For a life-changing, ethical animal encounter, book one of these expert-approved travel experiences.

Nature travelhelps us appreciate the scope of our planet and our place in it.

Helping Baby Elephants in Kenya

“Reteti Elephant Sancutaryis my children’s favorite place on earth.

Naomi, one of the women elephant keepers, walks through a thicket with one of the orphan elephant calves in her care at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, central Keny

Credit: TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images

The center also has a pet gerenuk, Gilby, who goes on walks with you like a dog.

This is a nature-sensitive place to interact with African rescue animals of all shapes and sizes.”

Another rare species found here is the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

Kea, New Zealand Alpine Parrot

A Kea, a New Zealand alpine parrot, flies through the mountains.Getty Images

Guest will see wildlife but also get to monitor, track, and collect data.

I think this is one of the most innovative and exceptional conservation experiences in Southern Africa right now.

You are on intimate luxury ships, some with only 20 guests on board.

Beluga whale, Somerset Island, Canadian High Arctic.

Beluga whales in Somerset Island, in the Canadian Arctic.David Merron/Getty Images

And best of all, the animals in the Galapagos are known for their lack of fear of humans.

You are guaranteed to be just inches away from most of the iconic wildlife in the archipelago."

Allie Almario, Premier Tours

Underwater view of stingrays at Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru’s Marine Life Discovery Center

Manta rays at Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru’s Marine Life Discovery Center.Courtesy of Four Seasons

A Japanese Macaque bathing in a hot spring in Nagano, Japan.

A Japanese Macaque bathing in a hot spring in Nagano, Japan.Shannon Martin/Getty Images

Buttero (Maremma cowboy), horseback riding, passage of Transumando near San Galgano Abbey

A Buttero (Maremma cowboy) in Transumando, Italy.Getty Images

Playful Galapagos Sea Lion

A playful Galapagos Sea Lion.Getty Images