In the world of sustainable tourism and grassroots educational development, few partnerships stand out like DreamTrips + Hug It Forward: Bottle Schools. This powerful collaboration blends community-driven construction, eco-friendly architecture, and immersive cultural exchange to create lasting social impact in rural Guatemala. Celebrated globally for their innovation, Bottle Schools turn plastic waste into opportunity, transforming discarded bottles into durable classrooms that help children gain access to quality education.
As DreamTrips marks its 20th anniversary, the organization is recommitting itself to travel that makes a difference. Together with Hug It Forward, they are preparing for a major 2026 relaunch of volunteer trips that aim to deepen their already remarkable legacy of building 150+ schools across Central America.
The partnership between these two organizations didn’t emerge by accident; it grew from a shared belief that travel should not only inspire the traveler but uplift the communities hosting them.
A 20-Year Legacy of Purpose-Driven Travel
Since its founding, DreamTrips has championed “travel with intention.” Rather than limiting tourism to sightseeing, the company emphasizes meaningful engagement, local immersion, and long-term community partnership. This human-centered mission became a catalyst for joining hands with Hug It Forward.
Why Hug It Forward Became a Perfect Match
Hug It Forward is a nonprofit known for its Bottle School program, a brilliant model that transforms plastic pollution into classroom walls using eco-bricks. Their approach is deeply community-driven, emphasizing local participation, education, and environmental awareness. This aligns seamlessly with DreamTrips’ values of empowerment, sustainability, and cultural respect.
Bottle Schools are classrooms built using eco-bricks, plastic bottles tightly packed with inorganic trash. These eco-bricks create strong, insulated walls that replace thousands of pounds of traditional concrete and reduce the environmental footprint.
According to academic research (Rahman et al., 2020), eco-bricks are increasingly proving to be a viable construction alternative. They offer:
Scholars like Cordova et al. (2019) confirm that eco-brick walls maintain structural integrity suitable for schools and community buildings in rural contexts.
Environmental Advantages of Using Plastic Bottles in Construction
Bottle Schools reduce waste by:
Diverting plastic from landfills
Cutting COâ‚‚ emissions through reduced cement usage
Teaching environmental stewardship to children and families
Each school can use 6,000–10,000 plastic bottles that would otherwise poison soil or waterways.
Hug It Forward follows a philosophy backed by renowned development expert Robert Chambers: meaningful impact happens when communities lead. Local families collect bottles, stuff eco-bricks, and take part in the building process creating pride, unity, and ownership.
Educational & Social Outcomes for Rural Children
Many villages in Guatemala face limited access to sturdy educational facilities. Bottle Schools:
Research by Watson (2016) shows that when communities engage directly in school construction, children attend more regularly and parents feel more invested.
Voluntourism has faced criticism, often rightly, for short-term projects that unintentionally cause harm. But DreamTrips + Hug It Forward: Bottle Schools operate differently.
Mitigating Short-Termism & Cultural Disconnects
According to Guttentag (2009), poorly managed volunteer programs can undermine local autonomy. To address this, Hug It Forward ensures:
Training, Preparation & Responsible Engagement
Volunteers receive orientation on culture, appropriate conduct, and the purpose behind Bottle Schools. Wearing and McGehee (2013) highlight this as best practice for ethical travel.
With global travel reviving, DreamTrips is preparing to relaunch its impact experiences in 2026.
Impact Travel as a Growing Global Trend
More travelers today seek experiences that contribute positively to the world. Interest in sustainable tourism has jumped significantly, according to UNESCO.
New Phases & Expanded Community Impact Goals
The 2026 phase will include:
Over a decade, the partnership has accomplished milestones such as:
These numbers reflect more than buildings; they represent futures transformed.
Volunteers don’t just build walls; they build relationships.
Mutual Learning Experiences
Activities include:
This fosters empathy, understanding, and lifelong connection.
Despite significant success, some challenges remain:
Addressing these ensures Bottle Schools remain viable for decades.
The partnership between DreamTrips + Hug It Forward: Bottle Schools stands as a global example of how responsible tourism, sustainable construction, and community empowerment can transform lives. It’s not just about building classrooms — it’s about building futures. As they prepare for a renewed mission in 2026, the vision is clear: create lasting change, one eco-brick at a time.
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