In addition, Kawaza is neighbour to one of the most exciting safari experiences on the planet at South Luangwa National Park - this will give our clients the opportunity to see amazing wildlife on their trip of a lifetime.
Impact Travel is currently working on the itinerary that will include a variety of project work at Kawaza Village, a safari experience and visiting the wonder of Victoria Falls in Livingstone.
If you would like to be on the of the first on the list for this exciting project, then please contact us early as places will be limited.
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It is not news that our project community in Dharamsala is a one that requires a lot of love and attention - this is why of course, Impact Travel feels very committed to helping.
Recently, we were able to re-connect the electricity supply to the school and pay for the supply for the year. Such a small act but one that makes school in the winter so much more bearable for the teachers and children. Getting an electricity supply in the Indian Himalaya is no easy feat though - patience, determination and a sense of humour were all required for Ross to be able to successfully negotiate the big switch on! But, it happened and now the school enjoys eletricity all year long enabling the lessons to be taught within the classroom walls!
Currently, we are looking at getting the water supply established making lunch and break times a more enjoyable experience for the children who travel from miles around the valley to attend school each day.
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Our March launch event was a great success! It was great to see so many people who share our interest and enthusiasm in travel with a conscience. We enjoyed meeting all our guests and want to thank you for your support!
Since our launch, there has been considerable media interest in our projects. BBC local radio carried an interview with both Ross and me in which we were able to explain our travel philosophy and what 'Impact Travel' has to offer, which sets us apart from other escorted tour operators. Some print media have come up with a new label for our approach to travel "Holidays with a heart"! This, we feel, is convenient tabloid shorthand for our approach to making journeys special for our guests.
We are keeping in close contact with our project partners, who have some exciting ideas for our April '08 visit. We very much hope that you will want to share this experience with us!!!! If you would like to know more about our plans, please do get in touch.
Jeremy and Ross
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