We've seen the rise of "voluntourism" and eco-tourism of the luxe variety (think private bugalow in Figi, not hippie yurt). But
giving back and luxury travel have rarely been an oft-cited pair. Until, that is,
CharityFolks.com came on the scene, crafting unique travel plans including exclusive meet-and-greets like an evening with the cast of
The Sopranos, then sending along the proceeds to charity. Each trip functions as an auction, so you'll need to get your virtual paddle up if you want to claim jaunts like a weekend at the Newport Jazz Festival, or luxe accommodations at Vail. The site hosts more traditional charity auctions as well, which have been written about here in the past, but if you planned to stay at the Four Seasons whilst touring Provence anyway, why not do it through an organization that will then donate on your behalf to
UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center?
