All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally. The very fact that you take a trip with us, whether it is for a treatment or for relaxation, fulfilment, discovery, adventure or to learn, rather than simply to tick off 'places and things' – shows that you are a responsible traveller.When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments. Galavantor ensures a more authentic holiday experience that enables you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people.Responsible travellers maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of tourism.DON'T- Buy imported goods at your destination. Instead purchase local produce. This means your money goes directly to the community.
- Buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts, including skins, ivory or bone. Not only is it illegal to import or export them in most cases, you're likely to be supporting poaching practices that have had devastating impacts on animal populations.
- Litter. Carry your trash home if you cannot dispose it properly.
- Damage buildings or monuments by writing on them.
- Destroy vegetation just to have a “perfect” place to camp!
- Be tempted to create a new track or take a shortcut while on a hike. Stay on the existing trail where possible even if it's muddy or there's room to walk alongside. This keeps erosion to a minimum.
- Dispose of your use batteries when you travel. Preferably carry rechargeable ones. Many remote areas don't have proper disposal facilities, so by travelling with rechargeable ones you'll save money and keep thousands of them out of landfills.
DO- Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice.
- Ask before you photograph people, traditional ceremonies and any important artefacts to avoid causing offence.
- Dress appropriately - You should respect any dress code required for admittance into places of worship, such as covering up shoulders and legs or removing your shoes.
- Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
- Use resources such as water, food and energy sparingly. It’s very precious in many countries - you may be depriving local people or making a negative impact on their environs. Tourists tend to use far more than local people.
- Keep one eye on your feet, while you're admiring the view! Particularly at high altitudes and latitudes, native flora can be very slow-growing. It can take years to regenerate after being crushed by your muddy boots.
- Do as much research as you can - the more you know about a country and its people before you arrive, the quicker you get under the skin of a place.
- Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions.
- Learn a few words of the local language and make sure you know what's considered polite and what's not in terms of eating, greeting and dressing.
- SMILE ! Be aware that your reactions to what you consider unpleasant can show on your face and may upset.
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