Published by Melissa Cicci

Introduction

How can a traveler be confident that he or she will leave a positive footprint on the countries visited?

A growing number of travelers are choosing experiences that connect them to their hosts via volunteering or actively participating in local programs at their destinations. Rather than being merely passive observers, many experienced travelers are electing to use their time to become involved, make connections, and contribute to the well-being of local communities.

Socially responsible travel is the term used to describe this trend, and increasingly, travelers can work with a travel company to plan their activities on the ground or create their own experiences from scratch.

But just how much of the voyaging that is called socially responsible travel is only a greenwashed marketing term, as opposed to a real indicator of a given travel company’s commitment to sustainable travel? After all, you’re spending precious resources of time and money on your vacation, and you do not want to head out on holiday thinking you’d be doing good for yourself and the world, only to find out that the experience was a bust.

If the concept of socially responsible travel is new to you, the idea also has the potential to be off-putting. Some find that sifting through the plethora of so-called eco, volunteer, and philanthropic travel opportunities clouds rather than clarifies the picture. The goal of this guide is to provide a framework for thinking and exploration on the subject.

The first step in traveling responsibly is to choose appropriate travel providers. What follows is a snapshot of selected travel-related companies that have made a commitment to sustainable travel, that are actively engaged in conservation efforts, that are giving back to the communities they serve, and that support volunteer and philanthropic travel experiences.

In Green By Design’s companion Ecotourism Guide, we look at ways in which the global tourism industry is making efforts to minimize tourism’s ecological impact on host countries. The goal of the 32-member Partnership for Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) is to increase the adoption of sustainable tourism practices by defining and communicating standards to which all tourism operations will be obliged to adhere. Visit the GSTC website to learn more about participating organizations and their recommendations.

Key Resources

The Center for Responsible Tourism (CREST) is an excellent resource for researching philanthropic and volunteer travel opportunities. Launched in 2003 at Stanford University and in Washington, DC, CREST seeks to improve the social and environmental impact of tourism. CREST’s goal is to “transform the travel industry as a whole into a driver of positive change for tourist destinations, travelers and the global economy.” Recognizing that individual travelers and travel companies wish to share financial resources, time, and skills to help local communities throughout the world, CREST launched the Traveler’s Philanthropy Project.

Similarly, two other trusted nonprofit organizations, the International Ecotourism Society and Actions Without Borders, maintain lists of volunteer opportunities for world travelers.

Questions to Ask in Advance

If you want to travel responsibly, I recommend these basic questions to keep in mind while planning your trip:

1. Have the national/international companies I am traveling with made an authentic commitment to sustainable travel? Do the transport companies (airlines, cruise lines) have carbon offset programs in which I may participate? Are they giving back to the communities they serve?
2. Do local tour operators put money back into their communities? Do they employ sustainable travel practices?
3. Will my presence and travel dollars benefit local businesses, farmers and families?
4. Will I have an opportunity to donate my time or financial resources directly to local causes while traveling?
5. Have I made an effort to understand/familiarize myself with the language, culture and values of my travel destination?

Selected Guide to Travel Providers

Industry peers have recognized the companies listed below for their responsible travel initiatives. Although far from exhaustive, the list presents a vivid snapshot of the progressive thinking that is taking place at travel companies worldwide. Green By Design will update the list periodically to identify other socially responsible providers as they enter the scene.

Airlines/Cruise Lines:

Virgin Atlantic. This international airline’s CEO and founder, Richard Branson, has pledged all profits over the next 10 years from his travel companies, including Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Trains, to an investment fund called Virgin Fuels. The fund will invest in projects to develop new renewable energy technologies.

Delta Airlines’ Force for Global Good program, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, works to make simple, decent housing possible by building alongside employees, customers, and homeowners in India, South Africa, Ghana, and in the U.S.  Delta is building three homes in the Atlanta area that are fully funded from its onboard recycling program.

Lufthansa’s Help Alliance, founded in 1999 by airline employees, has overseen projects in India, Brazil, Kenya, and Vietnam, including business start-ups, educational establishments, orphanages, projects to support street children, and bush hospitals.

Nature Air flies solely within Costa Rica and is the world’s first carbon-neutral airline.

Holland America Cruise Lines emphasizes environmental stewardship and conservation in its operations. Its environmental initiatives include advanced wastewater purification; the use of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies; water conservation; and its Ship to Shelter donation program.

Disney Cruise Line. The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund has distributed more than $11 million to fund conservation programs and engage communities in protecting wildlife in more than 110 countries.

Tour Companies:

In December 2006, Intrepid Travel, the Australia-based tour company, pledged to become a carbon-neutral company by 2010. Intrepid is committed to environmentally, culturally, and socially responsible travel. Volunteer opportunities shepherded by Intrepid include building, education and youth development projects.

Micato Safaris established its nonprofit foundation, AmericaShare, 20 years ago. They provide education, food, clothing and shelter to thousands of children living in Nairobi. In addition, this luxury tour company’s Lend a Helping Hand on Safari program gives travelers an opportunity to donate time and resources.

In Copenhagen, Denmark, the City Bikes program’s 2,000 bikes are available to anyone from April to November. Users leave a small deposit that is refunded when they return the bikes to any of the dozens of bike stations located throughout the city.

Cambodia-based Journeys Within offers a Give and Take Tour in which participants may spend a week volunteering at its language schools.

GoPhilanthropic is a socially conscious travel company committed to helping individuals and small groups create meaningful life experiences through Travel Philanthropy.

Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (JED) is a village ecotourism network on the Indonesian island of Bali. Launched in 2002, it is owned by the communities of four Balinese villages. Local guides, local foods, community designed and managed, JED sees that all its profits contribute to community development and conservation activities in the villages. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in ceremonial activities and work alongside villagers on day or overnight itineraries.

In addition, the following U.S.-based non-profit organizations lead work/study/charitable tours in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The mission of Village Enterprise Fund, a grant-making NGO based in San Carlos, CA, is to break the cycle of poverty in East Africa through training, seed capital, and mentoring for income-generating small businesses. Travelers on one of VEF’s summer vision trips may learn more about is mission and see the impact of its grant-making first hand.

The American Jewish World Service provides opportunities to study, work, serve and travel in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Volunteers partner with grassroots community-based groups.

Accommodations:

If you are booking your own accommodations, the Environmentally Friendly Hotels website is a good place to start your search.

Tips for Leaving a Positive Footprint

Understanding the culture, values, language, and mores of your destination are key to respectful and responsible travel. Read and learn about your destination in advance. Please remember that you are a guest.

Here are some general guidelines to follow, no matter where you are going:

• Choose travel providers who are committed to conservation and supporting social programs in the areas where they operate.
• If you are traveling as a volunteer or philanthropist, follow the counsel of your host or guide as to the best use of your time and resources.
• Respect local citizens’ privacy; ask permission before entering sites that may be sacred, or private homes and property.
• Be sensitive to when and where you take photos and videos of people. Always ask first.
• When “touring” local schools or businesses, remember that you are a visitor. Ask your guide when and where it is appropriate to engage in conversation or ask questions.
• Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals of the region or those whose sales are otherwise considered unethical. Inquire as to whether Fair Trade practices are employed.
• Avoid overly aggressive bargaining. Remember that the livelihoods of local craftspeople and vendors may depend on your patronage. Ask your guide what is reasonable and customary.
• Don’t give money or candy to children. If you wish to donate in the community, give to the local schools or churches that provide programs and/or support for children.
• Dress respectfully and according to local standards.

Summary

CREST, the Center for Responsible Tourism, sums up responsible travel this way: “Traveling responsibly is not about making sacrifices, stopping development, or staying home. It is about designing tourism programs and individual trips carefully, to provide travelers with the experience they seek, while leaving a positive footprint at their destination.”

When you return home, share your stories with friends and family. Whether your experience was positive or more challenging than expected, spreading the word to others is the best way to grow travel practices that build human relations and improve the environment.

Melissa Cicci is editor of Beyond Doorways Travel, a web-based travel magazine.