For Travel Leaders, giving back is part of the journey

Travel isn’t just about a vacation. It can be about cultural enrichment, relationship building, new adventures, or simply a chance to unplug and come back refreshed.

And, at a time when travelers have become more aware of the impact of their trips, it can also be a way to give back. With its new Travel for a Cause initiative, Travel Leaders is reimagining travel not just as something personally transformative, but as a tool for change in Minnesota and beyond.

By giving travelers a chance to support a local cause they care about just by booking a trip, Kelly Westin, Vice President of Marketing at Travel Leaders, said she hopes more people will embrace the power of travel.

Group travel with impact

Travel Leaders first began promoting travel as a way to rally around a cause when it partnered with Twin Cities radio personality, Paul Thomas (PT). After connecting with PT and supporting several LIVIN Foundation events, the partnership naturally grew—ultimately igniting the idea that became the first annual “PT on the Playa” group trip three years ago.

Thomas had a long-standing relationship with Westin and Travel Leaders. And, as an advocate for mental health, he saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness for the issue and bring supporters together.

“Travel Leaders is more than just travel experts — they are genuine partners in our mission. From supporting LIVIN events to leading and attending group trips that give back. They truly show how travel and caring go hand in hand. I look forward to many adventures together,” Thomas said.

The trip is an opportunity for dozens of travelers to join Thomas and Travel Leaders to enjoy a breathtaking destination and build community around a shared passion.

Last year, Travel Leaders raised nearly $6,000 for the LIVIN Foundation, a number Westin says the organization hopes to grow.

“So many friendships have been built on these trips, and there are people that have come multiple times,” Westin said. “We have really high hopes for it to grow even more in 2026. Our whole goal of all this is just to do a little good for our local community.”

Expanding the cause

Inspired by the impact of the LIVIN Foundation partnership, Travel Leaders extended the idea to the rest of their offerings in late 2025 with Travel for a Cause.

How does the program work? It’s easy, Westin says. Every time travelers book a trip with Travel Leaders, we donate to a nonprofit of their choice. The donation amount increases based on the total cost of the trip.

Along with the LIVIN Foundation, participating nonprofits include Breakthrough T1D, She Ascends, Second Harvest Heartland, Wishes & More, Open Arms of Minnesota and Rivers of Hope.

With nonprofits focused on everything from hunger to domestic violence prevention, Westin says the organization hopes travelers can find a cause they care about. And, as the program grows, Westin says she anticipates that more nonprofit partners will get on board.

“I want to make it easy for travelers to work with a local travel agency that is giving back to the community,” Westin said. “Our goal is to create a truly well-rounded program that allows us to support many different organizations.”

If your organization is interested in being part of Travel for a Cause, get started here.