United Kingdom
Tips for Travellers
As a traveller, you can do a lot to help ensure that tourism remains a positive experience for travellers and hosts alike. The following guidelines offer suggestions for low-impact and culturally sensitive travel:
Stay on the trail
Straying from the trail while hiking can cause erosion and other environmentally harmful impacts.
Respect the wildlife
View animals from a safe distance without affecting their natural behaviour. Touching, feeding, or harassing animals to get a photo is considered unethical travel.
Respect endangered species
Do not buy products that exploit wildlife, aid in habitat destruction, or come from endangered species.
Do not litter
Even if you see a local person littering, set an example and dispose of your garbage appropriately.
Reduce waste
Recycling is extremely limited or non-existent in most developing countries. Avoid products with excess packaging; opt for beverages in glass bottles as they tend to be re-used. Try not to use plastic bags and consider bringing along rechargeable batteries.
Protect local water systems
Often available at camping or outdoor stores, biodegradable products make a big difference when visiting fragile and pristine parts of the world. When camping try to stay at least 50m away from waterways when brushing your teeth.
Respect cultural differences
Local customs and traditions may be different from our own. Take the time to learn what behaviour is acceptable and what isn't. When entering temples in Asia wear long pants or skirts and keep your shoulders covered.
Take photos with care
Always ask permission to take photos of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. If you do take a photo, offer to send copies back to them and make sure to follow through with your promise.
Learn a few phrases
Take the time to learn about the country you are visiting. Learning about the customs and a few words in the local language can go a long way and is appreciated by the local people. It also makes your interactions more meaningful and memorable.
Giving gifts
Please do not encourage begging by responding to it with money or candy. However, if you feel that you want to give something then we would suggest carrying along fruit, pens or soap which you could give instead. Often children are sent out into the streets by their parents to beg as a way to earn money for the family. Instead of promoting this behaviour speak to your tour leader about other ways that you can help while on your G.A.P Adventures tour. Whether it be visiting a Planeterra project or supporting a local school with school supplies or second hand clothes.
Support Local Artisans
Support local artists and artisans by purchasing locally made goods. Many communities sell handmade crafts that you may purchase while on tour. You may also ask your Tour Leader for recommendations about where to find local markets, stores and cooperatives.
