About Horizon Impact Travel
We believe meaningful volunteer travel should not require you to compromise on comfort, privacy or the quality of the overall travel experience.
Our role is to help you understand the differences between destinations and volunteer programs so you can make a more informed decision about which experience is right for you.
Horizon Impact Travel was founded by Kurt
While travelling and working across Asia, I met many couples and families who wanted to volunteer abroad but struggled to find programs designed for them.
Those conversations made it clear to me that there was a need for a different kind of volunteer travel service, which eventually became Horizon Impact Travel.
Today, I help travellers understand the differences between destinations and volunteer programs so they can choose the option that best fits their interests and travel style.
Rather than recommending the first available program, I help travellers look at destinations, accommodation options and project types before making a decision.
We Work With The Green Lion
Horizon Impact Travel works closely with The Green Lion, one of the world's largest, established and trusted operators of volunteer and meaningful travel programmes with thousands of volunteers each year.
The Green Lion operates programmes across 45+ countries, 100+ locations and 300+ programmes, covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and Oceania.
Green Lion's model is important to understand.
They work with sending organisations such as agencies and manage the actual programme delivery on the ground. Their local teams handle programme operations, accommodation, coordinators, participant support and other in-country services.
That's where we come in.
We help you understand the choices available, identify the programmes that fit your plans and arrange your experience.
A Relationship Built Over Many Years
Our founder, Kurt Decorte, has worked with The Green Lion for more than 20 years. That long-standing relationship gives us something that is difficult to create overnight.
- We know the organisation.
- We know how the programmes work.
- And, importantly, we know the people behind them.
Over the years, Kurt has built relationships with the people working within The Green Lion's international and local network. We know the teams and coordinators who make these programmes happen on the ground. That experience matters when you're trying to choose the right programme.
We are not simply presenting you with a catalogue and asking you to choose. We deliberately chose not to build a marketplace containing hundreds of unrelated operators.
Instead, we work closely with The Green Lion because we believe their approach gives us the combination we want to offer our travellers:
- Quality programmes.
- Experienced local teams.
- A broad international network.
- Meaningful community experiences.
- And genuine choice.
With access to a network covering 45+ countries and 100+ locations, we can look beyond a single destination when helping you plan your trip.
We Can Tailor The Experience Around You
This is particularly important for the travellers we work with.
- You may be travelling as a couple.
- You may be travelling with your children.
- You may be over 30 and looking for something more comfortable and considered than the traditional backpacker volunteer experience.
Tell us what you want from the trip. We'll look at the available options and help you build the right experience around it.
Why Horizon Impact Travel?
Adults 30+, families and couples may want a meaningful volunteer experience while also caring about private accommodation, clear information, and personal support.
Horizon Impact Travel was created to make that choice easier. Rather than presenting an enormous catalogue of volunteer opportunities, we focus on helping you understand which programs are worth considering and why they could be right for you.
Meaningful Travel Without Giving Up Your Privacy
Private accommodation is not an extra detail at Horizon Impact Travel. It is part of how we define the type of volunteer travel we want to offer.
Families and couples can contribute to meaningful local projects while having their own private space at the end of the day.
That matters because volunteering is only one part of the experience. The accommodation, destination and time outside the project all contribute to whether a volunteer trip feels right for you.
What Makes Us Different?
Many organisations provide excellent volunteer opportunities. We focus on making the entire travel experience easier and more comfortable for couples and families.
Horizon Impact Travel is designed for travellers looking for meaningful volunteering without sacrificing comfort, privacy or personal support.
- Often designed primarily for students and backpackers.
- Shared accommodation is common.
- Large catalogues with hundreds of volunteer programs.
- Limited personalised guidance before booking.
- Travellers often compare programs themselves.
- Designed for families & couples.
- Private accommodation.
- Carefully selected local program partners and volunteer programs.
- Personalised advice to help you choose the right destination and program.
- We help you compare your options based on your travel style and goals.
What That Means For You
Instead of searching through hundreds of programs yourself, we narrow the options to those that genuinely suit your goals and travel style.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with your family or independently, we'll explain the differences between destinations, accommodation arrangements and volunteer programs so you can make an informed decision before you book.
Volunteer Programs We Feature
Choose from volunteer programs across Asia, Africa and other destinations covering education, conservation, community development and environmental projects.
Education & Teaching Support
Support local educators through classroom assistance, language practice, educational activities, and community learning initiatives. Many projects welcome volunteers without formal teaching experience.
Community Development
Support locally led community projects ranging from youth activities to outreach initiatives and practical development work.
Wildlife Conservation
Support elephant and turtle projects focused on wildlife care, habitat protection, environmental monitoring, and conservation initiatives.
Environmental Projects
Contribute to sustainability, reforestation, environmental education, and conservation programs that support long-term environmental goals.
Choosing The Right Project
We'll help you compare destinations and identify the projects that best match your interests, availability and travel style.
Part of the Abroad Escape Group
Horizon Impact Travel is focused on helping families and couples choose volunteer experiences that combine meaningful participation with private accommodation and personalised guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Horizon Impact Travel do?
Horizon Impact Travel helps families and couples compare carefully selected volunteer programs and choose an experience that fits their travel priorities.
Who operates the volunteer programs?
The volunteer placements are operated by independent local program partners. They provide the accommodation and local in-country services in co-operation with us.
Does every Horizon program include private accommodation?
Yes. Private accommodation is a core requirement of every volunteer program featured by Horizon Impact Travel.
Can Horizon help us choose a program?
Yes. We can provide personalised guidance to help you compare destinations and programs based on who you are travelling with, what you want to do and the type of travel experience you are looking for.
Ready to Find the Right Volunteer Experience?
Explore the volunteer programs selected for families and couples, or read more about Kurt and the approach behind Horizon Impact Travel.