1. What is the significance of Buon Ma Thuot coffee plantations in Vietnam?
Buon Ma Thuot coffee plantations are significant for several reasons:
1. Historical significance: Buon Ma Thuot was the birthplace of coffee cultivation in Vietnam. The first arabica coffee plants were brought to Buon Ma Thuot by French colonists in the late 19th century, and the region has been a major producer of high-quality coffee ever since.
2. Economic importance: Buon Ma Thuot is one of the largest coffee-producing regions in Vietnam, and its coffee plantations contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Coffee is one of Vietnam’s top agricultural exports, with most of it being produced in Buon Ma Thuot.
3. High-quality coffee: The soil and climate conditions in Buon Ma Thuot are ideal for growing premium quality arabica coffee beans. The region’s high altitude, cool temperatures, and abundant rainfall create the perfect conditions for producing a rich, aromatic, and flavorful coffee.
4. Cultural identity: The cultivation of coffee has become an integral part of the local culture and identity in Buon Ma Thuot. Many families have been involved in the coffee industry for generations, passing down their knowledge and techniques for cultivating and harvesting coffee.
5. Ecological sustainability: The majority of coffee plantations in Buon Ma Thuot are small-scale and family-owned farms that use sustainable farming practices, such as shade-grown coffee and organic fertilizers. This helps preserve the natural ecosystem and biodiversity of the region.
6. Tourism attraction: Many tourists visit Buon Ma Thuot to experience its picturesque landscapes and learn about how traditional Vietnamese coffee is grown, harvested, and processed on plantations. This has contributed to the development of agrotourism in the area.
2. How long has the coffee industry been a part of the local culture in Buon Ma Thuot?
The coffee industry has been a part of the local culture in Buon Ma Thuot for over 100 years. It was first introduced to the area in the early 20th century by French colonialists and has since become a major part of the local economy and way of life.
3. Can you describe the process of harvesting and processing coffee beans on the plantations?
On coffee plantations, the harvesting and processing process typically follows these steps:
1. Harvesting: Workers handpick ripe coffee cherries from the trees. This is usually done by hand to ensure that only the ripest cherries are selected.
2. Sorting: Before processing, the cherries are sorted to remove any unripe, overripe, or damaged fruit. This helps to ensure that only high-quality beans are used for the next steps.
3. Depulping: The outer skin of the coffee cherry is removed using a machine called a depulper. This separates the skin and pulp from the bean inside.
4. Fermentation: Once depulped, the beans are placed in tanks of water to ferment for several hours. During this time, enzymes break down any remaining mucilage (sticky substance around the beans).
5. Washing: After fermentation, the beans are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining mucilage.
6.Natural Processing: For some coffees, they may skip washing and move onto drying directly after fermentation which is known as Natural Processing.
7.Drying: The now-washed beans are spread out on raised beds or patios to dry under the sun’s heat for several days until they reach a moisture content of 10-12%.
8. Hulling: The outer layers of dried parchment (protective layer) are removed using a huller machine, revealing green coffee beans inside.
9.Milling/Polishing (optional): In some cases, an additional step may be taken to polish/mill the green beans for aesthetic purposes before packaging and shipping.
10.Grading & Sorting: Once milled/polished, beans go through a grading and sorting process where they are categorized by size and quality.
11.Roasting: After sorting, green coffee beans are shipped to roasters who then roast them according to their desired flavor profile.
12.Packaging & Shipping:The roasted beans are packed and shipped to be enjoyed by coffee lovers worldwide!
4. How do locals celebrate and honor their coffee culture in Buon Ma Thuot?
There are several ways in which locals celebrate and honor their coffee culture in Buon Ma Thuot:
1. Coffee Festivals: Buon Ma Thuot is known as the “capital of coffee” in Vietnam and hosts an annual Coffee Festival to celebrate its coffee heritage. The festival features exhibitions, cultural performances, competitions, and tastings of various types of local coffee.
2. Drinking Rituals: Locals have a specific ritual when it comes to drinking coffee in Buon Ma Thuot. They typically use a phin (traditional Vietnamese filter) to brew their coffee slowly and enjoy it with sweetened condensed milk or sugar.
3. Coffee Shops: Buon Ma Thuot is home to numerous cafes that serve delicious cups of locally-grown Arabica and Robusta coffee. These cafes are popular gathering places for locals to catch up with friends and family over a cup of coffee.
4. Coffee Plantation Tours: Many tourists visit Buon Ma Thuot to experience its rich coffee culture first-hand. Visitors can take guided tours of coffee plantations to learn about the production process, taste different varieties of coffee, and purchase beans directly from the farms.
5. Art Exhibitions: Local artists often showcase their love for coffee through art exhibitions featuring paintings or sculptures inspired by the beverage. These exhibitions not only promote the city’s coffee culture but also provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.
6. Street Vendors: In addition to established cafes, street vendors also play a significant role in promoting Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee culture. These vendors offer affordable and authentic cups of locally-grown coffee on the go, loved by both locals and tourists alike.
7. Traditional Coffee Houses: There are still traditional styled houses called nha rong where people gather around low wooden tables sipping local brewed traditional filter coffees while enjoying conversation or admiring the city’s scenery.
8.Cultural Shows : Traditional ethnic minority dance performances are often accompanied by coffee shows that showcase the traditional way of brewing and enjoying coffee in Buon Ma Thuot.
9. Coffee Museums: Buon Ma Thuot has several museums dedicated to showcasing the history and significance of coffee in the region. These museums feature displays of artifacts, tools, and equipment used for coffee production in the past.
Overall, celebrating and honoring their coffee culture is an essential part of daily life for locals in Buon Ma Thuot, and it remains a significant source of pride and identity for the city.
5. Are there any specific festivals or events dedicated to celebrating coffee in this region?
Yes, there are several festivals and events dedicated to celebrating coffee in this region. Some examples include: – The Jakarta International Coffee Festival in Indonesia
– The Bali International Coffee Festival in Indonesia
– The Singapore Coffee Festival in Singapore
– The Chiang Mai Coffee Fest in Thailand
– The Myanmar Coffee Association Expo in Myanmar
– The Ho Chi Minh City Coffee Festival in Vietnam.
6. Can visitors participate in coffee-related activities on the plantations during these festivals/events?
Yes, visitors can usually participate in coffee-related activities during these festivals/events. Some of these activities may include coffee tasting, coffee tours of the plantation, workshops or demonstrations on coffee processing and brewing, and opportunities to purchase locally grown and roasted coffee products.
7. Are there any cultural traditions or rituals associated with growing and producing coffee in Buon Ma Thuot?
Yes, there are several cultural traditions and rituals associated with growing and producing coffee in Buon Ma Thuot.
1. Traditional Coffee Harvest Ceremony: In the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, including Buon Ma Thuot, a traditional ceremony is held to celebrate the coffee harvest season. This ceremony is believed to bring good luck and a bountiful harvest for the upcoming season.
2. Offering ceremonies to ancestors: Before the start of each harvest season, coffee farmers in Buon Ma Thuot offer prayers and offerings to their ancestors to seek blessings and protection for their crops.
3. Roasting coffee on open fire: In some rural areas of Buon Ma Thuot, traditional production methods are still practiced where coffee beans are roasted on an open fire. This process involves a lot of skill and attention as the beans need to be constantly stirred to prevent them from burning.
4. Special brewing methods: In Buon Ma Thuot, there are various traditional methods of brewing coffee that have been passed down through generations. These methods vary from household to household but all involve slow-filtering the coffee through a cloth or metal filter.
5. Traditional coffee houses: A unique cultural tradition in Buon Ma Thuot is gathering at locally owned coffee houses known as “ca phe chuong” (meaning “coffee cages”). These small wooden structures were traditionally used by farmers to store their crops and later transformed into social spaces for drinking coffee and exchanging news.
6. Traditional Vietnamese Coffee Culture Festival: Buon Ma Thuot hosts an annual Coffee Cultural Festival that celebrates its rich history of producing high-quality Vietnamese Robusta coffee. This festival attracts thousands of visitors who come together to enjoy traditional music, dances and participate in various activities related to growing and producing coffee.
7. Longevity prayers for coffee trees: In some communities in Buon Ma Thuot, special prayers are performed during planting season for the longevity of the newly planted coffee trees. These rituals symbolize the belief that healthy and long-lasting trees will produce high-quality coffee beans.
8. How have modern techniques and technology impacted the traditional methods of making coffee in this area?
Modern techniques and technology have greatly impacted the traditional methods of making coffee in this area. Some examples of these impacts are:
1. Increased efficiency: Traditional coffee production methods often involve manual labor and long processing times, which can be both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Modern techniques and technology such as mechanized picking, sorting, and processing have significantly increased efficiency and reduced labor costs.
2. Improved quality: With the use of modern equipment, coffee producers are able to control various parameters during the production process, such as temperature, humidity, and roasting time. This has resulted in higher quality coffee beans with a more consistent flavor profile.
3. Enhanced sustainability: Modern technology has allowed for more sustainable farming practices in the production of coffee. For example, irrigation systems that use less water have been developed to conserve water resources in areas where water is scarce.
4. Increased yields: Through the use of advanced farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and soil analysis, farmers can optimize crop yields by identifying specific areas that require more or less fertilizer or irrigation.
5. Expanded markets: The introduction of modern equipment has enabled farmers to produce larger quantities of coffee beans at a faster rate, allowing them to enter global markets where there is high demand for specialty or high-quality coffees.
6. Diversification of products: Modern technologies have facilitated the development of new products such as instant coffee and flavored coffees which have given producers a wider range of options to cater to different consumer preferences.
7. Improved traceability: With advances in technology like blockchain, it is now possible to track each step of the coffee production process from farm to cup. This has increased transparency in the supply chain and improved accountability for producers.
8. Access to information: The internet has made it easier for small-scale producers to access information on best practices for growing coffee, market trends, and pricing information. This has empowered them to make better decisions about their crops and finances.
9. Are there any famous or unique varieties of coffee that are produced specifically in Buon Ma Thuot?
Yes, Buon Ma Thuot is known for producing unique and high-quality coffee, including the famous Robusta and Arabica varieties. One of the most well-known varieties of coffee produced in Buon Ma Thuot is the “Weasel Coffee” or “Kopi Luwak”, which is made from coffee beans that have been digested and excreted by civets. This process is believed to enhance the flavor of the coffee beans and has gained popularity among coffee drinkers worldwide. Another famous variety is the Peaberry coffee, which is made from single, rounded beans with a more concentrated flavor than regular coffee beans.
10.Can you recommend any must-visit local cafes or roasteries for tourists interested in experiencing the best of Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee scene?
Here are some top recommendations for must-visit local cafes and roasteries in Buon Ma Thuot:
1. An Cafe & Roastery – This cozy and modern cafe offers a wide selection of single origin coffees and signature blends, all roasted in-house with locally-sourced beans.
2. La Da Vi – Known for its rustic decor and friendly atmosphere, this cafe serves up delicious Vietnamese-style coffee alongside delectable pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks.
3. Highlands Coffee Roastery – Part of a popular coffee chain in Vietnam, this roastery offers a unique experience to visitors with its interactive coffee museum, educational workshops, and of course, freshly-roasted local beans.
4. Vinacafe Bien Hoa – One of the oldest and most well-known coffee brands in Vietnam, Vinacafe’s showroom in Buon Ma Thuot is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the history of coffee production in the region.
5. Di Linh Coffee House – Located near Buon Ma Thuot’s city center, this charming cafe features a peaceful garden setting where guests can enjoy their coffee surrounded by lush greenery.
6. Nguyen Coffee Supply – A trendy spot that has gained a cult following among locals and tourists alike, Nguyen Coffee Supply specializes in traditional Vietnamese coffee made with organic beans from sustainable farms.
7. Thanh Tam Coffee Store – With over 30 years of experience in the coffee industry, Thanh Tam is committed to producing high-quality Arabica beans using traditional processing techniques passed down through generations.
8. Chu Pah Highland Specialty Coffee Co-op – For a unique experience that goes beyond just enjoying a cup of coffee, visit this co-op where you can learn about the process of making specialty-grade beans directly from local farmers.
9. Triip Cafe & Roastery – This hidden gem is tucked away on an alleyway but is worth seeking out for its cozy ambiance and exceptional coffee made from beans sourced from the Central Highlands region.
10. Gia An Coffee Roastery & Export Co. – Another great option for learning about the production process, this roastery offers a factory tour and tasting session where you can sample a variety of coffees and learn about their distinct flavors and origins.
11. Do the local farmers use sustainable and ethical practices while cultivating and harvesting their crops?
It is difficult to answer this question without more specific information about the local farmers and their practices. However, generally speaking, sustainable and ethical practices in agriculture include using natural fertilizers, rotating crops, conserving water resources, and avoiding harmful pesticides and herbicides. It is important for consumers to research and support local farmers who follow these practices to promote sustainability in their local food systems.
12. What role does tourism play in promoting and supporting the local coffee industry in Buon Ma Thuot?
Tourism plays an important role in promoting and supporting the local coffee industry in Buon Ma Thuot in several ways:
1. Generating demand for coffee: Tourism brings in a large number of visitors to Buon Ma Thuot, creating a significant demand for local coffee products. Many tourists are interested in trying out the local varieties of coffee and purchasing them as souvenirs.
2. Promoting awareness of local coffee: Tourism provides an avenue to showcase the unique flavors and quality of Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee to a global audience. Through interactive experiences like farm visits, coffee tastings, and cultural events, tourists learn about the history, cultivation process, and significance of this specialty coffee.
3. Creating employment opportunities: As tourism increases, there is a growing need for services such as cafes, restaurants, and homestays that offer authentic local coffee experiences. This creates job opportunities for the locals involved in the production and distribution of coffee.
4. Diversifying income sources for farmers: By selling their products directly to tourists or through businesses catering to tourists’ needs, farmers can diversify their customer base beyond traditional buyers like wholesalers or retailers.
5. Supporting sustainable farming practices: With more tourists becoming interested in ecotourism and responsible travel, there is a higher demand for ethically-sourced products like environmentally-friendly grown and organic-certified coffee. This encourages farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices that preserve the region’s biodiversity.
6. Encouraging innovation and growth: The influx of tourists seeking unique experiences, coupled with their feedback on what they enjoy or dislike about local coffees, inspires local producers to innovate new flavors or improve existing ones to cater to changing tastes.
In summary, tourism helps create new markets while strengthening existing ones for Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee growers by promoting traditions, economic stability through diverse revenue streams, conservation efforts involving product sustainability methods towards supporting agriculture development initiatives overall within the region.
13. Besides coffee, are there other agricultural products grown on these plantations?
Yes, many plantations grow other agricultural products besides coffee. Some common examples include cocoa, tea, sugar cane, bananas, avocadoes, and citrus fruits. Some plantations also produce spices like vanilla and pepper. Sustainable and diversification practices are becoming more popular in the industry, leading to the cultivation of a wider range of crops on plantations.
14. Does Buon Ma Thuot have a specific time of year when it is particularly busy with harvest season or festivals?
Yes, Buon Ma Thuot is known as the “coffee capital” of Vietnam and therefore its peak harvest season is from November to March. During this time, the city becomes very busy with coffee farmers harvesting their crops and many festivals celebrating the coffee culture take place. The most famous festival is the Coffee Festival which usually takes place in March and attracts many tourists to the city.
15. Are there any cooking classes or workshops available for those interested in learning how to make traditional Vietnamese coffees using ingredients from local plantations?
Yes, there are various cooking classes or workshops available in Vietnam that teach participants how to make traditional Vietnamese coffees using ingredients from local plantations. Some popular options include:1) Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Túc: This cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City offers a section on traditional Vietnamese coffee brewing, using locally grown coffee beans and condensed milk.
2) Hoi An Food Tour by Motorbike: This tour includes a visit to a local coffee plantation where participants will learn about the traditional process of cultivating and roasting coffee beans before trying their hand at making their own cup of Vietnamese coffee.
3) The Rose Kitchen: Located in Hanoi, this cooking class includes a section on making Vietnamese iced coffee with local coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk.
4) Street Food Buffet & Coffee Experience by Saigon Adventure: This tour in Ho Chi Minh City combines a street food buffet with a workshop on how to brew and taste different types of Vietnamese coffee made from locally sourced beans.
5) Exo Coffee Workshop: Located in Da Lat, this workshop allows participants to experience the entire process of producing a cup of Vietnamese coffee – from growing and harvesting the beans to roasting and brewing them using traditional techniques.
16. What other cultural, historical, or natural attractions can visitors explore while visiting Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee plantations?
Some other cultural, historical, or natural attractions that visitors can explore while visiting Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee plantations include:
1. Ethnographic Museum: This museum showcases the traditional culture and customs of different ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam.
2. Dray Sap and Dray Nur Waterfalls: These two impressive waterfalls are located close to each other and offer stunning views and opportunities for swimming.
3. Lak Lake: This scenic lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Central Highlands region and is surrounded by lush green hills and villages of the M’nong ethnic group.
4. Yok Don National Park: This sprawling national park is home to diverse species of flora and fauna, including rare animals such as Asian elephants, gaurs, and sun bears.
5. Chau Ma Church: Built by French missionaries in 1938, this church is an architectural marvel with a blend of Roman, Gothic, and Central Highland influences.
6. Yang Tao Temple: Located on top of a hill, this Buddhist temple offers spectacular views of Buon Ma Thuot city and surrounding coffee plantations.
7. Trung Nguyen Village Coffee Museum: This museum showcases the history of coffee production in Vietnam through various artifacts, displays, and interactive activities.
8. Dak Lak Museum: One can learn about the history and culture of Dak Lak province at this comprehensive museum that houses over 10,000 artifacts.
9. War Remnants Museum: This museum highlights the devastating impacts of the Vietnam War through photographs, documents, and other artifacts.
10. Ban Don Eco-tourism Village: This village offers visitors an opportunity to experience the daily life of local ethnic communities by participating in farming activities, traditional dances, and enjoying local cuisine.
17.Speaking of natural attractions, are there any scenic trails or viewpoints for visitors to enjoy while taking a break from touring the plantations?
As a chatbot, I do not have personal experience or knowledge of specific locations. However, there are many scenic trails and viewpoints in South Carolina that visitors can explore while taking a break from touring the plantations. Some popular options include:1. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – This plantation has beautiful gardens and nature trails where visitors can go for a walk or bike ride.
2. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve – This historic plantation offers hiking trails and stunning views of the coast.
3. Half-Mile Bridge Trail at Boone Hall Plantation – This short, paved trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll through picturesque oak trees and marshland.
4. Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse – Visitors can climb to the top of this historic lighthouse for panoramic views of Charleston and the surrounding landscape.
5. Hunting Island State Park – This state park has multiple scenic trails for hiking, as well as a beach area where visitors can relax and take in the scenery.
Overall, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and scenic viewpoints while visiting South Carolina’s plantations. It is always recommended to research specific locations and their accessibility beforehand.
18.How has the coffee industry in Buon Ma Thuot impacted the city’s economy and local communities?
The coffee industry has had a significant impact on the economy of Buon Ma Thuot and the surrounding communities. Some of the ways in which it has affected the city’s economy are:
1. Employment Opportunities:
The coffee industry is a major source of employment for the people of Buon Ma Thuot. It provides job opportunities for thousands of local farmers, workers in coffee processing factories, and workers in related industries such as transportation, packaging, and marketing.
2. Increase in Income:
The coffee industry has brought about an increase in income for both individuals and businesses. As a result, there is more money circulating in the local economy, creating more business opportunities and contributing to economic growth.
3. Infrastructure Development:
The growth of the coffee industry has led to improvements in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and buildings. This is because better infrastructure is needed to transport the coffee beans from farms to factories and eventually to markets.
4. Export Earnings:
Buon Ma Thuot is known as the capital of Vietnam’s “coffee kingdom” due to its high-quality Arabica coffee production. The city’s reputation as a leading producer has enabled it to export large quantities of coffee beans, bringing in significant foreign exchange earnings for the country.
5. Tourism boost:
The coffee industry also attracts tourists to Buon Ma Thuot who are interested in learning about the city’s coffee culture and trying out different types of locally grown coffees. This has contributed to the development of tourism infrastructure and boosted tourism revenue for the city.
Apart from economic impacts, the coffee industry has also had social effects on local communities such as improved living standards through increased income, access to education and healthcare services provided by companies operating in the sector, and preservation of cultural traditions related to coffee cultivation and processing.
In conclusion, it can be said that the growth of Buon Ma Thuot’s coffee industry has played a crucial role in driving economic development and improving living standards for both the city’s residents and neighboring communities.
19. Is there a specific time of day that is traditionally known as the best time to enjoy a cup of coffee in Buon Ma Thuot?
There is no specific time of day that is traditionally known as the best time to enjoy a cup of coffee in Buon Ma Thuot. However, many locals and visitors enjoy a cup of coffee at any time during the day, especially in the morning or after meals. Additionally, the city has a lively coffee culture with many cafes open throughout the day and into the evening, making it easy to find a good cup of coffee at any time.
20. How can visitors ensure they are supporting sustainable and responsible tourism practices during their visit to the coffee plantations in Buon Ma Thuot?
1. Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels and guesthouses that have the proper certifications or have implemented sustainable practices such as recycling, energy conservation, and use of local products.
2. Take a sustainability tour: Many coffee plantations in Buon Ma Thuot offer tours that highlight their sustainable practices. These tours can educate visitors on responsible farming methods and how their travel can positively impact the local environment and community.
3. Support locally-grown and fair-trade coffee: When purchasing coffee or visiting cafes in Buon Ma Thuot, choose products that are locally grown and produced using fair-trade practices. This ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their work and encourages sustainable production methods.
4. Respect the environment: It is important to respect the natural surroundings when visiting a coffee plantation. Do not litter, follow designated paths, and do not disturb or damage plants or wildlife.
5. Reduce water consumption: In many rural areas, access to clean water is limited. Visitors should be mindful of their water consumption by taking short showers, turning off taps when not in use, and reusing towels instead of requesting daily replacements.
6. Learn about the culture: Take the time to learn about the culture and customs of the local people in Buon Ma Thuot. By understanding their way of life, visitors can better appreciate and support their traditional practices and unique way of living.
7. Hire local guides: Instead of booking tours with international companies, consider hiring local guides who have a better understanding of the area and its history. This supports the local economy and provides job opportunities for residents.
8.. Purchase souvenirs from local markets: Support local artisans by buying souvenirs from markets instead of large souvenir shops owned by multinational companies.
9.. Use public transportation or hire a bicycle: To reduce carbon emissions, consider using public transportation or renting a bicycle to explore Buon Ma Thuot rather than hiring private vehicles.
10.. Minimize plastic use: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of purchasing bottled water. Also, bring fabric or canvas bags for shopping to reduce plastic waste.
11.. Volunteer: Many coffee plantations offer volunteer opportunities where visitors can participate in sustainable farming practices and contribute to the local community.
12.. Respect cultural and religious sites: When visiting temples or other cultural sites, be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
13.. Leave no trace: When visiting natural attractions, make sure to leave the area as you found it. Do not litter or damage plants or wildlife.
14.. Use reef-safe sunscreen: If participating in activities such as snorkeling or diving, use environmentally-friendly sunscreen to avoid damaging the coral reefs and ocean life.
15.. Support conservation efforts: Consider donating to local organizations that work towards preserving the natural habitats in Buon Ma Thuot.
16.. Eat locally-sourced food: Choose restaurants that serve locally-grown produce and meats rather than imported goods. This supports the local economy and reduces carbon emissions from transportation.
17.. Travel with responsible tour companies: Before booking any tours, research the company’s sustainability practices. Choose companies that prioritize environmental protection and support local communities.
18.. Seek permission before taking photos: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, their homes, or their property. This shows respect for their privacy and culture.
19.. Refrain from participating in unethical activities: Avoid activities that exploit animals or promote unethical practices such as elephant rides or tiger petting zoos.
20.. Spread awareness: Share your experiences with others and educate them on responsible tourism practices. By spreading awareness, you can inspire others to make a positive impact during their travels as well.