Cultural Immersion will facilitate a deeper understanding of a contrasting world and remove any preconceived notions you may have about a country and its culture. You may think of Pablo Escobar and Drug Cartels when you think of Colombia, when in fact the country is so much more than that.

You could immerse yourself in the rich culture by sampling or cooking local culinary delights, experiencing the sounds and visual history of the extravagant Day of the Dead festival in Mexico, or enjoying a homestay on a floating village in Peru with descendants of an ancient civilization.The variety is truly endless.

This will be a celebration of our similarities and differences. You may also bring back recipes or art for your friends and family to marvel at; or just become a storyteller and spread knowledge of the culture.

PERSONAL GROWTH: CHALLENGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE & INCREASE CREATIVITY

Active Adventures are not extreme sports such as skydiving, but physical activities that will be adding depth to your experience by absorbing the natural surroundings of the country.

You could get your adventure on by ziplining in Costa Rica through the most biodiverse rainforest in the world, or hiking an active volcano in Guatemala, where, once you reach the top, you will witness the clouds beneath you and the backdrop of flowing lava. A literal feeling of being on top of the world.

Every enthralling experience will benefit your physical and mental health, from your cardiovascular system to the endorphin rush helping to relieve stress and anxiety. You will also develop tremendous coping skills and confidence by pushing your boundaries and overcoming any obstacles or challenges; to take back home and achieve your life goals.

Check the Fitness Rating in our itineraries to ensure that the trip is suitable for your fitness level, or contact us to discuss

PERSONAL GROWTH: PUSH BOUNDARIES & IMPROVE HEALTH

Nature is alive, powerful and ever changing and there’s an excitement in discovering something only a fraction of people have seen in reality.

You could bask in the beauty of nature by witnessing the super-natural wonder that is the Andes mountain range in Chile, boating on the highest navigable lake on the planet in Peru, or dancing on the otherworldly salt flats that transforms into a giant mirror in Bolivia.

Natural wonders can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress as it evokes pleasant feelings that soothe the mind.

These rare moments will also make for better story material compared to material possessions and will have you talking about it for a long time to come.

PERSONAL GROWTH: CREATE HEADSPACE & BECOME A STORYTELLER

Wildlife Conservation is a cause we are very passionate about as we want the future generations to experience the joys of a natural world and the incredible species that live within it.

You could contribute to the cause by supporting the Scarlet Macaw Rescue, Rehabilitation and Restoration Programme at the Macaw Mountain Bird Park in Honduras — a great initiative that helps unwanted captive birds, witnessing the restoration of the magnificent free-flying populations in the valley, or spending time with the permanently smiling sloths in Costa Rica.

This will offer a livelihood for the local people, giving them an economic incentive to keep wildlife alive and their habitats intact as wildlife trafficking, illegal hunting etc. are a common practice for people who struggle to earn a living.

An added bonus is that being amongst animals, you will find yourself saying “hello!” to oxytocin, the love hormone, as you will naturally bond with some of the world’s most intelligent creatures.

PERSONAL GROWTH: MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Community Initiatives will help you practice gratitude and gain a fresh new perspective on life by observing and understanding the problems that affect impoverished communities.

You could help by supporting indigenous communities in the Amazon, volunteering in the Favela Regeneration project in Colombia, or visiting women-run cooperatives for arts, medicinal plants and textiles for a hands-on experience in Guatemala. All profits obtained from these tours go back into the local community to help purchase school uniforms and equipment, etc. for the local children.

Comuna 13, for example, used to be one of the most dangerous areas in Medellin, Colombia, but community projects have helped turn this poor district into one of the most colourful communes in the city.

Some of us have little regard for a globalized world and how choices made by a government on the other side of the globe impacts us. Travelling helps us to understand problems that affect unfamiliar people and cultures and how it links to us. This is an important part of developing a global worldview and raising awareness.

PERSONAL GROWTH: INCREASE EMPATHY & GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

Rest & Recuperation is an important time allocated to allow you to stop or do whatever it is that you want to do, whether this is with your friends from the group or on your own. It’s your time to decide.

You could relax, unwind and practice yoga on beautiful stretches of soft sand, with spectacular views of the sunset and soothing sounds of the ocean in Belize, or settle with a book from one of our recommendations and further immerse yourself into your new world.

Hopefully recharged, the benefits of travelling will carry on long after you return home. Everything from recalling memories to the nostalgia and happiness will also give you the motivation to plan your next trip.

PERSONAL GROWTH: RECOVERY & REFLECTION