Travelling Round the World Responsibly

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.

At roundtheworldflights.com, we believe that there are three stages to responsible travel.

• Before you depart.
• During your round the world trip.
• When you return.

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.

Carbon emissions

Air travel is one of many sources of pollution, with the carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft contributing to our rising levels of greenhouse gasses. roundtheworldflights.com recommends that all it’s customers 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. We are also one of the UK's biggest re-sellers of the Trans Siberian Railway, which a lot of people take to get to Asia (And we have been pushing for over 10 years!) instead of flying - Check out more details here

 

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.

Bartering

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 you 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. Use web services such as Lonely Planets Thorn Tree and tripadvisor.com. Tell others about the good experiences and those to avoid.

Travel responsibly and travel well.