Travelling Round the World Responsibly
We love travel. Especially round the world travel. But there is a cost beyond the
price of your ticket. Responsible tourism is about helping to ensure that future
generations have the chance to enjoy exploring the world every bit as much as we
do today. The efforts we all make now will help to sustain the cultures and the
environments that we visit.
But we all know that flying is not an environmentally friendly transportation method
and moreover there is also a strong argument to say don't fly at all, especially
on short-haul flights (we're big supporters of more investment in the rail network
in the UK - especially if you've ever travelled by train within Europe recently
you'll know how overpriced trains within the UK are). There is a great Moral Maze-type
debate here at
Tourism Concern
Though it could be argued that stopping at many countries, especially in the less
developed parts of the world, as part of an RTW trip will use up far fewer resources,
and benefit local people more IF your money is spent locally. However making several
individual pre-packaged trips (especially if that money goes to some huge corporation
in the US or Europe) to each destination from Europe would be very difficult to
justify.
But this pro-travelling argument only really works if you follow the guidelines
below - especially before and during your trip. As in most things in life you only
get out what you put in, and the reverse is equally true - so we all have a responsibility
to max out our travels; do visit eco-lodges, stay in local housing, and basically
spread the wealth and gain knowledge (There's nothing worse that a well travelled
bigot).
We do sometimes feel that the environmental argument always go to extremes. Whether
its vociferous arguments' against the new Heathrow runway - one with which a lot
of professionals within the travel industry agree incidentally - especially when
there's a massive runway at Manston in Kent that everyone seems to have forgotten
was used to be used by Concorde when there was fog at Heathrow, and will could be
linked to Ramsgate by the new high speed rail link opening in November 09.
Or the other side of the coin is those who would deny there is a problem and don't
mind fiddling whilst Rome burns. That is crazy - there is a major man-made environmental
catastrophe looming and the solutions can be man-made too.
We do recommend that all our passengers offset the environmental costs of each round
the world flight by paying a surcharge for each flight, equivalent to the 'climate
cost', used within their itineraries. For further information on Climate Care and
details of their projects, please visit Climate
Care for further details. A standard RTW costs from £20 - £40
depending on the mileage.
Other way to reduce the carbon footprint of your trip is to include a "surface"
sector e.g. taking the train from Bangkok to Singapore. We're also huge fans of
the Trans-Siberian train - more details
here
Incidentally at roundtheworldflights.com we have been leading our (small and independent)
RTW sector of the travel industry towards a paperless enviroment; recycling paper
wherever possible and moving to a paperless documentation over the last few years
ie most of our paperwork is now sent as a pdf, as is our insurance documents, and
our brochures are now all online - saving several thousand trees per year -
here.
However this is only a start - we would ask you to work out your routings to maximise
your stay wherever possible in far away destinations, especially in poorer countries,
and to paraphrase an old adage - Take only memories, leave only footprints, and
minimise your carbon footprint. That's a minimum.
We're not going to lecture you but one thing we will say - you almost have a duty
to max out your RTW - morally its the only way to justify RTW travelling.
At roundtheworldflights.com, we believe that there are three stages to responsible
travel.
• Before you depart more
• During your round the world trip more
• After you return home more
Before you depart
Research your route and the destinations that you are visiting.
Learn about the local cultures, politics and the environment that you will visit.
If you are planning to participate in any adventure travel, such as trekking, then
research how to travel outdoors responsibly and learn about ‘best practises’.
Packing
When it comes to clothing, plan carefully and take into consideration what others
may find offensive in the communities you will be visiting. Try to avoid carrying
items that are enclosed in disposable packaging - this packaging can usually be
left at home. Select you toiletries with care e.g. if you are planning to trek you
should take only biodegradable washing products. Check out our packing
list.
Volunteer
Global Nomadic, are an ethically responsible company, that puts you directly in
touch with the Project Provider organisation of your choice, adding zero commission
to the price of the project. You will pay the wholesale price. They ask only for
a small placement fee, in return they offer full pre-departure support, and email
assistance whilst on your project.
Stuff Your Rucksack
We really like Kate Humble's StuffYourRucksack
website where you can discover what supplies are urgently needed by charities and
organisations in countries you plan to visit. Check the website to find what's required,
then stuff any empty corners of your bag.
The Trans Siberian
We are also one of the UK's biggest sellers of the Trans Siberian Railway, which
a lot of people take to get to Asia (And we have been selling for over 10 years!)
instead of flying - Check out more details
here
Frequently Asked Questions before you go
Do flights have to actually go round the world?
When is the cheapest time to go?
If I don’t live in the UK can I still make a booking with you?
What does the phase ‘surface’ mean?
What is the tax that everyone keeps quoting - is it V.A.T?
Is roundtheworldflights.com just another Internet start up?
Why should I book with you?
Are you ATOL and IATA bonded?
How far ahead can I book?
Can I pre-book my first night's accommodation?
Why do I need travel insurance?
How much notice do I have to give to change my dates?
Can I change destinations whilst I'm away?
How much luggage can I take?
What is the difference between a paper ticket and an e-ticket and what
do I need to carry?
When is the best time to start planning
and purchasing my trip?
Will I get a better price if I wait
until the last minute?
Can I make up my own itinerary?
What Gear will I need?
During your trip
People, Customs and Etiquette
The world is a big place and as you travel from one country to another you will
be amazed and enthralled by the variety of local customs and regional ‘ways’
that you encounter. One of the most amazing aspects to travelling around the world
is the contrast between cultures that you become immersed in - the South American
Inca descendents are very different people to those of the Mongolian Genghis Khan!
Where to start?
• That’s easy, always show respect to your host people and nation and
remember that you are in their backyard.
• Try and respect local customs whenever possible and if you find yourself
in an uncomfortable situation then decline politely but firmly…don’t
worry, there are very few tribes left in the world where the chief gets to spend
an afternoon with your partner!
• Read up before you go, and once on the ground if you’re unsure of anything,
observe, listen and take your lead from locals. In all but the most remote areas,
people understand that you come from a different culture and any errors you make
will at worse be met with laughter.
• Nudity, scanty or inappropriate dress can cause offence in many regions of
the world – these people do not buy Vogue magazine and do not understand the
desire for an all over suntan. Modest dress will help minimize the risk of sexual
harassment and help to ensure you are treated with respect.
• Formalities such as greetings can be quite different to what you are used
to. It’s never a problem to offer your hand but it may be found very amusing
– again, take your lead from the locals.
• Please be aware that public displays of affection are still considered taboo
in many communities and you should avoid them where possible (although holding hands
shouldn’t get you in too much trouble!). At the other end of the scale, it
is considered very rude in some cultures, throughout Asia in particular, to lose
your temper in public and should be avoided at all costs - save both ‘extremes’
for your hostel or hotel room!
• Always abide by all the laws of the country and community you’re visiting,
you’re a tourist, not a royal dignitary, and they apply to us all.
Photography
Always ask before taking a photo of any local person – especially in rural
areas. Pointing at your camera with raised eyebrows will usually be enough for them
to understand your intentions. Always respect their wishes if they decline
your request.
Whilst some will say no, many people are more than happy for you to take a snap
if only to be able to admire the picture you have just taken of them…one
of the great benefits of digital cameras!
Begging
In most instances, we strongly recommend you do not give money or other ‘gifts’
to beggars, no matter how hard it is to resist. Children often miss out on a basic
education because they are forced to ‘work’ by their parents. In the
most extreme cases, they may even be deliberately maimed to increase their earning
potential as beggars. Local people and guidebooks will be able to point you in the
direction of schools you can make a more meaningful donation of pens or other equipment
to. These donations actually reach the intended benefactors.
What are you buying?
Souvenir Alert is a campaign which was launched by the World Wildlife Fund and partners
to combat the international trade in endangered species.
What you can do?
You can play a crucial role in curbing illegal and non-sustainable trade. Think
before you buy - and remember that trade in tourist wildlife souvenirs can threaten
endangered species. If you have any info about wildlife smuggling call 01483 426
111 and ask for an Eyes and Ears Action Pack to report your findings.
International Trade in the Following is Prohibited:
- Elephant Ivory - mainly found in artefacts from Asia and Africa
- Chinese Medicines containing any part of tiger, rhino or leopard.
- Sea Turtle shells - souvenirs from turtle shells are found in the Caribbean.
- Any Big Cat fur, teeth, claw or skins.
- Shatoosh - shawls made from the wool of this Tibetan antelope are banned.
For more information contact:
WWF-UK, Panda House, Weyside Park, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XR
Bartering
Haggle with humour, a smile and not aggressively. Pay what something is worth to
you and remember how wealthy you are compared to local people. So when shopping,
try not to drive too hard a bargain. Bartering is an important part of life in many
cultures and there is etiquette to be observed. You are expected to raise your initial
offer at least once and in most cases several times. Try and get into it and you’ll
come to enjoy the process…it beats shopping at Tesco’s! It is worth
giving yourself a reality check every now and again - is it really worth missing
out on a souvenir over a couple of pence?…nothing to you but often a vital
profit margin for the seller.
Religious Sites
Visitors to religious and historic sites should always dress appropriately, follow
local guidelines, be mindful of local etiquette and never remove anything - it is
not a souvenir, it is theft.
Water consumption
It is important whilst travelling to consume enough water - it can be very hot and
when sightseeing, participating in an activity or even when relaxing on the beach
you need to ensure that you are consuming a suitable amount of water. You will find
that the vast majority of the drinking water is supplied in plastic bottles and
it is important that you dispose of these responsibly, especially if you are travelling
in rural areas or cities where waste removal is not of the highest priority. Try
to recycle cans and plastic water bottles when the opportunity arises (often children
will collect them in order to make a small amount of money) When trekking or cycling,
bottles should never be disposed of in the wild .Whenever possible, re-use water
bottles by refilling with treated water or water sourced from a safe supply.
Small Group Adventure Travel
We offer a number of small group tours and overland adventure trips. By travelling
on this style of trip you are already making a difference. Not only do you use small
private vehicles and local transport minimising both pollution and erosion, you
will be arriving at small communities in low numbers minimising the ‘tourist
impact’, and any outdoor activities such as trekking and camping will be carried
out under the supervision of local people. All our travel partners in these instances
have up to date responsible tourism manifestos
Wilderness and Wildlife
Use your common sense and follow local and international wilderness guidelines when
travelling in the rural regions.
• If you carry it in, carry it out – do not dispose of litter en route
or even in villages – the dustbin men do not come on Tuesdays. Carry a plastic
bag to collect your litter during the day and take it away with you. If you're happy
to set a good example; pick up litter left by other, less considerate individuals.
• Don't feed or touch wild animals and we also strongly advise you to refrain
from touching domestic animals such as cats and dogs.
• If trekking or mountain biking you should stick to marked paths at all times.
This is for your own safety and also helps to prevent unnecessary erosion.
• Try to buy any basic products (water, noodles etc) direct from the local
communities you visit rather than carry them in. By doing this you will be putting
money into the local communities where it is needed rather than into the pockets
of businessmen in the cities and towns.
• The protection of water resources is vital. Please do everything possible
to avoid polluting vital water sources when trekking. Listen to your guides and
locals when they show you which water to wash in and be sure to only use biodegradable
soaps and shampoos. These don’t contain phosphates.
Upon your return
It’s all down to sharing your knowledge with others at this stage. Information
and hints and tips passed on to other travellers can go a long way.
Look at mapVivo - share your trip with others. Link
here
Tell others about the good experiences and those to avoid. For starters look to
roundtheworldflights.com feedback service here
Travel responsibly and travel well.