Sustainable Travel with Purpose

Travel That Matters: Maddy Molina’s Journey of Purpose, Connection and Impact

From a young age, travel has shaped Maddy Molina’s worldview by teaching her how to connect across cultures, adapt with humility, and care for the planet along the way. Her adventures have gone far beyond the tourist path: planting coral in the crystal-clear waters of Moorea, restoring Ecuadorian cloud forests one tree at a time, and working alongside Thai farmers in muddy rice paddies. She’s shared meals over open flames with families in Thailand and Morocco, cared for baby elephants at a sanctuary, and molded clay with artisans passing culture down through generations. These moments weren’t just experiences—they were lessons in respect, reciprocity, and the deep interconnectedness of our world.

With the wonder came awareness. Maddy realized that authentic travel isn’t just about what you take in—it’s about how you engage. It means being curious and conscious, seeking connection while minimizing impact. From learning a few words in the local language to choosing eco-friendly transport or supporting local businesses, she believes simple choices can create powerful change.

Now a coral restoration advocate and sustainable travel leader, Maddy is on a mission to inspire young people to explore with intention. Her message: Don’t just travel to see the world—travel to shape it. Every journey is a chance to grow, connect, and build a more sustainable, just, and meaningful future—one experience at a time.