Kind Traveler's Co-Founder, Jessica Blotter, recently had an opportunity to talk with KTLA about destinations in California where you can give back and make a positive impact in local communities – while also enjoying your stay. Staying in Sonoma County, Point Reyes, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Luis Obispo, or essentially any California destination on Kind Traveler, will come with their own unique lodging experiences, perks, and opportunities to give back to the local community. From sheep meditation to exploring secret caves, you'll also find adventures that support local causes that are essential to the wellbeing of the communities you visit. Explore all California destinations on Kind Traveler here.
4 Vacations That Give Back
Sonoma County
Your Kind Stay:
When booking Kind Hotels in Sonoma County on Kind Traveler, there are many local charities to support in making a positive impact in the community on your next vacation. When you Give + Get with Kind Traveler, you unlock exclusive hotel offers upon a $10 donation (or more!) to a local charity. Some of the local Sonoma County charities you can support include Charlie’s Acres, Farm to Pantry, Pepperwood Preserve, Russian Riverkeeper, Sonoma Land Trust, and Redwood Empire Food Bank.
On Kind Traveler, you’ll find regenerative Sonoma County inns that embrace both farm-to-table cuisine and farm-to-spa indulgement such as Farmhouse Inn in Forestville and resorts planted within their own vineyards such as Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa. Each hotel has its own unique amenities and sustainable resources to inspire kind travel.
Sustainable actions taken by the hotels vary from feeding food waste to local farm animals to only carrying goods and products that are locally-sourced and cruelty-free.
Related: 7 West Coast Kind Hotels Share Their Proudest Sustainability Moments
Kind Experiences:
One kind experience visitors will enjoy can be found at Charlie’s Acres Farm Sanctuary, a Sonoma County non-profit who helps rescue animals that were either abused or were only alive for human consumption. They offer mindful activities such as goat yoga and sheep meditation. Connecting to animals through mindfulness can have many benefits for both your and even the animal’s mental and physical health. Because these animals are healing from a traumatic past, they enjoy the relaxation and comfort just as much as you do.
Point Reyes, California
Your Kind Stay:
Discover Olema House, located in the Point Reyes National Seashore and Bay Area. The pet-friendly, twenty-two-room, and two-cottage property is located around lush gardens. On Kind Traveler, find exclusive rates and an opportunity to give back to Point Reyes National Seashore Association.
Cuisine options are never lacking on the grounds of Olema House. Neighboring Due West Restaurant offers local and organic ingredients with a complimentary breakfast included to anyone staying next door. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate yoga classes at Point Reyes Yoga or a pampering treatment from West Marin Massage & Wellness.
Kind Experiences:
If you are looking for spectacular ocean views and an area that offers hikes and aquatic adventures, Point Reyes might be your place. For kind experiences that give back to the local community, Point Reyes National Seashore Association offers a variety of classes for visitors to enjoy — from a forest bathing walk to an animal tracking class. If you are looking for more hands-on experiences, PRNSA also offers beach cleanups and a chance to help maintain and clean the local trails. Learn more about its mission and get involved directly here.
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Your Kind Stay:
Set upon beautiful cliffs and majestic waters, Terranea Resort supplies ocean views and eco-friendly amenities. When booking this resort with Kind Traveler, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact with Marine Mammal Care Center, a local non-profit that aids sick or injured ocean animals that need care. MMCC LA supports the aquatic ecosystem and its importance for species to survive.
Kind Experiences:
For an opportunity to give back beyond your donation on Kind Traveler, consider visiting the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles and learn about its mission on-site. Don’t miss its adorable gift store and the chance to purchase souvenirs and gifts that directly support the mission of MMCC. For a virtual option, consider virtually “adopting” an ocean friend.
Related: 15-Minutes with Amber Beccera of Marine Mammal Care Center
San Luis Obispo, California
Your Kind Stay:
Discover Hotel SLO, an eco-wonder planted on California’s Central Coast. When booking Hotel SLO on Kind Traveler, find exclusive rates and perks and an opportunity to give back to Surfrider Foundation, SLO Chapter. When you give back to this local non-profit, you’ll have the chance to help protect and help maintain our beloved oceans.
For exploration, head to its historic town and discover many mom-and-pop restaurants and boutiques. If you are looking to kick back and relax, don’t miss Sol Spa where you can indulge with a salt stone massage or meditate in an outdoor relaxation lounge.
Kind Experiences:
For a kind experience that gives back to the Surfrider Foundation SLO Chapter, consider participating in a beach cleanup and even measure plastic in the sand for future research. There is no doubt that this organization is hands-on and very involved with its volunteers.
Explore all California Destinations on Kind Traveler here.