Travelers.
Innovators.
Changemakers.
We are making travel a force for good.
Awesome Travel
Financial Fairness
Inclusion & Belonging
Circular Economics
Supporting Communities
Share the Journey
Why Painted Circle?
At Painted Circle, we believe travel should be fair, sustainable, and community-driven. Traditional travel resellers take high commissions from tour operators and local businesses, driving up prices for travelers while reducing earnings for the people who create these incredible experiences. We’re here to change that.
What we do...
Painted Circle is an open-source alternative to mass-market travel resellers. We connect travelers with exceptional tour providers, trip organizers, and local experiences—without taking a cut from the businesses. Instead, we offer a Travel Pass that gives travelers access to exclusive deals while keeping more money in the communities they visit. It’s a circular, sustainable approach that benefits everyone.
What we do for you...
TRAVELERS:
You can discover unique, meaningful experiences and amazing trips at great prices. With our Global Travel Pass, you gain access to valuable discounts and special offers that help you save while ensuring more of your money goes directly to the people creating your experiences. When you travel with Painted Circle, you’re helping build a fairer tourism economy. Learn more about our Global Travel Pass.
TRAVEL PROVIDERS & BUSINESSES:
Tour operators, guides, and experience providers can join our network completely free—no commissions, no fees. Instead of losing revenue to big resellers, you can use our Global Travel Pass as a powerful tool to add value for your guests. Our platform helps you gain exposure, connect with travelers who value ethical tourism, and keep more of your hard-earned revenue. Find out more.
COMMUNITIES & NONPROFITS:
Nonprofits, destination organizations, and community groups can benefit from Painted Circle by using our Travel Pass affiliate program to generate funding. Whether you’re working to promote responsible tourism, support local economies, or preserve cultural heritage, partnering with us ensures more tourism revenue is put to use. Learn more.
Inclusion & Belonging
Travel has the power to connect people and create positive change, but too often, traditional tourism leaves out underrepresented communities and reinforces economic disparities. At Painted Circle, we believe the industry has a responsibility to be more inclusive and equitable.
We are committed to fostering a travel ecosystem where diverse voices, cultures, and experiences are valued. Our network amplifies local and Indigenous businesses, promotes small operators that might otherwise be overlooked, and encourages accessibility for travelers of all backgrounds. Just as importantly, we strive to partner with businesses that share this vision—those that welcome all travelers and contribute to a more fair and inclusive tourism industry. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Let's be
FULLY TRANSPARENT
We started Painted Circle with a simple mission: to create a better, more sustainable way to connect travelers with authentic experiences while keeping money where it belongs. Unlike traditional travel platforms, we are independently financed and supported solely by sales of our Travel Pass—never by commissions or fees from travel businesses.
The money we raise helps sustain our platform, and every Travel Pass sold benefits nonprofits in our network. Our affiliate program is also key to our model—when partners refer travelers who purchase a Travel Pass, they share in the proceeds. This keeps more money circulating within the Painted Circle community, directly supporting great travel experiences and the places we visit.
We believe in full transparency about our goals, business model, and impact because we want to build a travel marketplace that travelers and businesses alike can trust.
A message from
the founder...
Thank you for being here and for exploring Painted Circle. If you have purchased our Global Travel Pass I'd like to thank you for supporting our mission—it is greatly appreciated! Funds raised from sales of our travel pass circulate to our many partners, including nonprofits as well as the passionate travel providers you will find on our site.
As the owner of Painted Circle, I also have a financial stake in our operations. I happily disclose the organizations I support with my own financial contributions as part of our commitment to transparency. As a consumer myself, I like to know where my spending goes—and I owe the same to you.
Again, thank you for supporting Painted Circle and our mission to make travel a force for good!
WHERE I CONTRIBUTE:
WWF Deutschland
The World Wildlife Fund Germany contributes to numerous environmental and ecological project within Germany and around the world. I believe our environment and natural habitats must be protected and safeguarded. Learn about the WWF.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. Their work to support marginalized communities aligns with my belief that we must be kind to one another and build a world with more empathy. Learn about the Trevor Project.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned elephants and rhinos in East Africa. I've spent time in Africa and had the privilege of experiencing these animals in the wild. We must protect these incredible creatures for future generations. Learn more about the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Kiva
Kiva offers micro loans to underserved communities around the world. Donating funds to Kiva allows small business owners change their trajectory and get the helping hand they would otherwise lack. It's important to me to support the entrepreneurial spirit for those who lack resources. Learn more about Kiva.
Other small contributions...
I've also contributed smaller donations to the American Red Cross, Justice Tourism Foundation, and the Democracy Project of Transylvania (where I serve on the Board).
Donation information last updated 20 February 2025.