I've been working in travel for more than 20 years, and over that time I've learned that choosing the right experience is often more important than simply choosing a destination.
My career has taken me around the world and included more than 10 years living in Asia. I've worked with travellers, developed volunteer programs and worked with local partners, which has given me a good understanding of what can make a volunteer experience work well, and what can sometimes go wrong.
Today, I'm the founder of Horizon Impact Travel, where I help families, couples and adults aged 30+ compare volunteer programs operated by carefully selected local program partners.
I don't believe there is one best destination or program for everyone. My job is to understand what you're looking for and give you an honest recommendation based on your interests, travel style, comfort level and expectations.
Kurt Decorte
Founder, Horizon Impact Travel
Why Trust My Advice?
I've spent more than two decades travelling, living and working internationally, helping thousands of travellers choose volunteer experiences that fit their goals and expectations.
20+ Years of Travel
Extensive international travel across Asia and beyond.
Lived in Asia
Spent five years living, travelling and working throughout Asia.
Business Background
Ten years' experience as an international business consultant.
Personally Visited
Personally travelled to many of our destinations before recommending them.
Local Relationships
Works closely with carefully selected local program partners.
Founded Horizon
Created Horizon Impact Travel specifically for families, couples and adults aged 30+.
Our founder in an interview with our local partner in Cambodia.
A Journey That Changed My Life
After graduating, I travelled around the world for a year. That journey introduced me to Asia and changed the direction of my life.
Rather than returning home, I spent the next five years living across Asia, travelling extensively, teaching English and studying Japanese and Chinese. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of different cultures and reinforced my belief that travel is one of the best ways to broaden perspectives.
From Asia to London
Returning to Europe, I spent ten years working as a business consultant in the software industry. Alongside valuable business experience, it strengthened the communication and organisational skills that now help me support travellers planning more complex volunteer trips.
Building Travel Businesses
Working with volunteer travel providers and local organisations across multiple countries taught me that successful volunteer travel depends on choosing the right local partners, communicating honestly and matching each traveller with the right programme from the outset.
Not every programme is suitable for every traveller, and setting realistic expectations is just as important as choosing the destination itself.
Why I Created Horizon Impact Travel
I created Horizon Impact Travel after seeing that many volunteer travel companies focused almost exclusively on students and backpackers. Yet many enquiries came from families, couples, professionals and retirees looking for something different.
They wanted meaningful volunteer opportunities without compromising on privacy, comfortable accommodation or personalised guidance.
Horizon was created to meet those needs.
What Horizon Impact Travel Stands For
Horizon Impact Travel helps travellers compare and book volunteer programs operated by carefully selected local program partners.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all packages, we focus on recommending programmes that match each traveller's interests, expectations and preferred level of comfort.
My Personal Destination Recommendations
Every destination offers something different. These are the reasons I'd typically recommend each one.
A Personal Note
If you're considering volunteer travel but aren't sure which destination or programme is right for you, I'd be happy to help.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, family or mature solo traveller, I'll help you compare your options, answer your questions and recommend a volunteer programme that genuinely fits your goals.
I look forward to helping you plan your trip.