The 7 best trips for do-gooders

Chole Island
Sometimes you want to do good without actually doing anything. Escape to Chole Mjini, a treehouse lodge on Chole Island off Tanzania, and you’ll be doing just that. Ten dollars per guest per night goes to the island village. The resort also buys from local fishermen and employs locals. The owners actively raise additional funds to benefit the village’s education and health care. All this “do-gooding” happens while you’re snorkeling or diving the incredible reefs, combing the tidal flats, bird-watching or chartering the lodge’s dhow for an overnight cruise. Open year-round except from mid-April through mid-June. Book through Tribes Travel, the 2005 global winner of the Responsible Tourism Award. www.tribes.co.uk/

Kosrae Island
Here’s one for divers who want to put their bubble blowing and perfect buoyancy to good environmental use. Spend two weeks next September surveying Kosrae’s coral reefs, some of the most pristine in the world. Di-vers have been compiling data on fish counts, mapping, visibility and more since 1996. This is a proactive project that monitors the health of the reef as more visitors discover the Micronesian island each year. You’ll stay at the Kosrae Village Dive & Eco Adventure Resort, dive daily for the project and for fun, and experience the island’s authentic culture. www.oceanearth.org/

East Timor Island
Curious about visiting the first new country formed in the 21st century? Go to this Southeast Asian island with Intrepid Travel. Their responsible travel code of conduct is put into action on all their trips. You’ll experience this land of soaring mountain ranges, crystalline waters, green valleys and coffee plantations with knowledgeable local guides eager to help you break down barriers with the friendly Timorese people. Expect to learn about community projects along the way and to be invited to leave behind your unwanted clothing and medicines at the end of the journey. 2007 dates TBD. www.intrepidtravel.com

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