6 meaningful travel experiences to explore this Christmas
Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy is a program that offers meaningful travel across Asia Pacific. Spanning close to 100 hotels across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio in Asia Pacific currently, it presents guests the opportunity to forge first-hand connections with local communities and the environment during their stay.
The program offers curated experiences that focus on three key pillars: Environmental Protection to support the resiliency of the natural environment due to environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change; Marine Conservation to restore and preserve marine ecosystems and species; and Community Engagement to support local communities through cultural education or volunteerism.
To avail of these unique experiences, travellers must book a hotel stay with the respective property. Some experiences are complimentary to the stay, while others come with a room package. For more information and details on the experiences, contact the hotels directly for booking information.
READ MORE:
Travel guide: Where to see fall foliage in Japan
Japan travel: 10 things to do in Osaka
Japan travel: 15 things to do in Kyoto
Japan travel: 15 things to do in Tokyo
Japan travel: 13 things to do in Hokkaido
REVIEW: Get to Korea without flying with this themed staycay at Quincy Hotel Singapore
For the eco-warriors
Protecting wildlife is one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit. At the beautiful Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa in Thailand, you can join a Wildlife Meet, Greet and Feed Experience. You will learn more about rescued elephants and get a chance to be up close and personal with the animals in a safe and cruelty-free manner.
As a plus, you will also be able to help the wildlife centre prepare elephant food. This unique experience will give you the incredible opportunity to learn about elephant conservation efforts. It is an important step forward in wildlife conservation and is an excellent opportunity for you to make a positive impact during your travels.
Mismanaged and improperly disposed trash has been a growing problem in Bali. At the Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, you can sign up to be a Trash Hero. In collaboration with Trash Hero Ubud Chapter, you will have the opportunity to participate in city-wide cleanups and the first-hand tutorial by trash experts on how to manage trash better at home.
For the ocean lovers
The local community of Langkawi has long used sea cucumbers for their medicinal properties. However, excessive harvesting of these creatures harms the local marine ecology, resulting in the rise of coral bleaching. During your visit to The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, you can help protect the local sea cucumber community by getting a hands-on experience with a marine biologist on how to protect and increase the number of these unique creatures in the Andaman Sea.
The Gold Coast Seaway is home to over 470 species of marine life, but littering and overfishing are causing excessive harm to these species. At the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, you can partake in an interesting session conducted by Ian Banks. Banks is a local marine expert and conservationist who will share more about the need to protect and preserve this waterway.
In addition, you can get hands-on experience clearing trash and debris during a snorkelling session. You will leave the habitat in a more pristine condition, having contributed to conserving this unique sanctuary.
For the community advocates
At the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, you can help support the residents of Channapura Village with the help of local guides at a specially curated one-day tour of the village. It includes a scenic guided tour on local folklore and history, a chance to teach students English and other subjects, and interaction with local farmers about traditional farming methods.
The village is located approximately 48 kilometres from the capital city of Bangalore and is home to a population of about 400. Residents live in a picturesque environment but face daily challenges due to rough and inaccessible roads, resulting in a lack of accessibility to much-needed resources, like healthcare, modern school facilities and housing, and sanitation infrastructure.
How does restoring an ancient temple with your bare hands sound? At the Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa in Rajasthan, India, you can embark on a rewarding experience to help preserve a 200-year-old temple, which sandstorms have eroded over time. You can be part of the community’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.
Don't forget to do more research before you travel and commit to prices!
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com
Or support Singapore Airlines – a great way to fly
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined
General info here: Tripadvisor
Affordable data plans here
And while you are at it, be sure to get your travel insurance!
