We all love to travel. However, have you ever thought about what impact that has on the communities you visit, the natural environment around you, or the greater aspect of carbon usage worldwide?
We’re on a journey. A journey to being a more responsible travel company, where we can improve the environmental and cultural impact we have on the world, and we’re going to bring you on that journey with us.
It doesn’t have to be scary, as there are small things we can all do that makes some difference. We have outlined five different areas where you can make a difference: being culturally aware, being carbon conscious, avoiding waste, saving water and protecting the environment.
Over the coming months and years, we’re going to update our Responsible Travel plan. This is just the start!
BEING CULTURALLY RESPONSIBLE
RESPECT LOCAL CULTURE
Before you go, it’s a good idea to research and understand the local culture, dress codes, and values. As convenient as the world has become, we must respect and preserve different beliefs and ways of life. These may be very different from the customs back home.
HIRE A LOCAL GUIDE
There’s nothing like a local to take you into the heart of a community and gain insight into their lives. You’ll be able to experience it all as they do. Plus, by booking a local guide, you’re also contributing to the local economy.
SHOP & EAT LOCALLY
Try to look for local ingredients, especially seasonal produce that can be found in local shops and markets. Large chains may source their ingredients internationally, which can result in higher food mileage. The same goes for restaurants, try to choose local ingredients, as this will increase your chances of finding ingredients that are both delicious and locally grown.
INVEST IN LOCAL COMMUNITY
We encourage you to invest in the communities you visit, which not only enhances your experience but also improves the lives of local residents. An investment can be as simple as bringing basic groceries or volunteering on a community project.
BEING CARBON CONSCIOUS
SLOW TRAVEL
To experience China's speed, we recommend choosing high-speed rail, which will give you a richer travel experience, rather than multiple short trips. Long-distance travel, especially overland travel, has less carbon emissions and less impact on the environment.
EMBRACE HIGHT-SPEED RAIL
Traveling by high-speed rail is not only a great way to see a country, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of your holiday. High-speed rail is widely used in many places, especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing and Xi'an.
TRAVEL LIGHTLY
You don't have to move the kitchen sink, after all, the more weight you carry, the more fuel you'll use. Especially on long trips, rather than bringing too many clothes, consider booking an apartment with laundry facilities.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Consider taking the local subway, bus, monorail or bikeshare to improve your mobility. Most places have at least some bus service, and more and more are operating sustainably.
AVOIDING WASTE & SINGLE USE PLASTIC
PACKAGING
We recommend that you leave all packaging at home before you travel so that it can be recycled. If you do produce packaging while abroad (especially if you are eating at a buffet), find out how locals recycle it.
TURN OFF APPLIANCES
Appliances in standby mode still use energy. Consider turning them off completely when not in use to save money, too.
TAKE A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE
Reduce your use of single-use plastics by bringing a refillable water bottle with you. You can refill it after airport security, and use a larger water bottle when you travel abroad to reduce plastic waste.
RECYCLE
Does your hotel accept recycling? Your hotel may have a recycling point you're not aware of, or your area may have a municipal recycling point that accepts plastics or cards.
AVOIDING WASTE & SINGLE USE PLASTIC
AVOID ANIMAL CRUELTY
Avoid attractions that may be abusing animals. If you see animals being performed outside of their natural habitat, you probably don't want to support that behavior.
CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION PROJECTS
There are hundreds of wildlife conservation projects around the world. You can fit one into your itinerary, as there will usually be a charity or volunteering project near where you live.
SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We always recommend supporting local community projects, this can be simple like a school or health centre, or large cultural projects that sustain a lifestyle.
DON’T BUY GIFTS OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS
The illegal wildlife trade is a huge industry and we advise caution when buying locally produced animal souvenirs as it may be contributing to the trade. If in doubt, don’t buy.
SAVE WATER
KEEP SHOWERS TO A MINIMUM
Water is a precious resource in many places, so it is advisable to reduce water usage whenever possible. An easy way to do this is to keep your showers as short as possible, especially in areas with low water levels.
DON’T CHANGE BEDDING DAILY
Many hotels now offer daily linen changes. Consider this option, as it’s unlikely you’ll need to change your linens every day (after all, you’re unlikely to do so every day at home), which can save you money on water and energy.
UNDERSTAND LOCAL WATER USAGE RULES
Find out about the water regulations at your destination. Some destinations restrict water use at certain times of the year (or even times of the day), and may even require rationing during particularly difficult times.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Find out about the water regulations at your destination. Some destinations restrict water use at certain times of the year (or even times of the day), and may even require rationing during particularly difficult times.
We all love to travel. However, have you ever thought about what impact that has on the communities you visit, the natural environment around you, or the greater aspect of carbon usage worldwide?
We’re on a journey. A journey to being a more responsible travel company, where we can improve the environmental and cultural impact we have on the world, and we’re going to bring you on that journey with us.
It doesn’t have to be scary, as there are small things we can all do that makes some difference. We have outlined five different areas where you can make a difference: being culturally aware, being carbon conscious, avoiding waste, saving water and protecting the environment.
Over the coming months and years, we’re going to update our Responsible Travel plan. This is just the start!
BEING CULTURALLY RESPONSIBLE
RESPECT LOCAL CULTURE
Before you go, it’s a good idea to research and understand the local culture, dress codes, and values. As convenient as the world has become, we must respect and preserve different beliefs and ways of life. These may be very different from the customs back home.
HIRE A LOCAL GUIDE
There’s nothing like a local to take you into the heart of a community and gain insight into their lives. You’ll be able to experience it all as they do. Plus, by booking a local guide, you’re also contributing to the local economy.
SHOP & EAT LOCALLY
Try to look for local ingredients, especially seasonal produce that can be found in local shops and markets. Large chains may source their ingredients internationally, which can result in higher food mileage. The same goes for restaurants, try to choose local ingredients, as this will increase your chances of finding ingredients that are both delicious and locally grown.
INVEST IN LOCAL COMMUNITY
We encourage you to invest in the communities you visit, which not only enhances your experience but also improves the lives of local residents. An investment can be as simple as bringing basic groceries or volunteering on a community project.
BEING CARBON CONSCIOUS
SLOW TRAVEL
To experience China's speed, we recommend choosing high-speed rail, which will give you a richer travel experience, rather than multiple short trips. Long-distance travel, especially overland travel, has less carbon emissions and less impact on the environment.
EMBRACE HIGHT-SPEED RAIL
Traveling by high-speed rail is not only a great way to see a country, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of your holiday. High-speed rail is widely used in many places, especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing and Xi'an.
TRAVEL LIGHTLY
You don't have to move the kitchen sink, after all, the more weight you carry, the more fuel you'll use. Especially on long trips, rather than bringing too many clothes, consider booking an apartment with laundry facilities.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Consider taking the local subway, bus, monorail or bikeshare to improve your mobility. Most places have at least some bus service, and more and more are operating sustainably.
AVOIDING WASTE & SINGLE USE PLASTIC
PACKAGING
We recommend that you leave all packaging at home before you travel so that it can be recycled. If you do produce packaging while abroad (especially if you are eating at a buffet), find out how locals recycle it.
TURN OFF APPLIANCES
Appliances in standby mode still use energy. Consider turning them off completely when not in use to save money, too.
TAKE A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE
Reduce your use of single-use plastics by bringing a refillable water bottle with you. You can refill it after airport security, and use a larger water bottle when you travel abroad to reduce plastic waste.
RECYCLE
Does your hotel accept recycling? Your hotel may have a recycling point you're not aware of, or your area may have a municipal recycling point that accepts plastics or cards.
AVOIDING WASTE & SINGLE USE PLASTIC
AVOID ANIMAL CRUELTY
Avoid attractions that may be abusing animals. If you see animals being performed outside of their natural habitat, you probably don't want to support that behavior.
CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVATION PROJECTS
There are hundreds of wildlife conservation projects around the world. You can fit one into your itinerary, as there will usually be a charity or volunteering project near where you live.
SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITY PROJECTS
We always recommend supporting local community projects, this can be simple like a school or health centre, or large cultural projects that sustain a lifestyle.
DON’T BUY GIFTS OF ENDANGERED ANIMALS
The illegal wildlife trade is a huge industry and we advise caution when buying locally produced animal souvenirs as it may be contributing to the trade. If in doubt, don’t buy.
SAVE WATER
KEEP SHOWERS TO A MINIMUM
Water is a precious resource in many places, so it is advisable to reduce water usage whenever possible. An easy way to do this is to keep your showers as short as possible, especially in areas with low water levels.
DON’T CHANGE BEDDING DAILY
Many hotels now offer daily linen changes. Consider this option, as it’s unlikely you’ll need to change your linens every day (after all, you’re unlikely to do so every day at home), which can save you money on water and energy.
UNDERSTAND LOCAL WATER USAGE RULES
Find out about the water regulations at your destination. Some destinations restrict water use at certain times of the year (or even times of the day), and may even require rationing during particularly difficult times.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Find out about the water regulations at your destination. Some destinations restrict water use at certain times of the year (or even times of the day), and may even require rationing during particularly difficult times.