Travel has taught me that the most profound journeys aren’t just about the places we see, but the lives we touch and the stories we carry forward. Through my travels, I’ve witnessed both breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking challenges. Wherever you travel, stay alert for opportunities to help those genuinely struggling. Be kind to people in need – kindness doesn’t always mean money.

Simple ways to help when you travel:

• Buy a meal for someone who’s hungry

• Buy goods from them – support street vendors and local artisans

• Help carry heavy bags

• Always carry some cash for moments when direct help is needed

• Listen to their stories with genuine compassion

Just be smart, not naive. Trust your instincts, recognize genuine need, and don’t compromise your safety. Being helpful doesn’t mean being careless – there are people who’ll try to outsmart compassionate travelers. Small acts of kindness can restore someone’s faith in humanity.

Supporting Organizations That Make a Difference

I created this page to use whatever platform I have to amplify work that matters. Below are organizations I deeply respect – each tackling critical issues with transparency, dedication, and measurable impact. If you’re moved to give, your support will create real change.

Note: I am not affiliated with these organizations and receive no benefit from donations made to them. These are simply causes I believe deserve support.

The Banyan : Mental health care and rehabilitation for homeless women with mental illness

During my travels, I’ve often encountered people living on the streets struggling with mental health issues – invisible, voiceless, and vulnerable. The Banyan provides emergency care, long-term rehabilitation, and reintegration support for homeless women and men with mental illness. Their work restores dignity and hope to those society has forgotten.

Donate to The Banyan →

CRY – Child Rights and You : Ensuring happy, healthy, and creative childhoods for all children

Every child deserves a childhood – not just survival, but the chance to learn, play, and dream. CRY partners with grassroots organizations across India to provide education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection to underprivileged children. Their work reaches some of the most marginalized communities I’ve visited in my travels.

Donate to CRY →

SPASTN (Society for Participatory Action and Self-Reliance Through Networking) – Empowerment of persons with disabilities

True inclusion means ensuring everyone – regardless of ability – has access to education, employment, and dignity. SPASTN works extensively in rural and urban areas to support persons with disabilities through rehabilitation, skill development, and advocacy. Their community-based approach creates lasting change.

Donate to SPASTN →

Nanhi Kali : Education support for underprivileged girls

Nanhi Kali – meaning “little bud” – has been nurturing since 1996, providing comprehensive educational support to girls from economically disadvantaged families. They don’t just pay for school fees; they provide academic materials, after-school tutoring, life skills training, digital literacy, and even physical education programs that build confidence and leadership.

Donate to Nanhi Kali →

Akshaya Patra Foundation – Mid-day meal program for school children

An empty stomach is the greatest barrier to learning. Akshaya Patra runs one of the world’s largest mid-day meal programs, serving nutritious meals to millions of school children across India every single day. In many communities I’ve visited, this meal is the primary reason children attend school at all.

Donate to Akshaya Patra →

Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children India) – Child survival, education, protection, and emergency response

Children are the most vulnerable during crises – whether natural disasters, conflicts, or poverty. Bal Raksha Bharat works across India to ensure children’s survival, access to quality education, protection from exploitation, and support during emergencies. Their rapid response during disasters has saved countless young lives.

Donate to Bal Raksha Bharat →

Smile Foundation – Education, healthcare, and livelihood for underprivileged children and families

Smile Foundation runs programs that provide education, healthcare, and livelihood support to underprivileged children and their families across India. Their mission centres believe every child – regardless of birth circumstances – deserves a chance to thrive.

Donate to Smile Foundation →

HelpAge India : Care and dignity for disadvantaged elderly

HelpAge India has been fighting this isolation, poverty, and neglect since 1978. They run mobile healthcare units that bring doctors and medicines directly to elderly communities, conduct free cataract surgeries restoring sight to thousands, provide physiotherapy for mobility issues, and advocate fiercely for elder rights including universal pension and protection from abuse.

Donate to HelpAge India →