Proudly in partnership with Planeterra

Just You is proud to work in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, to support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. 

Planeterra is one of the many reasons that makes a Just You tour so special! Tourism is one of the largest economic drivers in the world but there are some forms of tourism where no money reaches the hands of local people. Here at Just You, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the communities we travel to. We work with Planeterra to break down barriers and create opportunities for more women, youth, and rural and indigenous communities worldwide. We donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.

Who are Planeterra?

The Planeterra Foundation is the leading non-profit organisation using community tourism to change lives. Planeterra helps local organisations and communities use tourism as a catalyst to improve people’s lives, protect their natural environments, and celebrate their culture. Put simply, it is a better kind of tourism – improving the lives of community members as they provide travellers with better experiences. Planeterra is more than just an agent of change and driver of communal well-being, they are tested and trusted builders of self-esteem and pride. Pride that we can all share as well as take pleasure in – from uplifting communities through tourism.

By supporting an ever-growing network of community tourism enterprises around the world, Planeterra ensures money from tourism is increasingly remaining in the hands of local people. As a result, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel.

Working together to help change more lives through Travel

All of our tours include a voluntary donation of £5 which we match to double the impact of your gift and empower local communities with the resources they need to thrive. Donating is easy – simply tick the box in the checkout if booking online or opt in to donating when booking over the phone. Together we can help unlock opportunities for communities to thrive through tourism. Here are a few examples of initiatives we’ll be working with in 2024 and beyond.

Planeterra Projects

  1. Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour

    • When you book our Real Costa Rica tour, you're helping to support the local community with a visit to the 'Mi Cafecito Coffee Tour'. This Fairtrade coffee farm was created after the devastating earthquake of 2009, which massively affected Costa Rica's producers. As well as learning about the coffee-growing process, you'll taste what is considered to be one of the world's best brews.
    Learn More
  2. Iceland Eco Village customer photos

    Solheimar Eco Village

    • Solheimar Eco Village is our Just You Cares project in Iceland which fosters the inclusion and empowerment of a differently-abled community of artisans/staff. Residents support a more sustainable way of living through organic farming and recycled craft production. We’ll enjoy a coffee and cake stop here as part of the Icelandic Splendours tour, and learn more about this fascinating village.
    Learn More
  3. S three cafe lady plating table

    The Sthree Café

    • If you join our Sri Lanka tour you are helping us support The Sthree Café, which employs women from the local community. It helps increase their income, strengthen their financial independence, and encourages them to become economically empowered. The café provides the women with a fair wage and the skills and training needed to work in the service sector. It serves fresh, vegetarian cuisine and provides a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience.
    Learn More

  4. BEIT KHAYRAT SOUF

    • Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-owned and managed café in Souf, started with the purpose of combating women’s unemployment and building a strong community of women leaders. We'll enjoy a Jordanian lunch here while learning more about this crucial project which has so far employed 25 local women and positively impacted many other women and youths through access to this launchpad to learn about other cultures.
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  5. Oodles of Noodles

    Oodles of Noodles

    • When you book a tour to Vietnam, you are helping to support the Oodles of Noodles project. A social enterprise which helps at risk youngsters. This acts as a curriculum module for the youth to practice their English language and presentation skills - two key qualities that are a necessity for success in the hospitality industry. Students lead a noodle-making class with travellers and teach them about the twenty-six different types of noodles available in Hoi An, Vietnam.
    Learn More
  6. Mexico arts and crafts

    ASOCIACIÓN DE MUJERES ARTESANAS ZOOLÓGICO MÁGICO

    • This newly formed cooperative was founded by 13 women who want to preserve the Zapotec culture and the cherished artisanal process of creating alebrijes, a local cultural heritage. We'll visit here to see members of the cooperative at work, with the chance to purchase some of their cherished handicrafts.
    Learn More
  7. Justyoucares Ccaccaccollo

    Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op

    • The Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op supports a community near the Inca Trail. It funds training programmes to help bring back weaving traditions that have been lost over generations. Today, more than 55 women are involved, producing textiles from llama and alpaca wool. On our Highlights of Peru Tour, you will visit the centre and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs.
    Learn More

  8. AFER Women's Association Homlunch

    • This inspiring project aims to help local women and girls in Morocco with increased access to education. In 2025, Just You travellers have the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with local women from the AFER Women's Association.
    Learn More

  9. Yimsoo Farm, Mae Rim

    • Join us to visit community project, Yimsoo Farm as part of Thailand: A Land of Smiles tour. The farm is committed to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities through tourism and as part of our visit we will learn about hydroponic planting and other activities at the farm.
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  10. çöp(m)adam

    • çöp(m)adam is a social project that seeks to address the issues of women’s unemployment and highlights the importance of recycling and reusing materials. The project was set up by a group of Turkish women who produce one-of a kind accessories from their workshop or their home, using waste materials to create unique and fashionable items.
    Learn More

FAQs

What is Community Tourism?

Travel experiences owned, led, and run by communities - non-profits, cooperatives, and social enterprises. At its very best, it breaks down barriers to engage underserved communities in meaningful, life-changing ways.

Why Community Tourism?

There are some forms of tourism where no money reaches the hands of local people. Planeterra works to break this cycle by supporting and uplifting community tourism. By strengthening community tourism around the world, economic opportunities are created, places are protected, and cultures are celebrated through travel.

Who is Planeterra helping?

Our community partners are local non-profits, grassroots community organisations, and existing social enterprises. All of whom are working directly to empower women, youth, rural and Indigenous communities, or the environment through travel.

Examples of what the result of that support looks like in communities around the world: 

  • Women starting their first jobs outside the home

  • Children getting increased access to education

  • Youth gaining skills to help them find long-term employment

  • Women taking on leadership roles in their communities

  • Communities earning a sustainable income through cultural celebration

  • Communities promoting a sustainable environment for generations to come

Where are the funds going?

Your donations will help fund the future of community tourism. It will power Planeterra’s vital initiatives to empower communities worldwide by providing essential tools, access to resources, and opportunities. From educational webinars on financial literacy and marketing to pivotal seed grants, your donations can be the catalyst communities need to thrive.

Can I claim Gift Aid?

Planeterra is a registered non-profit in Canada and a Charity in the US, however, they are not registered in the UK and therefore Gift Aid does not apply in this instance.

Let us take you there

  1. White-faced Capuchin monkeys, Costa Rica

    Real Costa Rica

    If you want to discover the real Costa Rica, this is the tour for you. It's packed full of unforgettable experiences and visits the stunning Caribbean coast.

    • Return flights
    • 10 nights in 4-star hotels & jungle lodges
    • 21 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
    • Small group travel style - Max 20 people on this tour

    12 days from
    £4,999
    Explore
  2. Lady in Rice field

    Sri Lanka - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

    Head to this paradise island afloat in the Indian Ocean to discover mysterious ancient sites, lush tea plantations, idyllic  beaches and more.

    • Return flights
    • 12 nights in 4 & 5-star hotels, 1 night in flight
    • 25 included meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 12 dinners

    14 days from
    £3,799
    Explore
  3. machu picchu scenery on travel tour

    Highlights of Peru

    Follow in the footsteps of intrepid adventurers as you explore Machu Picchu, visit beautiful colonial towns and discover some of the islands of Lake Titicaca on this fascinating trip.

    • Return flights
    • 8 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
    • 14 meals : 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

    11 days from
    £3,699
    was £3,999
    Explore

  4. Discover Vietnam

    An intriguing country with a colourful history, stunning landscapes, Vietnam is a truly unique destination. Discover the lively capital Hanoi, cruise on idyllic Halong Bay, journey to the Mekong Delta and explore memorable Ho Chi Minh City.

    • Return flights
    • 9 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights in flight
    • 21 included meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

    13 days from
    £3,499
    was £3,599
    Explore
  5. Iceland

    Icelandic Splendours

    Discover an array of natural wonders and go in search of the Northern Lights on this exciting tour to Iceland.

    • Return flights
    • 4 nights in a 3-star hotel
    • 7 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners

    5 days from
    £2,474
    was £2,599
    Explore

At Just You we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the communities we travel to. Customers can make a voluntary donation of £5.00 per passenger travelling. 100% of this donation will be passed to Planeterra. This donation will be added at time of booking. All donations will be matched by Just You up to the value of £5.00 per passenger.

This can be removed until 14 days before departure, by request and you can let us know via enquiries@justyou.co.uk. Requests to remove or change donations will be refunded until this time. Requests to change or remove donations after this time cannot be made.

Minimum donation is £5.00 per booking. The donation value can be increased, please ask at time of booking or let us know via enquiries@justyou.co.uk. 

If you cancel a booking, or your booking is cancelled by us, then your total donation will be refunded to you. If you would like to continue with your donation, rather than receiving a refund please do let us know at time of cancellation. Otherwise, it will be refunded to you.

Planeterra is a registered nonprofit in Canada and a Charity in the US, however, they are not registered in the UK and therefore Gift Aid does not apply in this instance.