For whl.travel, a company dedicated to improving the travel experience and the ethical standards of tourism from the bottom up and for everyone involved, it is hardly surprising that many local partners are actively involved in voluntourism initiatives. Here we spotlight a few whl.travel destinations that encourage travellers to get involved in local projects with the promise of a true cultural experience and exchange.

Tours and treks regularly circuit the far-flung areas of Nepal to take in the astounding scenery, cultural diversity and the warm hospitality of Nepal’s rural people. Unfortunately, these remote places and the people who call them home have seen very little of the dividend from tourism. Today, though, at least one local organisation is currently trying to change all that. Outdoor Himalayan Treks seeks to share the benefits of travel at a grassroots level.

‘Eco-tourism,’ ‘volunteering’ and ‘giving back to community.’ The words are so full of altruism and yet, in reality, the volunteering sector is a minefield of organisations that exploit generosity for profit mixed in with good causes. So how do you find what’s meaningful? You have to keep your eyes an ears open for good causes, approach local charities, talk to people and think about the skills that you can contribute. It’s a lot more work than a click of the mouse.

Situated in the high plateaus of northeast Laos, the mountainous scenery of Xieng Khouang province beckons travellers to discover one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious ancient cultural sites: the Plain of Jars. On guided tours in the mist-shrouded hills, uncover the enigmatic history of vanished civilisations and hear tales of secret wars waged.