Where Sidewalks End
Small
Social Enterprise
Inclusivity Commitment
Connecting you with a disconnected planet
Other
Where Sidewalks End (WSE Travel)
At Where Sidewalks End, we believe in fostering meaningful connections and transformative experiences through travel, while being deeply committed to the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and respect for diverse cultures. Our core mission is to offer travel opportunities that positively impact both travelers and local communities. We operate with the understanding that travel is not just about seeing new places but about engaging deeply with the people, customs, and traditions that make each destination unique.
Valuing Inclusion and Diversity
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at WSE Travel. We create experiences that embrace the diversity of our travelers, including all backgrounds, genders, and ages. Our commitment to respecting local cultures extends to our travelers, where we ensure each experience is both welcoming and culturally sensitive. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual journey in Thailand through a sacred Sak Yant ceremony or an immersive arts and crafts tour in Oaxaca, we invite everyone to feel at home with us, knowing that our experiences are built to accommodate and celebrate diversity.
Proactive in Building a Better Travel Ecosystem
Our company is proud of its contributions to the sustainable travel ecosystem. Through our TRIP Foundation, we support local environmental and social projects, ensuring that each journey leaves a positive impact on the communities we visit. We prioritize working with local guides and small businesses, creating economic opportunities for local artisans, craftsmen, and community leaders.
Additionally, we actively collaborate with sustainable tourism initiatives and share our success stories with a wider audience to inspire more responsible travel practices. Our tours reflect this philosophy by offering authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that respect and support local ways of life.
Welcome to Your Next Adventure
We invite you to explore the world with us, whether you’re looking for a deep spiritual journey, a cultural immersion, or a chance to learn a traditional craft from local artisans. Our tours cover various regions, from the ancient temples of Southeast Asia to the vibrant markets of Mexico, and each one is designed to connect you with the local culture in a responsible, enriching way. We cater to solo travelers, small groups, and families, ensuring every journey is safe, engaging, and unforgettable.
Languages supported:
English, Spanish, Thai
Business sizes supported:
Small Businesses
Business stages supported:
Growth Phase, Launch / Establishment
Is there a free trial or free consultation?
No |
Inclusivity
All businesses and organizations listed on Painted Circle have signed on to our Inclusivity Commitment here.
At Where Sidewalks End, inclusion is a core value guiding all our work. We believe travel should be accessible and empowering for everyone, regardless of background or identity. Our Empowerment Experiences focus on supporting women, indigenous communities, and minorities, creating opportunities for guests to engage with and uplift these local communities.
Through initiatives like our Village Homestay in Borneo, we offer authentic, community-based tourism that directly benefits local residents. Most of our team is locally based, and we ensure fair-trade wages well above local standards, promoting economic sustainability and respect for cultural traditions.
Inclusion for us means creating meaningful, respectful travel experiences that benefit both travelers and the communities we visit.
Ian Ord
Founder
Hello and welcome! My name is Ian Ord, and I founded Where Sidewalks End in 2011 with the belief that travel can be a powerful force for positive change. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful, responsible travel not only enriches the lives of travelers but also empowers local communities and protects the environment.
At Where Sidewalks End, we are committed to creating authentic, culturally immersive experiences that respect the places and people we visit. From partnering with local communities to sharing their stories to ensuring our practices align with sustainability, we are constantly striving to make travel better for everyone involved.
I’m passionate about connecting people with the world in a way that promotes understanding, inclusivity, and a sense of shared responsibility. I invite you to join us on this journey, knowing that with every adventure, we’re leaving a positive impact behind.
Environmental Impact
Is there an Environmental Impact Plan in use:
Yes |
Details about the Environmental Impact Plan:
At Where Sidewalks End, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainable travel practices. As one of the first 50 companies in the world to sign the World Wildlife Protection treaty over a decade ago, we have committed to protecting animals from exploitation in tourism. We do not support activities that harm wildlife and actively promote ethical interactions with nature.
To reduce our environmental impact, we prioritize the use of public transport wherever possible on our tours, minimizing carbon emissions and supporting local infrastructure. We are also deeply committed to reducing plastic waste by encouraging reusable alternatives and minimizing single-use plastics on all our trips.
We contribute to environmental protection efforts through donations to causes like the Save Bear Foundation in Cambodia, supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered species. By integrating sustainability into all aspects of our operations, we aim to ensure that our tours leave a positive legacy for the environment and the communities we visit.
Social Impact
Is there a Social Impact Plan in use:
Yes |
Details about the Social Impact Plan:
At Where Sidewalks End, our social impact strategy centers on creating opportunities for local communities and fostering equal access to travel experiences. Every tour we offer is designed and led by locals, ensuring they have full control over how their culture and stories are shared. This approach empowers communities by creating direct economic benefits and strengthening their role as stewards of their own heritage.
We are committed to fair-trade practices, paying all staff—whether local or remote—wages that exceed local standards. This ensures that everyone involved in our operations benefits fairly, contributing to sustainable livelihoods within the communities we work with.
Inclusivity is key to our mission. We actively work to make our tours accessible to people from all walks of life, ensuring equal opportunities for guests and staff alike. Through our commitment to local leadership, fair compensation, and inclusivity, we strive to create positive social change with every experience we offer.