Some of our most enlightening, thrilling, and all-around amazing experiences have been born from wanderlust. Unfortunately, before you embark on a great trip, you have to complete one particularly unpleasant chore: Packing. But you can lighten your load—while making a difference in the world—if you choose to Pack for a Purpose.

Founded by Rebecca and Scott Rothney, Pack for a Purpose is a non-profit informational website that helps travelers determine what they can bring abroad to best aid communities. Through working with hotels and local aid organizations, Pack for a Purpose makes it possible for jet-setters to make a difference. Often, the items they need are small enough to fit in your luggage—plus, think of all the space you are saving for the souvenirs you're bound to bring home!

Participation in Pack for a Purpose is wonderfully simple. First, determine where you are going—and what hotel you are staying at. Next, find out what objects are most needed at your destination by clicking on their handy guide. Visiting Peru? Find some space in your bag for surgical gloves, toothpaste, band-aids or gauze. Taking a trip to Turkey? Bring along some academic books, pens, pencils or paper. Finally, head down to the local drugstore to purchase a few charitable items and stow them in your suitcase. Now wasn't that easy?

Next time you get purchase plane tickets or gear up to book a hotel, consider checking out Pack for a Purpose. Tourism never felt so good.