Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is an important element of sustainable, ethical, and eco-friendly travel. It is all about having an active awareness about the effect that travel has on destinations and cultures around the world; positive and negative. It’s about considering your impact and that of the travel providers you choose and taking responsibility for ensuring that every facet of your travels, from the transport you take, the places you stay, the way you interact, and the companies and governments you support, are as sustainable as possible.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

If you are keen to support community projects and the livelihoods of the local communities, then we have community projects for you. We are working for videos, orphans, and street children to help them to live their lives with dignity and pride. You can be part of this project to uplift their lives.

RESPECT LOCALS AND THEIR CULTURE

When visiting a foreign country, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest; so, behave like responsible citizens and respect that other people and places may view the world very differently and that their customs might feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable as you experience them. But just because something is different or you don’t agree with it, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong or your way is better. Do respect anyways.
Treat locals how you’d wish to be treated as a guest, take your cues from how they behave and dress, and always travel with respect at the heart of your adventures.

BARGAIN RESPECTFULLY

Bargaining in a lively local market is all part of the fun when traveling, while haggling over food, transport, and souvenirs is commonplace in many parts of the world. Positively support the livelihoods of traders by keeping in mind that the goal is to pay the fairest price for everyone, not the cheapest.
Also, bargaining isn’t standard practice in every country – so be sure to read up on the local etiquette before arriving to ensure you don’t offend by trying to bargain where it isn’t a thing.

EAT LOCALLY

Let’s be honest, there is nothing better than eating local cuisine. Not only is the food delicious, but it also supports the local economy via the use of local ingredients and produces, workers, restaurant owners, and food culture.
When you visit a destination, make a point of eating from locally run restaurants, street food stands, and markets, and forget the familiar foods. In this way, you will taste the delicious local foods as well as you will helping the local communities support themselves and encouraging the small micro-enterprises.

RESPECT DRESS CODES

In many Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Orthodox countries, a strict dress code applies, especially when visiting sights of religious significance, such as Angkor Wat, or within local villages and mosques.
In most cultures, covering shoulders and knees is enough, however, walking around in a bikini or bathers is frowned upon. Therefore, respect their beliefs either you agree with it or not.

LEARN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE (OR AS MUCH AS YOU CAN)

When we intent to visit a new country we must learn a few key phrases of the local languages. Just a small amount of effort results in very positive outcomes.

BE A GOOD PERSON

To be a responsible traveler all you need to do is be a good person. Start with a smile, listen patiently, and respond politely to those around you. Treat those you come across with respect and kindness – even those annoying hagglers.
If you’re not interested in chatting or purchasing, politely decline and move on. Treat others as you want others to treat you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is an incredible way to take your memories with. But for some reason, the usual photography etiquettes that people tend to employ in their own country often seem to fly out the window the minute they step foot in another.
Responsible travel photography is about placing you in the other person’s shoes, and think is it appropriate to take the picture. Some people and cultures don’t allow others to take pictures so it’s better to ask before capturing pictures.

SAY NO TO PLASTIC

Avoid buying plastic products if at all possible, say no to plastic bags, and where possible, gently educate locals on the negative consequences of plastic.

RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT

Regardless of whether it’s your home country or somewhere you’re visiting, respect the local environment, and take your trash with you until you can find an adequate trashcan or recycling bin to leave it.

TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

When we travel, we endeavor to take public transport at every opportunity. Not only is it exciting, but it’s also a great way to meet locals and see more of the country you’re visiting.
But the number 1 reason to travel by public transport. Reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing already-existing on-ground transport (trains, etc) and minimizing your internal short-haul flights or private taxis, you’re cutting down on unnecessary emissions – so next time you’re in a country, take the metro, local train or bus, or even rent a bike!

WALK EVERYWHERE WHEN VISITING CITIES

In our humble opinion, the best way to discover a city is on foot. Roaming the streets and invariably getting lost not only a fun way to approach exploring, but also good for the environment.