ABROAD & BEYOND
It All Adds Up
It All Adds Up
Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates is helping change the world, one suitcase at a time.
Travel with intention takes on new meaning with Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates, a global initiative that turns a little extra luggage space into life-changing support for local communities. The program helps travelers deliver essential supplies—from malaria test kits in the Solomon Islands to baby care items for families in Maui. What began as a simple idea has grown into a movement grounded in gratitude. Seventeen years in, Pack for a Purpose is proving that even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impact on the people and places we visit.
By the Numbers with Pack for a Purpose
480,226
Pounds of essential supplies, in total, that Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken to 60 countries.
8,400
Suitcases travelers packed in 2024 with some 21 tons of essential supplies—equivalent to the entire weight of a commercial jet.
2010
Year emeritus founder and longtime schoolteacher Rebecca Rothney started Pack for a Purpose. Now under the Travel Elevates umbrella, it’s experiencing tremendous growth.
220+
Hotels and tour operators throughout the world that support Pack for a Purpose.
10
Regions—from Africa to Asia, South America to the Caribbean—that feature multiple Pack for a Purpose projects supported by accommodations and tour companies.
17
Countries in the Caribbean alone that provide Pack for a Purpose projects.
1
Pound a deflated soccer ball weighs for easy, light packing. Soccer balls are a highly requested need throughout many Pack for a Purpose projects.
Zilch
Limit to the amount of supplies that can be packed. While an easy five pounds are recommended, travelers are welcome to take as much as they can handle.

5 Easy Steps to Pack for a Purpose
1. Visit packforapurpose.org and select your destination.
2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports.
3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.
4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.
5. The supplies will be delivered to the project.

ABROAD & BEYOND
It All Adds Up
It All Adds Up
Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates is helping change the world, one suitcase at a time.
Travel with intention takes on new meaning with Pack for a Purpose by Travel Elevates, a global initiative that turns a little extra luggage space into life-changing support for local communities. The program helps travelers deliver essential supplies—from malaria test kits in the Solomon Islands to baby care items for families in Maui. What began as a simple idea has grown into a movement grounded in gratitude. Seventeen years in, Pack for a Purpose is proving that even the smallest gesture can leave a lasting impact on the people and places we visit.
By the Numbers with Pack for a Purpose
480,226
Pounds of essential supplies, in total, that Pack for a Purpose travelers have taken to 60 countries.
8,400
Suitcases travelers packed in 2024 with some 21 tons of essential supplies—equivalent to the entire weight of a commercial jet.
2010
Year emeritus founder and longtime schoolteacher Rebecca Rothney started Pack for a Purpose. Now under the Travel Elevates umbrella, it’s experiencing tremendous growth.
220+
Hotels and tour operators throughout the world that support Pack for a Purpose.
10
Regions—from Africa to Asia, South America to the Caribbean—that feature multiple Pack for a Purpose projects supported by accommodations and tour companies.
17
Countries in the Caribbean alone that provide Pack for a Purpose projects.
1
Pound a deflated soccer ball weighs for easy, light packing. Soccer balls are a highly requested need throughout many Pack for a Purpose projects.
Zilch
Limit to the amount of supplies that can be packed. While an easy five pounds are recommended, travelers are welcome to take as much as they can handle.

5 Easy Steps to Pack for a Purpose
1. Visit packforapurpose.org and select your destination.
2. Find an accommodation or tour company and a project it supports.
3. Choose the supplies you wish to take from the specific items requested.
4. Drop off the supplies at the accommodation or tour company.
5. The supplies will be delivered to the project.

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I joined Travel & Cruise Desk as a travel advisor in 2011 and was lucky enough to be trained by some of the most experienced and highly respected advisors in the industry. In 2019, I had the opportunity to purchase the agency and while my role has changed in recent years, I'm dedicated to continuing our agency's legacy of excellence. As the owner, I take great pride in the expert travel advisors on my team, knowing that their services enhance the experiences of our clients.
Originally from Scotland, I've been fortunate enough to explore many parts of the world, including Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. I'm committed to ensuring a good work/life balance for my team while managing the day-to-day operations of the agency. I truly believe that traveling well can not only help individuals live their best lives but when done right, can also be a force for good in the world.