What is RAW Travel?
RAW Travel is an inspiring and innovative walking company that aspires to become the world’s leading name in travel, adventure, hiking, and as a prominent tour operator. This business has a deep-seated passion for nature, adventure travel, and meeting people – it’s in their DNA. The team passionately connects with travelers on a personal level, meeting them face-to-face, researching trips, and sharing the excitement of exploring the world on foot. The essence of RAW Travel lies in long-term relationships built on trust, genuine care, and that unmistakable sense that every step taken is a journey of discovery. It’s a company known for its friendly, personalised service that continues to create loyal repeat customers whose satisfaction defines its success.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
RAW Travel offers a host of impressive features and benefits that set it apart:
- Australia’s leading specialist for self-guided and iconic walks such as the Camino de Santiago and Kumano Kodo
- A certified Benefit Corporation (B-Corp) with a notable score of 91.3, ensuring ethical governance and sustainable practices
- A unique approach that encourages travelers to design their trips with the expertise of destination specialists
- A custom-built walking app that provides navigation, points of interest, weather, and safety updates
- An in-depth suite of walking guidebooks that reflects firsthand experience on popular routes
- Over $18 million raised for Australia and NZ charities through fundraising trips
A Passion for Nature and Adventure
At its heart, RAW Travel is driven by an undying love for nature and the thrill of adventure. The business has cultivated a culture where every journey is seen as an opportunity to slow down, truly observe the world, and connect deeply with people and cultures. There’s a casual, warm vibe that makes each walking trip not just a trip, but an immersive experience where nature’s wonders are explored at a gentle pace. The feeling is very much like taking a leisurely stroll while pausing to admire a picturesque view – natural, authentic, and refreshing.
Expertise in Walking Trips
RAW Travel is renowned for its expertise in walking trips. The company’s leadership, with years of experience in guiding groups, truly embodies the motto “we know because we go.” Travelers benefit from insights and firsthand advice from professionals who have personally trodden these paths. This dedication to field-tested wisdom ensures that every detail, from accommodation to hidden gems along the route, is meticulously curated. In this way, RAW Travel stands out as a tour operator that combines expert advice with the spirit of adventure.
Innovative and Ethical Governance
A commitment to ethical governance is at the core of RAW Travel’s operations. The business remains true to its roots as a small, ethical enterprise, and its B-Corp certification is a clear indicator of this. With a Board of Directors that includes industry veterans and seasoned professionals like Darrell Wade, a director from Intrepid Travel, ethical and strategic decisions are made with significant expertise. This innovative model not only reinforces strong industry practices but also ensures that every walking trip contributes positively to both local communities and environmental sustainability. Carbon offsetting trips and planting a native tree for every traveler are just a couple of ways this company gives back.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
RAW Travel believes that a walking holiday isn’t just a personal escape but a positive step for the planet. Traveling on foot means a slower pace of discovery, one that allows for a genuine connection with nature and local cultures. This low-impact travel approach helps restore, connect, and heal both the traveler and the destination. The company’s long-standing history of supporting good causes shines through its efforts, having raised over $18 million for charities in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a philosophy where the journey is about imparting benefits into the community, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.
Project Impact
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Through carbon offsetting and environmental initiatives like tree planting.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By practicing sustainable tourism and ethical business methodologies.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Promoting low-impact travel that maintains ecological balance and supports biodiversity.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Fostering local development through partnerships with local suppliers and communities.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building strong relationships with local communities and philanthropic endeavors.
Innovative Tools for the Modern Traveler
Embracing technology and the modern traveler’s needs, RAW Travel offers its own proprietary walking app that serves as a virtual guide along each route. This innovative tool not only helps in navigation but also enriches the traveler’s experience by highlighting points of interest, providing up-to-date weather details, and ensuring safety information is always at hand. In addition, the company produces detailed walking guidebooks for popular routes such as the Kumano Kodo and Portuguese Camino. This blend of technology and traditional guidebooks demonstrates a deep understanding of what makes a walking trip memorable, combining practical solutions with authentic insights that only firsthand experience can deliver. It’s a testament to RAW Travel’s commitment to offering an experience that’s as much about connection and community as it is about intellectual exploration.
