Responsible Travel Tales

Volunteering Overseas Without Breaking the Bank

responsible-travel — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Photo by EDV Media Director

As a traveler, volunteering offers among the most immersive experiences that you can get, a front row seat to the realities of life in a given place. There are few better ways to get to know people than by working alongside them toward a purpose of significance to their community. It builds camaraderie, it builds trust and you’re completing tasks and goals that would otherwise have faltered without your help.

Why is volunteering so expensive?

Oftentimes prices for volunteer experiences are exorbitantly high. It’s not uncommon for program fees to run into thousands of dollars for a couple of weeks of volunteering. Sometimes it’s more than you would have spent traveling in that country on your own. So what’s with the prices?

First, there’s administrative overhead for the organization you’ll be volunteering for and for the organization coordinating the relationship. Then there’s the cost to the organization to cover your food and board, materials and supplies for you to complete your volunteer assignment, sometimes even a donation toward the particular cause you’re volunteering for. And the list goes on. So while the fees may be high, if you’re signing up with a well-run organisation, it’s often money well spent. But frankly, regardless of whether the money is going toward something important or not, sometimes you just don’t have it.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you don’t have a lot of money, but you want to donate your time and skills:

Stay longer, be flexible

Many volunteer programs include room and board and they go out of their way to make arrangements in order to provide a comfortable stay for their volunteers. But if you’re willing to rough it a little, Volunteers for Peace (VFP), is a coordinating agency that works with organizations in over 100 countries around the world to organize volunteer workcamps. Workcamps run for at least two weeks and cover every imaginable cause and project you can think of.

Because you may be sleeping on a cot with ten new friends instead of a private hotel room, the registration fee starts at just $350 USD, which includes room and board. There may be an extra fee for certain locations (notably, most places in Africa), but VFP’s registration fee doesn’t change, no matter how long your project.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is another organization that coordinates low-fee volunteer opportunities, sometimes for as little as $180 USD per person. While IVHQ fees do vary by place and project length, the longer you stay on a project, the less expensive it is per week. IVHQ keeps their costs low because they operate in “only” about twenty countries and place a lot of volunteers into each project - a great option if you like socialising and want to meet a lot of people from around the world.

Eliminate the middleman

Many volunteer program fees are high because there’s a third party that serves as a liaison between you and the organisation you’ll be volunteering for. Those agencies often also have higher administrative costs because they may be working over a broader area and/or they put resources into marketing their programs. However, many of the initiatives that require the most help - and cost the least!- are the small grassroots efforts that don’t necessarily attract international attention because they don’t have the resources or know-how to do so. If you don’t mind navigating these relationships yourself, there are resources that can point you in the right direction.

The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) has compiled a list of national volunteer agencies in countries around the world. The national agencies in turn track volunteer engagement and rally volunteer-run organisations within their respective countries. If you’re headed to a specific country and don’t mind doing some extra research, these agencies are great places to reach out to; they can put you in touch with smaller organizations around the country that need you most.

For a small membership fee, you can also search and read about opportunities online through ecoteer, a website dedicated to connecting qualified volunteers directly with organizations around the world running ecotourism, conservation, and humanitarian projects.

Apply for specialised positions

If you’ve got some professional experience under your belt, take a chance at applying for some higher-level volunteer opportunities where you can put those skills to good use.
Agricultural Cooperative Development International/ Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) recruits highly skilled volunteer consultants for their economic development initiatives throughout 38 countries. If you’re one of the lucky ones selected for a 2-4 week volunteer position, all of your expenses (including flight to/from the site and immunisations!) will be covered.

Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities

If you’re traveling longer-term and have the luxury of time, you may find that informal opportunities to volunteer may arise if you’re open to the possibilities and vocal about your desire to contribute. Through conversations and new relationships, you may discover a community, group of people, or even one person who could use a helping hand. Many great initiatives and organisations have sprung from these simple interactions.

Of course, it can be a scary prospect to volunteer without the backing of a formal entity. Use common sense, stay abreast of health and safety issues, and make sure that you and the other party are on the same page in terms of goals and expectations.

Watch out for hidden costs

As you’re researching possible volunteer opportunities, make sure you know what the program fees include and more importantly, what they don’t. While programs usually cover room and board, the vast majority will not include transportation to/from the site, vaccinations, insurance and the cost of visas (in some countries, you actually need a business visa even if you’re just volunteering - another cost and a headache!).

And if you’re volunteering in an expensive location, miscellaneous costs can also add up, especially if you’re planning to stay in one place for a while and will probably want to go out and socialise or shop every once in a while.

About the Author

Lanthy is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in New York City. She shares her adventures at home and abroad on her blog, nod 'n' simile. Her next great journey will be a trip around the world beginning in July. No matter where in the world she is, you can find her on @nodnsmileNYC and Facebook.

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How to Prepare to Volunteer in Africa

responsible-travel — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:47:00 GMT

Preparing to volunteer in Tanzania for two and a half months was a daunting task. I read an armful of travel guides but once I was living and working in the field, I began to realize that none of them really quite hit the mark for things I’d need. The books get the big things like cameras and underpants; and they tell you to bring things you will never end up using like plastic egg carriers and traveler’s checks.

One day as I bartered packets of powdered lemonade for chocolate bars with other volunteers, I saw that none of us really got our packing right. Every day I was there I realized that I brought too much of this or not enough of that.

These are the things I would bring on if I were to volunteer in Africa again…

A comfortable pair of walking shoes

Some people may tell you that sandals are the footwear of choice for a tropical vacation. However, personal experience has taught me that sandals are not made for volunteers who will be working in rural areas.

Chances are, walking will be your main source of transportation. Be forewarned that it's likely that the road won't be paved and the paths you walk on to get from here to there will be very dusty. Not to mention, you're walking the same paths as donkeys, cattle, goats, and dogs — animals that don't mind leaving you presents along the journey.

If all of that really doesn't bother you, and you don't mind getting back to your homestay and not recognizing your own feet, then by all means, sandals away! Still, I highly recommend you bring a pair of light, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and plenty of socks for your workdays.

Photo by jronaldlee

Stomach Antacids

When you volunteer abroad, your diet will be different and your stomach will not like it at first. It might be uncomfortable and scary and you just might want to blame the food. Before you run to the nearest city and drop a ridiculous amount of money on peanut butter and Top Ramen, reach for a bottle of Tums or Pepto Bismol instead.

Use these antacids to help with your initial stomach pains and ease your transition to new kinds of food. Enjoying the food provided for you by your host family is a sign of respect and a huge step in immersing yourself in your new culture.

Vitamins

Speaking of new foods, it's important to remember that in many developing countries that host volunteer programs, the staples will be carbohydrate-heavy — think rice, beans, and porridges. Depending on where you are, fresh fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins may not be readily accessible.

The change in diet can potentially throw off your health. To make sure you’re healthy and happy for your volunteer duties, supplement your meals with daily multivitamins even if you don't usually take them when you're home.

Your favorite non-perishable comfort food

I understand the comfort of food. After two weeks three square meals a day of rice and beans, the taste of a Cliff Bar gave me a sense of relief. Asking you to try unfamiliar foods with hopeless abandon every single day may seem like a frightening task.

For moments like these, I suggest bringing along a few of your favorite non-perishable comfort foods whether they are candy, granola bars, or crackers. When a local meal just didn't hit the spot, you can dig into your pack and discretely enjoy a taste of home.

Photo by jeffadair

Family photos

I know from experience that the short phone conversations with my family never quite seemed like enough. Trust me; you will miss your family and friends, especially if you are on an extended volunteer trip. Keeping photos of them around can sometimes be a godsend in your biggest bouts of homesickness. Plus, your host family or the people in the village or town might enjoy seeing how your family back home looks too.

Head Lamp

The headlamp is a must pack. I used my cell phone backlight to guide my way to the toilet early on in the trip. I left the bathroom in the dark. Yes, my cell phone fell down the twelve-foot deep pit toilet. Thereafter, I became a big fan of the security of the headlamp — fashionable and functional.

Photo by toolmantim

Small speakers

I listen to music almost every free waking hour, but walking around with ear buds in all day can be isolating and can prevent you from getting to know the people around you better. Maybe bring a small portable speaker and make friends at your impromptu village dance parties.

Be prepared to be unprepared

In retrospect, I survived without most of these things and had an amazing volunteer experience in one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. And I came away with a few choice stories to tell because I didn’t have them. But here’s to putting your best foot forward and expecting the unexpected on your next trip to rural Africa!

Related articles

Investing in Education in Tanzania

Volunteer Africa - What to Consider Before Choosing a Project

About Go Overseas

This article is brought to you by Elaine Andres, Volunteer Abroad Team Member at Go Overseas. Elaine is an experienced traveler and has volunteered in Tanzania. Go Overseas lists every volunteer, study, teach and intern abroad program in the world, with alumni Yelp style ratings, reviews and more. Check out the Volunteer Abroad section of Go Overseas, Go Overseas on Facebook, and follow @VolunteeReviews on Twitter.

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Why Elephant Riding Should Be Removed from Your Bucket List

responsible-travel — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:18:00 GMT

There is an air of romance to riding an elephant. Sitting atop its back as the giant animals slowly meander down white sand beaches lapping with azure waters, or along rushing streams in the thick of the jungle. It’s the stuff stories, and bucket lists, are made of. Who doesn’t want to say: “I went to Thailand and rode an elephant” and then whip out their Facebook and scroll through the images from the adventure to all of their friends? But, the truth is, riding elephants shouldn’t be on anyone’s bucket list.

In America, organisations such as the Humane Society of the US and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums have come out against riding elephants because of abuse the elephants undergo to learn how to accept riders, and safety concerns.

So, why are people still riding them?

For most, it is simply lack of awareness.

If people saw the videos (which can be found all over the internet) of elephants being beaten with bullhooks or electric prods, or worse, would they be so keen to hop aboard these animals for the sake of saying “I rode an elephant?” Probably not.

Electric prods and bullhooks aside, there are a variety of reasons people should skip riding an elephant and opt for more humane ways to get up-close to these creatures.

Still debating whether or not you should ride an elephant? Here’s more reasons you should skip the trek and head to a sanctuary that doesn’t have rides or circuses.

The Training

A long-time tradition in the Thai culture, the Phajaan or crush, is the training method elephants undergo to become a part of the tourism industry. As young elephants, they are torn from their mothers and entrapped in a small confine, then ritualistically abused with bullhooks and bamboo sticks spiked with nails, as well as starved, deprived of sleep and worse, to crush their spirits and become submissive to humans.

This is the general and accepted practice in Thailand, and the ones every elephant has undergone that is at a trekking camp or circus. If the fact the in order to be trained to be a part of tourism isn’t enough to convince you skip riding an elephant, there’s more.

Elephant Health

Their spines cannot support the weight of people. Carrying people on their backs all day can lead to permanent spinal injuries. Imagine carrying a 50 pound backpack for nine hours a day, every day on your back. Even after an hour or so, you can feel the weight of the backpack. Imagine what it would feel like to have it on your back nearly all of your waking hours. And, the long-term damage that can come from having it on your back all day. It’s the same with elephants.

Not only is there the issue of their spines not being made to carry people, but the actual implications from having the chair or Howdah attached to their backs. The contraption rubs on the back, causing blisters that can get infected. In addition, there’s the wear and tear on the elephant’s feet. Long-term trekking can cause foot infections and injuries.

Social Interaction

Elephants are a lot like humans. They socialize, have families and friends, feel pain, sorrow, happiness and more. When they are at trekking camps, they are often times not with other elephants. They live their lives essentially in solitary confinement at some camps.

Living Conditions

Babies are chained to mothers during treks, which can cause the little ones harm. When they are chained to their moms on a trek, they must keep pace with the mom as she walks, which is often times difficult. In addition, they cannot stop and rest or nurse. They must continue trekking. Often times to continue trekking, the guide (or mahout) will prod them with a bullhook to keep them moving. The bullhook, which elephants remember from their torture during the phajaan, can immediately strike fear in them. For the small few, this fear can trigger a reaction that can not only hurt the elephants, but also the riders on them.

Aside from the actual trek, the camps chain these elephants when they are not working. They don’t feed them enough, or give them enough water. Many people report visiting trekking camps and seeing elephants swaying, pacing and bobbing their heads – signs of serious psychological stress.

Don't believe everything you hear ...

A good rule to remember is that if a tourist outfit offers anything other than getting to spend time with elephants, it is not friendly to them. Any outfit that offers riding, circuses or paintings means they have undergone horrific abuse in order to get them to where they are. Remember, all of these elephants have suffered through the abusive and torturous crush. And while some are more friendly than others, and don’t employ the use of bullhooks, the sheer fact that the elephants are trekking means they are being harmed.

What can you do if you don’t want to ride elephants? Depending on where in the world you are, there are plenty of true conservation projects that allow you to feed them, bathe them and spend time with them without causing them further harm. Parks like the Elephant Nature Park or Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Thailand are two that are reputable and allow human-elephant interaction without compromising the elephant’s safety.

Related articles:

Top 3 Safety Tips for Thailand

Top 10 Emerging Green Destinations

About the Author

Diana Edelman is a former career-breaker. In 2010, she traded her comfortable job in PR for a backpack, heading solo to Europe and Africa for some soul-searching. Recently, she traveled to Thailand and spent a week as a volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park, bonding with elephants. Her popular blog, D Travels Round, shares entertaining stories from her travels, along with providing advice and featuring photographs from all over the world. Follow her on Twitter @DTravelsRound.

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Ecotourism and Endangered Wildlife in Egypt

responsible-travel — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:34:00 GMT

History and Wildlife

Egypt’s heritage has always been about its history – Ancient Egyptians, their pyramids, temples and tombs. But Egypt’s wildlife is just as remarkable, and even more critical. Egypt is finding that a tourist industry that doesn’t support or consider its impact on the environment is unsustainable, and a shift toward ecotourism is an opportunity for the country to look toward a flourishing future.

Among the well known United Nations UNESCO World Heritage sites in Egypt – the Great Pyramids in Giza, the Theban Necropolis in Luxor, Abu Simbel in the south and Saint Catherine’s in the Sinai – there is one you may not have heard of: Wadi Al-Hitan, otherwise known as Whale Valley in the Western Desert. You won’t find man-made structures of awe-inspiring significance, and you won’t find an ocean of whales. An ecotour into the desert reveals a site of invaluable fossils of prehistoric cetaceans. The extinct whale known as Archaeoceti is the earliest ancestor of today’s whales. Yet the Archaeoceti is certainly not the only example of extinction in Egypt. Throughout temples and tombs, carved reliefs and the hieroglyphics of Ancient Egyptians portray an array of animals – lions and cheetahs, oryx and ibis, papyrus and lotus flowers… All were once natives to Egypt and thrived. But all have suffered extinction, or near extinction, in modern times.

The Nubian Lion – which once ranged from Morocco to Egypt, was last seen in the 1920s. The Saharan Cheetah is “possibly” extinct according to IUCN, with rare glimpses every few years leaving a grain of hope. The Arabian Oryx – with a similar fate to the Egyptian Barbary Sheep – went extinct in the wild, but has been salvaged in zoos. Certain members of the ibis bird family are gone, while others like the endangered Hermit Ibis, no longer frequent Egypt. And in the late 1800s the infamous Egyptian Papyrus Plant disappeared, followed by the Lotus Flower in the Nile Valley, due to the changing influences of modern irrigation systems, dams and the loss of swamps. (Fortunately, papyrus was reintroduced by the 20th century thanks to a few European specimens.) Today, such plants can be seen in ornamental gardens, such as the lovely pond in front of the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo.

Despite the losses

Egypt is still rich with an incredible array of invaluable wildlife that is as varied as its numerous geographical terrains: from the Fennec Fox of the Western Desert to the Cattle Egret of the lush Nile Valley, the Nile Crocodile in Lake Nasser to the grazing Dugong of the Red Sea. Today, efforts are being made to preserve these unique habitats and their fauna, and throughout the country one finds optimistic conservation work being performed: coral reef monitoring programs, Egyptian Tortoise and Green Sea Turtle preservation projects, and Acacia Tree rehabilitation to name a few. Protected areas are appearing all over, from the legendary Sinai Peninsula to the Great Sand Sea of the Saharan Desert. And ecotourism is an opportunity for tourism - Egypt's most vital industry - to become sustainable, to support and give back to the environment, and find a means to have a lower impact.

Just as the billions of birds that migrate through the country each year play a role in Egypt’s ecosystem, the millions of tourist that come to Egypt also have an impact. Ecotourism transforms the viewpoint of responsibility, empowering the tourist with the opportunity to choose a means of travel that is positive for the environment.

Everyone stands to gain from the benefits of responsible ecotourism.

Here are few examples of how you can play a positive role towards supporting the environment as a visitor to Egypt:

Enjoy at least one wildlife excursion, whether bird watching on the Nile or snorkeling in the Red Sea. The value you place on the environment you are sightseeing stimulates a local interest for protection, conservation and education. A journey to the Western Desert to catch a glimpse of the adorable Fennec Fox will inhibit further hunting of this endangered species.
Hire local guides to support jobs, their communities and further education. Bird watching guides and Nile River experts abound, and park rangers at various preserves are available for questions and advise. Be wary of tour operators who are not sensitive to the local communities, wildlife conservation or environmental impact.
Utilize local transportation such as buses and trains for your sightseeing tour. A hot air balloon over Luxor, a felluca boat journey down the Nile, or a camel ride in the desert is a wonderful way to have a unique and low-impact experience. Keep in mind, a slower journey will have a lower impact, and is much more relaxing.
Stay at an eco-lodge which are owned, constructed and managed by the local people. There are numerous options throughout the Sinai and coastal areas, and an excellent way to meet likeminded adventurous people. Or try to find locally-run hotels that have water and conservation policies.
Support conservation programs by visiting their programs or volunteering for a few days. Red Sea monitoring and rehabilitation programs are an incredible opportunity to explore underwater coral reefs or encounter endangered sea turtles. Such programs can give you a unique, exciting experience, while providing accommodations, transportation and meals.

The ancients venerated their natural environment. From cats to cattle, crocodile to cobras, images of wildlife are carved adoringly into the walls of temples and tombs, allowing a glimpse into a time when man and wildlife flourished together. Today, people – governments, locals and tourists – must work together if the environment is to thrive and survive. Egypt’s heritage is as much about it’s archeological past as it is about its ecological future.

Related Articles:

Exploring Egypt's Red Sea

5 Things to do before choosing a Wildlife Conservation holiday

About the Author:

Dominique Navarro is a writer and natural history illustrator for MANTA PUBLICATIONS (http://www.mantapublications.com/) which produces natural history books, posters, and the WEEKEND NATURALIST and TRAVELING NATURALIST field guides, for schools, museums, eco- tourism and ecology programs. View her website at: http://www.dominiquenavarro.com/htmldom/Ecology.html

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How to be a Responsible Volunteer in Nepal

responsible-travel — Tue, 2 Aug 2011 15:27:00 GMT

The country of Nepal has arguably some of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural terrain of anywhere on earth. Shadowed by the mighty Himalayas and nestled amidst a lush green landscape, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers alike. But aside from the ascetically pleasing surroundings, Nepal is also home to some of the warmest and most welcoming people in the world. Despite their economic struggle, the Nepali people boast a refreshingly unmatched optimism and are incredibly open to sharing their lives with visitors. Their kindness and hospitality make Nepal a fantastic place to volunteer.

Selecting a Volunteer Project

Actually selecting a volunteer mission to participate in, however, isn’t always so cut and dry.

There are important questions that must be answered like:

What should potential volunteers look out for?

What are the scams?

And, what about projects that aren't 100% genuine?

The most important thing to consider is how to volunteer responsibly. That’s a subject our friends at Ace the Himalaya are experts in. We asked them to provide some tips and suggestions on how to volunteer responsibly in Nepal.

Here’s what they had to say:

"Many volunteer programs are primarily designed to bring forth coordinated efforts of experts and individuals in different areas under one platform and thereon work towards achieving its common goal and mission. It provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in Nepal. Upon selected for volunteering, an individual gets a chance to make a contribution for the sustainable development of Nepal."

Voluntourism in Nepal

One of the largest growths in tourism in Nepal is in the volunteer sector. Unfortunately this often does more harm than good. For example:

1.) Building a school – Imagine the scenario, a group of volunteers are building or even just painting a school whilst the skilled tradesmen builders of the village now being left unemployed. No Job = No Money = No Food and definitely no welfare state to provide for him until the volunteers go home.

2.) Working in an orphanage – Many orphanages are opening up in Nepal just to provide volunteering opportunities and therefore to make lots of money for the organizations that run them. This occurs even to the extent of the orphanage being filled with the children of the staff of said organization. This means that when the volunteers go home so do the children.

Volunteerism by definition is supposed to be for the benefit of the recipients. That said, if scenarios such as those provided above occur, no matter how well intentioned, the people who are supposed to benefit from the good deeds do not, completely defeating the purpose of the volunteer program. If you are to truly contribute to the sustainable development of Nepal and help those who are truly in need, you must be certain that the program you are a part of is focused on doing so responsibly. This often means working directly with the locals in a combined effort that does not hinder, but helps boost their economic, health or social situation.

Be certain that you do your homework when choosing a volunteer program. Understand its mission, goal and how it is run to determine whether it’s something that will help, not hurt, the intended recipients. More importantly, be true to yourself. Ask yourself exactly what you would like to contribute and accomplish, and take the time to find a volunteer program that shares those intentions. The more you research, the more confident you will be that your valuable volunteer time will be put to good use and will truly benefit those you seek to help.

Related Articles:

Nepal Travel 101

Nepal - So Much More than Mountaineering and Trekking

About Ace the Himalaya

Ace the Himalaya Community Service Volunteer Program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in Nepal. Volunteers may contribute in areas such as school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising and maintenance of the drinking water resources. With Ace the Himalaya, volunteering is about building bridges, creating links, it's about inspiring, it’s about sharing, and more than anything, it's about giving.

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5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Wildlife Conservation Holiday

responsible-travel — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:55:00 GMT

Travelers explore the Haida Gwaii World Heritage Site

Ecotourism, green travel, sustainable tourism, call it what you will. Whatever its title, reducing the negative impacts of travel is one of the fastest growing parts of the tourism market and one that has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, support low-income communities, and benefit efforts to protect endangered animals.

Unfortunately, so far, the impact of travel (whether good or bad) on wildlife has been an afterthought for most travelers. Tourism and the infrastructure it requires can destroy wildlife habitat, worsen climate change, result in litter and other pollution, and increase stress on wild animals. When done carefully, however, what we call “wildlife conservation travel” can also help wildlife in several ways, including generating funds for local conservation groups and providing volunteer help. Perhaps the biggest way that conservation travel can help endangered animals is by creating economic benefits for local residents who otherwise would earn a living by fishing, hunting, or other activities that harm animals.

As you plan your next vacation, here are some things to think about before you decide where to go and what activities to do.

1. Is the destination a wildlife hotspot?

According to Conservation International, about half of the world’s species live in “biodiversity hotspots” which take up less than 5 percent of the world’s land. If you go to one of these spots, read up on which animals live there and look for opportunities to visit research and conservation programs. Some of these programs may offer short-term volunteer programs where you will get an experience that few travelers get to participate with. Many of these programs work through tour operators that offer these experiences while taking care of your transport, food, and accommodations.

2. Does Your Tour Operator Support Conservation and Local Communities?

If you decide to travel through a tour operator, do your research to make sure they actively support environmental and social projects in the places they go. Some operators will offer discounts for travelers who donate to funds that they set up to support these community groups, a great example is the Travelers Conservation Trust set up by Wildland Adventures. Most of the operators who truly support these programs will be transparent about who they donate to.

If you don’t see that information, make sure you ask the operator what they do to support wildlife conservation. After all, if their business is based on travelers going to Africa to see lions or India to see tigers, shouldn’t they want to make sure those animals will always be around? If they can’t answer that question, let them know that you’ll be looking elsewhere; there’s no better way to motivate a company to improve their practices.

3. Does Your Operator Go Beyond Donations?

Giving money is one of the easier ways to support wildlife. Other questions to ask operators are if they support environmental protection and residents in ways other than donations. Do they offer volunteer programs? Employ people from nearby communities and use locally-owned hotels and restaurants? Do they advocate for wildlife protection or participate in efforts to improve tourism practices? One of the best examples of going beyond donations is Canada’s Maple Leaf Adventures. In addition to donations, their founder Kevin Smith has been a leader in setting tourism standards for the Haida Gwaii Islands and promoting bear watching over bear hunting in British Columbia.

4. Do Your Vacation Plans Include Activities That Could Harm Wildlife?

Now that you know the animals that live where you are going and how much your operator supports them, the next thing to think about is if the activities you do and places you stay might impact local wildlife. Are you staying in a high-rise chain hotel on a turtle nesting beach? If so, you might want to look for a locally-owned cabin away from where the turtles come. If you plan to use jet-ski’s or boats, make sure to stay away from habitat for manatees and other animals, drive slowly, and obey all regulations. Check out our Turtle Watching Guide for ways to prevent impacts to turtles on nesting beaches and at sea. The Coral Reef Alliance also has several guides for travelers.

A leatherback turtle nesting in Trinidad

5. Stay Off the Beaten Path

Many of the most popular places to see wildlife become overrun with tourists, encouraging uncontrolled development which impacts wildlife habitat. However, by doing a little research, you can usually find other places to see that animal that don’t get nearly so much traffic. There are dozens of turtle nesting beaches in Costa Rica, yet the vast majority go to Tortuguero National Park. Instead of following the crowds to see lions in Kenya, think about places like Mozambique or Namibia’s Communal Conservancies for your next African safari.

Related Articles:

Confessions of a Sea Turtle Volunteer

5 Wild Animals You Can Protect on Your Next Trip

About the Author

Brad Nahill is the Co-Founder of SEE Turtles & SEEtheWILD. Brad started SEE Turtles with Dr. Wallace J. Nichols to build the market for sea turtle conservation tourism. Since its launch in 2008, the project has generated more than $250,000 in support for turtle conservation and nearby communities, educated millions about turtle conservation travel, and our volunteers have filled more than 1,000 shifts at turtle nesting beaches. Brad co-founded SEEtheWILD in 2011 to offer travel experiences that support wildlife conservation efforts.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

6 Tips for Shopping Sustainably Around the World

responsible-travel — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:13:00 GMT

One of the easiest ways to travel more responsibly is to shop more responsibly. Whether you’re buying ingredients at a local market to cook a meal, gifts for family or friends, or mementoes for yourself, all you need to do is follow our six tips to shopping more sustainably when you travel.

Travelling more sustainably and more responsibly was one of the main aims of our yearlong grand tour of the world we called Grantourismo, an experiment in slow travel, local travel, experiential travel, and ‘giving back’, which we undertook with the support of HomeAwayUK.

Our starting point was ‘slow travel’ and spending longer in places (two weeks in each destination) rather than flitting through in a few days – which is why it made sense to swap hotel rooms for holiday rentals. Holiday rentals are often second homes rented when owners aren’t using them or dedicated properties set up for travellers who like settling in for a while. Generally located out of tourist zones in everyday neighbourhoods, they give people more opportunities to travel in a more eco-friendly manner by consuming less energy, recycling waste, and contributing more to local businesses.

How and where we spent our money was our next focus. Food, music, fashion, art, craft, and design all provide ways into understanding a culture and getting beneath the skin of a place. In each place we stayed we learned something about the local cuisine, shopped the local markets, and cooked ‘at home’. We weren’t going to travel the world for a year without buying mementoes or replacing some clothes. And as we’re both passionate about art, crafts, design, and music, we acquired a little of each along the way. Over the course of the year we adopted the following rules that we now make it a habit to travel – and shop – by!

1. Buy Ethically  

Few travellers, especially female ones, leave the French capital without taking away some home-grown fashion. In Paris, we stayed in an apartment on the lower slopes of Montmartre where I met Christelle Bonnivard in her chic boutique Mademoiselle Bambû (pictured above). After being inspired by the beautiful clothes she saw at an Ethical Fashion Show, Christelle gave up an advertising career to open her shop where she only sells ‘ethical fashion’ – clothes, jewellery and accessories made by small independent designers who only use materials whose origins they know. “The products must respect the environment, respect human beings, and be 100% biologique (organic),” Christelle told me. “In France we have a strict certification and standards system – the tags should say where the product was made, what it’s made from, and whether it is organic cotton or 100% biologique.”

TIP: To ensure you’re buying things that are ethically made, read the information on the labels and tags.

2. Support Fair Trade 

‘Fair Trade’ goods are ethically made products that come with more guarantees. In Bali, we could have bought souvenirs at the myriad markets, but we had no idea where they came from, whether child labour was used, and whether workers who made them were fairly treated. Instead we went to Fair Trade shop Threads of Life in Ubud, which sells handmade textiles and handicrafts (pictured above). Fair trade products are produced and sold according to World Fair Trade Organization principles that require that education, training and employment opportunities be provided, people be paid fairly, and production be environmentally sustainable. Threads of Life works with traditional weavers in villages too remote to benefit from tourism, helping to train them, feed their families, educate their kids, maintain their traditions, and enable their communities to prosper and grow. So by shopping at Fair Trade businesses we’re helping too.

TIP: Look for stickers on shop windows and certificates on walls confirming Fair Trade status.

3. Go Organic & Eco-Friendly  

In every place we stayed we sought out farmers markets and ‘green’ markets for local, seasonal, organic produce, which leaves a smaller footprint than imported products that have been flown in or travelled some distance. For souvenirs and gifts, I tried to go beyond the usual recycled paper and soaps. For instance, in Venice’s touristy Rialto, steps away from stalls selling Chinese-made trinkets, I discovered Pied à Terre selling colourful brocade, silk and velvet slippers, inspired by those that peasant farmers who couldn’t afford leather shoes once made from recycled rags, jute seed bags and bicycle tyres; desperately poor, they went to Venice to sell their soft-soled shoes to gondoliers. Pied à Terre makes their version using recycled tyres and fabrics. In Venice, I also found Dietro Langolo, owned by architects Federica Serena and Sylvia Saltarin, which sells eco-friendly fashion, accessories and design objects created from recycled materials, including silicon, electric cable, fire hoses, and candy wrappers!

TIP: Look beyond the supermarket and souvenir shops for organic produce at farmers markets and interesting eco-friendly stores for special mementoes.

4. Buy Local and Buy Direct  

In San Miguel de Allende, I found styish Ave María (pictured above), specializing in cool, quirky, kitsch Mexicana, owned by local girl Giovanna Canela Miranda. Everything, from the t-shirts and handbags to art and interior design objects are ‘hecho en Mexico’ or ‘made in Mexico’. Giovanna proudly told me she designed many of the things herself which she commissioned Mexican artists to make, or she travelled around Mexico sourcing things directly from Mexican designers and artisans. In a town like San Miguel, which has a large expat population and many foreign-owned businesses, buying local is essential. By buying locally made products from local business owners, you know what you’re buying, you’re supporting local designers, craftsmen and artists; and you’re helping create demand for local products in a climate increasingly favouring cheap, mass-produced trinkets from China – yes, even in Mexico! Locals also re-invest profits into their community, whereas foreign business owners tend to send it ‘home’, so you’re helping ensure places have a distinctive local character, the kind of character shaped by quirky one-of-a-kind shops like Ave María.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask staff who owns the shop and where their products come from.

5. Keep Traditions Alive  

In Céret, at the foot of the French Pyrénées, we noticed colourful stripes brightening everything from shop-fronts to feet (espadrilles!). Similar to British designer Paul Smith’s trademark lines, the distinctive candy-stripes are of Catalan origin, famously starring on Les Toiles Du Soleil, or The Cloth of the Sun, produced at nearby Saint Laurent de Cerdans for some 150 years. Once, the entire village was devoted to the textile’s creation by traditional techniques, but as machine manufacturing expanded business declined. Fortunately there’s been a resurgence of interest in the fabric thanks to three designers working under the umbrella ‘Made in Céret’ : Raphaelle Reixach makes charming Catalan sailor jackets, Jerome Perez decorates lamps and upholsters furniture, while Coralie Scarnato creates sunhats, bags, placemats, napkins, and table runners on a sewing machine in her shop. What makes Les Toiles Du Soleil special, Coralie told me, is its strength and durability due to it being tightly woven on old looms, and it’s fade-proof thanks to a traditional dying process. I left with some colourful placements, knowing not only did I have a uniquely Catalan souvenir, I contributed to the revival of a traditional craft (pictured at top).

TIP: Wherever you are seek out traditional crafts or contemporary applications of traditional techniques; ask questions.

6. Choose Vintage Over New  

As we travelled the globe, I spotted vintage shops springing up everywhere, from Buenos Aires to Berlin. For fashionistas, buying vintage clothes is about creating an individual style statement from rare old pieces unlikely to be seen on anyone else. Vintage is increasingly hip and the charity shops around the world that have de-cluttered their spaces and dusted their shelves in cities like Edinburgh reflects this. There, Barbara Williams, manager of Save the Children’s Mary’s Living and Giving Shop (pictured above), told me how after a stylish revamp by celebrity retail-makeover guru Mary Portus, the shop is crowded with customers daily, as are others in Edinburgh. I love buying clothes as souvenirs so whenever I wear them I’m reminded of the place I discovered them. But what I love about buying vintage when I travel is that if it was rare in the place I bought it, it’s highly unlikely I’m going to see anyone wearing it elsewhere. But more importantly, I’m recycling something old, which is far better than buying disposable fashion.

TIP: Ask locals to point you toward charity shops; vintage stores are found in hip neighbourhoods rather than tourist areas.

Related Articles:

Top 10 Emerging Green Destinations

Peru: Empowering Women through Tourism

About the Author

Travel writer Lara Dunston and her photographer husband Terence Carter have authored and updated some 40 guidebooks and had hundreds of travel articles published on websites and in magazines and newspapers around the world, from National Geographic Traveler to Wanderlust. They recently completed a year of sustainable travel, sponsored by HomeAwayUK, which they chronicled on their blog Grantourismo.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Top 10 Emerging Green Destinations

responsible-travel — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:16:00 GMT

Given the increased popularity of ecotourism and greater understanding of its foundational pillars – namely local economic prosperity that raises standards of living, environmental reverence that lessens degradation and conservation education that demonstrates our shared ecosystem – certain green destinations are becoming quite popular.

While this trend is wonderful for sustaining the environment and some economies, travelers hoping to escape from the crowds and discover roads less traveled while also being responsible, may want to consider these off the beaten path, but unique green experiences.

These distinctive eco-journeys provide spectacular scenery and boundless inspiration.

1. Jordan

Jordan is a fascinating mix of modernity, ancient wonder and hospitality with nature tourism taking a foothold. Whether you mix it up in the modern city of Amman, embark on a horse or camel safari through the desert to Wadi Rum, learn ancient customs from a Bedouin tribe member, encounter the endangered Arabian oryx, discover the spectacular city of Petra, take a dip in the salty waters of the iconic Dead Sea, trek through the Dana Nature Reserve to appreciate ibex and mountain gazelles or stay at eco-lodges that sustain local heritage and provide educational experiences to guests, Jordan will impress you.

2. Borneo

Borneo’s dense jungles, sandy beaches, mysterious caves and exotic wildlife await the eco-conscious traveler looking for something different. Visitors can trek relatively untouched Mt. Kinabalu encountering more than 5000 diverse and endemic plant species of Himalayan, Australasian and Indomalayan origin along the way, as well as explore the waterfalls and thermal pools of the area. Alternatively, travelers can journey along the Kinabatangang River, which is the Sabah region’s longest river and home to an incredible variety of wildlife including wild boar, orangutans, elephants, king fishers, macaque and proboscis monkeys. After a day’s exploration, guests can stay at award winning eco-lodges that harvest rainwater, use solar power and manage wildlife rehabilitation among other efforts to work with the environment.

3. The Philippines

The Philippines was named by National Geographic as one of the 20 Best Destinations for 2011 and Palawan Island its top eco-destination. Whether it’s swimming with whale sharks in their natural environment, discovering endangered sea turtles nesting on the beaches, spying on the rare Philippine eagle or witnessing the mountain-to-sea ecosystem of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the 7000 islands are just waiting to be explored. Then, after a hard day, guests can relax in eco-lodges that serve locally-sourced food and focus on wildlife education.

4. Belize

Belize is host to more than 87 distinct types of ecosystems, which make ecotourism lifeblood of its economy. There are 150 identified species of mammals ranging from the jaguar to the howler monkey. Belize is already well known for its rainforests and Mayan temples, but you may not have known that it also has the world’s second longest barrier reef and can be counted on for great snorkeling and scuba diving where manatees, stingrays, sharks, dolphins, coral and turtles are easy to spot. Eco-lodges abound in Belize all with the focus on educating travelers about the fragility of its ecosystem.

5. Botswana

Botswana has largely abandoned mass tourism in favor of low volume, high quality and environmentally conscious safari travel into the Okavango Delta and surrounding Kalahari Desert. The three main areas to experience besides the Okavango Delta are the savannas of the Moremi Reserve and the forests of Chobe and Linyanta Game Reserves. There are large concentrations of elephants, lions, hyena, wild dogs, buffalo, hippopotamus and birds with plenty of activities to enjoy wildlife including game drives, walking and elephant back safaris, horseback safaris, bicycle safaris and boating as well as extraordinary youth explorer programs that emphasize conservation and teaching bush survival skills. Environmentally-friendly tented bush camps round out a unique eco-adventure.

6. Poland

Poland is blessed with striking mountains and rolling hills, as well as wild rivers and wetlands. It is a haven for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds as well as avid hiking enthusiasts who can enjoy hiking tours throughout the northeastern and southern parts of the country. With 23 National Parks and forests covering nearly 30 percent of the country, travelers will marvel at unique wildlife viewing where guides can expertly show you Poland’s own Big Game including the European bison, lynx, stoats, martens and red deer. Finally, given the Polish affinity for horses, there are even a few eco-ranch lodges throughout the country that provide that extra bit of immersion with nature.

7. Croatia

Croatia has focused on ecotourism and agritourism as a major differentiator with its neighboring European countries. As such, the experiences are focused on culinary tours that emphasize locally-sourced organic food and stays at family farms. In addition, nature tourism for adventure travelers is well organized as one can easily make his way to a hiking or biking trail in one of the national parks or find a rafting or canoe disembarkation point on its rivers.

8. Guyana

Guyana is a nature lover’s paradise filled with mountain ranges, savannahs and jungle canopy walks. River and rainforest eco-lodges allow just a few travelers up close and personal views of exotic birds, jaguars, red howler monkeys, giant river otters and other wildlife. Also home to the famed Karanambu Ranch, which rehabilitates orphaned giant river otters so they can be released back into the wild, Guyana will open up South America’s hidden corner for you.

9. Argentina

Argentina’s glaciers will remind all naturalists of a time that has long since passed. You can explore Glacier National Park and witness the active Perito Moreno, which is one of the world’s only advancing glaciers. Whether it is exploring the tropical rain forests of Iguazu Falls near Brazil, the Antarctic environment of Tierra del Fuego, the Andean mountains, the wind-swept Patagonian steppe or the coastal marine habitat of the Valdes Peninsula, Argentina will not disappoint. Eco-lodges made from local materials, set in harmony with nature shapes and totally integrated with the surrounding environment round out a splendid journey.

10. Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s diversity of culture, history and natural scenery will astound you. Whether you visit the unique and colorful market of Bati or follow the footsteps of religious pilgrims to Lalibela, considered to be the greatest of the spiritual-historical sites of the world, Ethiopia sights and sounds will not be soon forgotten. Depending on the season, you can trek across the Roof of Africa through the virtually untouched Simien Mountains filled with remarkable flora and fauna including the Gelada baboon, Walia ibex and endangered Ethiopian wolf. Alternatively, you can marvel at the Bale Mountains. Rift Valley Lakes and Blue Nile Falls. Eco-lodgings, built in the traditional “tikka” style and solar-powered, are also becoming more prevalent.

Related Articles:

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About the Author

Irene Lane is the founder & president of Greenloons, which is a company dedicated to providing nature enthusiasts and wildlife conservationists worldwide with trusted information about responsible, sustainable, and certified ecotourism travel vacations and volunteer conservation efforts both in the U.S. and internationally.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Investing in Education in Tanzania

responsible-travel — Wed, 1 Jun 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Education is something we take for granted. Sure, some of our public schools aren't the best, but it is not only a given, it is a law that all children must go to school. And, everyone has the opportunity to finish high school at little to no cost. Many places around the world do not have this luxury.

Learning about the different education systems in our destination countries has been fascinating. Every place does it slightly differently, from when kids start, to when they finish, to what is required of them to move on to a higher level of schooling. While every country offers some form of free education, most of the time the free ride ends after about grade 7 or so. To continue on to high school (or the equivalent), a student must score well on an entrance exam, and the family must pay for the schooling. Though this price is quite small (by our standards), it is often cost-prohibitive for the family. More of an issue, however, is that the child is often needed on the farm or the family business. The idea of using very precious savings to send a kid to school when they could be producing for the family is one that most parents can't justify. Particularly for girls.

Amani, our safari guide in Tanzania, is one of the lucky ones. He comes from a poor farming village on the slopes of Kilimanjaro where most children finish their education after “Standard 7”. Amani had to plead with his parents to send him to secondary school, but as subsistence farmers, they simply did not have the money. Amani was very fortunate that others in the community saw his promise, and with the financial help of neighbors and extended family, he was able to convince his parents to invest what little they had in his education and his future. Upon finishing secondary school, Amani scored high on the national exam, and wanted to go to university to become a safari guide. His parents could certainly not afford this, but Amani's uncle, a guide himself, put up the money to cover the university costs.

The community's investment in Amani's education paid off many times over. As a successful safari guide, Amani makes a wage that is many times that of most of his peers. He has fully repaid those who lent him money. But more importantly, he has invested back in the community that supported him. After building his parents a brick home (a luxury they could have never dreamed of), he has installed a number of wells to bring safe and clean drinking water to the whole village. Others in the village have relied on him to make similar loans as those he received.

Amani's story isn't an anomaly, but it's not the norm either. Education is the key to a more prosperous future in every underdeveloped country, but with such limited resources, most families simply cannot unlock their kid's potential. Fortunately, more and more families are realizing that investing in their kid's education is a way to secure their own future. This is a paradigm shift from the traditional approach, where it is accepted that kids would be working in the field as soon as they are able. But once the shift has occurred, the impacts will be felt for generations to come. You can be assured of one thing - Amani will be sending his daughter to school, all the way through university.

Want to contribute to education on your next trip to Tanzania? Consider volunteer programs like African Impact and Cross Cultural Solutions, or support local education NGOs like Rhotia Valley and IEFT.

Related Articles:

Tanzania - Two Hills, One Goal

Kilimanjaro Porters - Helping Them Help You Up the Mountain

About the Author: Ted Martens

Ted’s journey into the travel and tourism industry started the summer after a two-month backpacking trip throughout Europe ignited a life-long passion for international travel. With a master’s degree in Tourism Development, Ted has focused his efforts on helping non-profit Sustainable Travel International promote responsible tourism across the globe as their Director of Outreach & Development. After working too hard for the past 5 years, he is on the road again, escaping the office for some field research… is the responsible travel movement taking seed across the globe, or not?

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Understanding Culture - A Lesson in Saving Face

responsible-travel — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:47:00 GMT

I used to consider myself a tourist, these days I like to consider myself a traveller. I've been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit, in groups and alone, for business and for pleasure, frequently for both. I love to see new places in the world, learn about new cultures and experience how people adapt to different situations and persevere through a variety of challenges - whether environmental, social, economic or political. Over time I realized that I have a responsibility as a traveler - I need to understand where I'm going.

Learning My Lesson

This lesson was learned the hard way. In 2007, I went to China to teach hockey for a professional hockey team. During that trip, I spent 12 days working with 10 of them on the ice twice a day, as well as official meetings and meals. It was an amazing experience that contributed heavily to where my personal and professional life has progressed. It was also an experience that left me wondering how I could have prepared and behaved differently.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, we quickly transferred to another flight to bring us to Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province (along the Northeastern Border with Russia). There was no time to recover from jet lag. We immediately went into meetings, then had a session on the ice, followed by drinking a fair portion of baijiu (Chinese liquor) and then going back on the ice. I quickly learned that being hosted by local Chinese organizations was an opportunity for them to showcase their hospitality. Saying "no" is considered disrespectful in social gatherings, but I had to draw the line, as my stomach was struggling with the food and the baijiu. Drinking before and after hockey every day is not part of my normal routine. As a result of my saying no, my nickname quickly became "No Ganbei" (the loose translation is "bottoms up", the expectation is also "bottoms up"). I would just say it over and over, "no ganbei". In less than a week, I was voicing my frustration.

Saving Face

In retrospect, I should have handled my situation differently. It wasn't until my return to New York that I learned about some of the cultural norms. Our translator tried to help, but it was too much too late. I could've just explained the value of maintaining a strict diet for hockey that excluded so much alcohol. It would've been a respectful way out, instead of just saying "no" without explanation. I also needed to understand that complaining in Asia is not the same as complaining in America, especially New York, where it is almost perceived as authenticity.

In Asia, China especially, saving face is important. Expressing my dissatisfaction the way I did was only perceived as emotional, erratic and disrespectful. Saving face also plays into language. As China and America have increased their trade relationship, the demand for people from both countries to speak the other's language has increased. There were times when I would complain to my colleague about the situation we were dealing with around a group Chinese that never uttered a word of English. Avoiding embarrassment is a component of saving face, and many Chinese people get embarrassed when trying to speak English. What I did not realize was that not speaking English does not mean that they don't understand English. There I was rambling, assuming nobody understood what I was saying.

Here are a few proverbs that would have done me some good to know.

"Talk does not cook rice"

"A man's meaning becomes visible when he opens his mouth"

A troublesomely great talker is not barred from making mistakes"

"No medicines can cure the vulgar man"

One of the things I learned is that it's important to educate yourself on the culture that you will be visiting. I spent a lot of time trying to learn about Chinese culture. Unfortunately, it was after my trip when I returned to New York and I promised myself not to make that same mistake again.

And then an opportunity presented itself two years later with a similarly unique project – this time, to India.

An Opportunity in India

Before I left for India the first time, I studied. I read a few books on Indian culture, business norms, the history of India, Tibet and Kashmir - as much as I could. I was terrified of making a cultural faux pas like I felt I had done in China. I also changed my way of thinking - I started listening to more Tibetan music, burned incense (it was relaxing, just go with it), ate more Indian food, watched programs about and in India to complement the books, and reflected on my experience in China and how I could apply the lessons learned in India.

I began The Hockey Foundation in reaction to the work I did in China and in New York. At first, it was just me, traveling to remote Ladakh as a volunteer. There were few details I knew in advance. I knew Ladakh was in the Indian Himalayas, was predominantly Buddhist, had a more Tibetan-like culture, and was in a state with the name Kashmir in it. For a while, I was promoting my trip as hockey in Kashmir.

Upon arrival, I realized how wrong I was. For starters, nobody "looked" Indian (as in they had Mongolian features). They also didn't view themselves as Indian. To go one step further, they weren't Kashmiri either. Ladakh is a very small region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu is predominantly Hindu, Kashmir is predominantly Muslim and Ladakh is predominantly Buddhist, with a significant Muslim minority. I spent my days in Ladakh learning about the history, culture, society, environment, and politics - and spent even more time observing and analyzing.

By no means do I feel I passed the test of navigating the difficulties of intercultural business relations, but I do feel I did a much better job this time around. My first trip to India was something I organized on a whim in efforts to help make a difference in a remote part of the world, but it was also something I was drawn to. As a result, I was able to just go with the flow, which allowed me to truly savor the experience.

My trip began as an emotional journey, and developed into something that required greater responsibility. I started by writing about the experiences of in a new land and a new culture and an important project, but I also became accountable to a program, a project, and a large group of people that were directly affected by my words and actions.

It was on that initial Indian expedition that I had the opportunity to coach the national ice hockey team of India, as well as develop the concept of my one-man non-profit initiative. With this, I am now responsible to donors and the US Government, as well as countless other organizations.

As I’ve dealt with being more responsible for my organization, its goals, the people affected by it and the people that contribute to it, I gain a different sense of meaning. Travelling responsibly is not always about learning a culture and how to interact better, but for me, it’s the most important component as it affects how I approach my work.

No matter what reason you travel for, that understanding the cultural nuances of where you are going will certainly ingratiate you to the people you interact with. Staying in the moment is always important, and understanding the cultural differences that separate you from those around you will help reduce frustration.

That being said, if you don’t feel challenged during your travels, you’re doing something wrong. You’re too comfortable. Get yourself into a difficult situation, make the most of it and get yourself out of it. Go back to the place that impacted you or that you impacted. See how things change when people realize that we are all intrinsically linked. It’s amazing how deeply that touches human beings of all cultures.

- by Adam Sherlip, Executive Director The Hockey Foundation

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About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Bridging the Gap: Volunteering as a Cultural Exchange

responsible-travel — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:30:00 GMT

If you’re interested in volunteering abroad you’ve probably at least heard a whisper of the debate: Are you really helping?

I’m not here to answer that question. I’m here to say, that’s not what’s important. What is important, more so than whether that house you built in Guatemala will stop the rampant government corruption or whether those weeks you spent in an orphanage will keep those kids off of drugs when they’re older, is the cultural exchange you have with the people you interact with while volunteering abroad.

This exchange affects you and affects them. I’ve spoken to many volunteers and a common sentiment is that they feel like they got as much out of the experience as they gave. Why is that? Because volunteering, more than most other forms of traveling, allows for real interaction with the locals. You wake up in the morning in a local home; spend the day working alongside the locals and go to bed after having a homemade dinner of local food. All day long you are sharing who you are and where you come from and so are they.

While volunteering will naturally put you in a situation of cultural exchange.

Here are some tips to really get involved:

Learn at least some of the local language.

Let’s face it even the best mimes will run out of gestures after a couple days and you can’t really understand a culture without understanding its language. Most volunteer programs offer some sort of language instruction so take advantage of it. Then, once you’ve learned the basics, talk. Even if you sound like a three year old, talk. The locals will appreciate the effort and they will help you out and teach you new phrases and words. They can also teach you the local lingo which you won’t learn in the classroom and gives you a deeper look into the culture.

Stay in a homestay.

There may be several accommodation options when you choose a volunteer program but if you really want to participate in the culture a homestay is the way to go. Not only will it improve your Spanish but you will get invited to family events. Chatting with a slightly drunk uncle over a family barbecue is a great way to hear amazing stories in any countries.

Help in the kitchen.

Food is as much a part of culture as art and music, and in some countries may be more important. Ask your host mom to teach you local recipes and chat to her while doing it. Also, offer to make one of your countries dishes, and while the family and yourself enjoy it you can tell them about your culture.

Make friends with the permanent local staff.

Not only can they give you insight into the long term goals of the volunteer project you’re working on, they can also take you to the best local bars or on an excursion to that spot that only the locals know about (every town has one). They’ve probably met a lot of international volunteers so will be in a position to support you as well should you start feeling culture shock.

Whether you’re working with kids or adults, TALK.

It may seem obvious but the best way to learn about and share your culture is to talk. Tell stories, listen to them and ask questions. It’s important that even if you’re naturally a bit shy to push yourself. After a while once you’ve begun forming relationships with the locals it won’t be so hard but those first couple days or even weeks challenge yourself every day to speak as much as possible.

- Written by Alexandra Alden, Humanitravels

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About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

How Tourism Conquered India's Oldest Fort

responsible-travel — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:36:00 GMT

Jaisalmer Fort, situated along the Thar desert in western Rajasthan, is one of India's most impressive historical monuments. The Fort, built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, rises out of Trikuta Hill and is surrounded by golden sandstone walls dotted with 99 bastions that radiate in the desert sunlight. Jaisalmer Fort is a living museum – claimed by some to be the oldest still-inhabited citadel in the world - with a palace, temples, hundreds of havelis, and over 1/4 of the old city's population – about 2500 people. The Fort is also one of the world's most endangered monuments.

Jaisalmer Fort is being destroyed, and the primary culprit is tourism. One of the most popular attractions in Rajasthan, the Fort has endured an explosion of hotels and restaurants along its narrow cobbled paths. These water-intensive businesses require the Fort's aging water system to pump 120 liters of water per person through its pipes – over 12 times its intended capacity. Exacerbated by poor building practices and overcrowding, these drainage issues are causing the Fort to literally sink into the hill, collapsing buildings, walls, and bastions in the process. Since 1993, over 250 historic buildings have fully or partially collapsed, including 3 of the 12-century bastions.

As a result of tourism's negative impact, nearly all guidebooks covering Jaisalmer strongly advise against staying within the Fort's walls, and some ask that travelers do not eat at the Fort restaurants either. But not all residents feel this boycotting approach is good for the local industry. Not surprisingly, all of the business owners I spoke with within the Fort adamantly protested against the guidebook advice, claiming that the Fort's condition is most certainly stable, and without tourism, their livelihoods are in jeopardy. Outside the Fort's walls, opinions were mixed – some agreeing that tourism should be controlled within, others more sympathetic to the struggling hotels inside the Fort.

As a responsible traveler, you have to make a choice – support the struggling local businesses who desperately need your rupees for survival, or support the ban on staying within the Fort's walls to help curb deterioration. I chose to stay outside the Fort, but after meeting a few locals impacted by the ban, I'm not sure what the most “responsible” choice really is.

For more information on saving Jaisalmer Fort, check out the very impressive accomplishments of the charity, Jaisalmer in Jeopardy.

Related Articles:

The Second Government of Botswana - Wilderness Safaris

Kilimanjaro Porters- Helping Them Help you Up the Mountain

About the Author: Ted Martens

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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5 Wild Animals You Can Protect On Your Next Trip

responsible-travel — Sun, 8 May 2011 15:27:00 GMT

It seems that every day another news article comes out about animals facing extinction. The list of reasons is seemingly endless including loss of habitat, the wildlife trade, and climate change. What the media rarely covers is the stories of hope, where communities come together to protect the animals that live around them.

There are many of these stories around the world, where dedicated conservationists are coming up with innovative ways to help these endangered species recover while improving the lives of local residents. Many of these programs include volunteer activities for travelers to participate in research and conservation programs.

Here are just a few of the opportunities for travelers to help wildlife:

Green Sea Turtles in Baja

Years ago, many turtle researchers wrote off Baja’s turtles as beyond saving. However, an award-winning network of fishermen, scientists, and local residents called the Grupo Tortuguero formed to study and protect the region’s five species of sea turtles and numbers are rebounding. A new locally run business called RED Sustainable Tourism is helping these conservationists recruit volunteer help for their turtle research. Participants camp on a small island in Magdalena Bay and help to set nets to catch green turtles at sea and collect information on them before returning them to the water.

Lions in Mozambique

These iconic cats are facing increasing threats and their numbers have decreased an estimated 30 percent over the past two decades. Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is a microcosm of efforts in Africa to protect lions and other wildlife. At one point, this park is said to have had more wildlife than the Serengeti and was one of the continent’s most visited protected areas. In the 90’s, civil strife led to an estimated 95 reduction in large animals. Now that the political situation is resolved, a huge effort is underway to restore the park and revive ecotourism here. Colorado-based Reefs to Rockies is working with Explore Gorongosa to organize a “Bio-Blitz” where volunteers can help researchers on a comprehensive survey of the parks flora and fauna.

Photo courtesy of Explore Gorongosa

Giant Pandas in China

Pandas live in isolated patches of mountain forest in central China. Their numbers in the wild have dwindled to less than 2,500 due to conversion of forest to farmland and other uses. The World Wildlife Fund’s China program is working to expand protected areas and encourage local residents to protect their forests. Travelers with Wild China can track pandas in the Wanglang Nature Reserve, visit a panda breeding center, and support WWF’s efforts to train local residents as tour guides.

Photo courtesy of Wild China

Penguins in South Africa

More than half of the 18 species of penguins around the world are considered either threatened or endangered. The African penguin population has decreased 95 percent since preindustrial times due to competition for fish with fishermen and other threats. Earthwatch Institute has worked with local researchers for the past decade to study and protect the penguins living on Robben Island, famous for the prison that once held Nelson Mandela and many others during apartheid. Volunteers will help collect data on the penguins including growth rates of chicks and survival rates, key information that is needed to develop long-term protection plans.

Whale Sharks in the Sea of Cortez

The whale shark, despite being the world’s largest fish, is not well studied by scientists. Their numbers are decreasing due primarily to the trade in their fins. Though they can be found around the world, one of their primary feeding areas is the Sea of Cortez between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Baja Expeditions, the first tour operator to bring people to this ocean paradise, has recently begun working with a local researcher to start filling in the gaps in our knowledge of these amazing creatures. Based on board a dive ship, volunteers will spend a week cruising the Sea of Cortez, diving with whale sharks to collect DNA samples, take photographic IDs, and observing their behavior.

Brad Nahill is a Director for SEE Turtles and SEEtheWILD.

Related Articles:

Confessions of a Sea Turtle Volunteer

Eco-Successes in the African Bush

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

Tanzania - Two Hills, One Goal

responsible-travel — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:18:00 GMT

Tented camps are my favorite. They offer a uniquely intimate interaction with your surroundings, while also providing the necessary amenities of any standard (and sometimes luxury) hotel. Only a piece of canvas and screen separate you and the great outdoors (which in Africa may mean wild and dangerous animals). I've had the opportunity to visit nearly a dozen such camps during my travels on on this continent, and I've seen some pretty impressive eco-initiatives associated with these properties. But nothing impressed me more than my final tented camp experience, the first to use a community development project as the basis for their tented lodge.

Rhotia Valley is a property perched atop two adjacent hills, overlooking the rural village of Rhotia, along Tanzania's famed Northern Safari Circuit. On one hill sits the Rhotia Valley Children's Home, a safe home and school for local children in need. Due to a very high rate of HIV/AIDS in the region, many children are orphans, and along with issues such as malnourishment and family breakdown, the Children's Home has become a key piece of the village's social support network.

Atop the second hill is the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge, an eco-focused property with 15 spacious tents. Environmental initiatives abound – from solar thermal and photo-voltaic installations to an organic garden providing most of the veggies for the on-site restaurant. Most importantly though, the lodge exists primarily as a funding mechanism for the Children's Home, with a minimum of 20% of lodge revenues going towards operating costs for the home.

What impressed me the most about Rhotia Valley is that the owners set out to create a community development project, with a tourism component. Most of the time, the opposite is true. As a result, the focus on all aspects of Rhotia Valley's operation are geared toward the Children's Home and the local community. It is the community's support for the project that has made it a success. Children chosen to stay at the Home – those most in need – are determined by the community council and village elders. All staff for operations on both hills come from the surrounding communities, and all of the children boarded at the school are only from Rhotia. Village elders participate on the board of the Children's home, and the owners are actively engaged in community discussions and decisions. In their words: Our aim is to give support to the people - and especially the children - of the Rhotia area - in such a way that the entire village is committed and the villagers feel part of the project and embrace it. Two Hills, One Goal.

Heading to the Serengeti?

You can be part of the Rhotia project - guests to the lodge are encouraged to interact with the community on guided walks, as well as visit or volunteer in the Children's Home. Even a night's stay at the lodge provides direct financial benefits to the children. Learn more at www.rhotiavalley.com.

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Kilimanjaro Porters - Helping Them Help you Up the Mountain

Volunteer Africa - What to Consider Before Choosing a Project

About the Author: Ted Martens

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Kilimanjaro Porters – Helping Them Help You Up The Mountain

responsible-travel — Sun, 3 Apr 2011 16:15:00 GMT

I've never had anybody carry my stuff for me before.

At least, not on a trekking trip. And to be honest, I was a little bit uncomfortable about it. See, I consider myself a fairly avid backcountry hiker, spending many weekends each summer in the Colorado wilderness. The thought of hiring someone to carry my food, tent, clothes, sleeping bag, etc, just seems like cheating. So, when my wife and I arrived at the Machame trailhead of Mt Kilimanjaro, I was appalled to find 12 people there to assist us up the mountain! As it turns out, there is no way we would have made it up Kili without them (at least, not in 5 days), and I have come to highly respect Kilimanjaro porters and the often dire working conditions they face every time they set foot on the mountain.

“My team, they are not just porters, they are mountaineers,” boasts my guide, Goodluck (yes, that is his real name). And he's right – these guys are heaving heavy, awkward-shaped, poorly packaged gear up some of the most challenging non-technical trekking routes on the planet. And, they are doing it in almost any weather condition, often with very poor equipment (I saw more remnants of old shoes and boots on the trail than I care to remember). These guys have to be tough, but too often on Kili, they are working harder than they should be.

Why are things so rough for porters?

They are the low link on the Kilimanjaro food chain, there is lots of competition for work (over 15,000 porters work on the mountain!), and their low level of education and training has kept them from having a voice. Here are a few of their most common challenges:

Climbing companies sometimes fail to pay their porters on time, sufficiently, or at all

Some porters are not provided with appropriate mountain gear, from clothing to footwear to tents

Some porters are given insufficient food – as little as 1 meal per day

Some porters are made to carry well over the maximum weight of 25kg (a regulation set by the park, but often ignored by the climbing companies)

Some guides (often former porters themselves) require a bribe to be chosen to work

Some guides fail to distribute guest tips fairly, keeping more than their own share

Fortunately, the situation is improving significantly, thanks largely to the work of Karen Valenti and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program (KPAP), a Tanzanian NGO. Created by the International Mountain Explorers Connection in 2003, KPAP has been fighting for porters rights and welfare through grassroots activism, education, research, and monitoring. The organization works directly with porters to provide complimentary gear rental, while also working with the climbing companies to ensure they are following ethical guidelines for porter treatment established by KPAP. Karen, KPAP's director, is a passionate individual who spends most of her time at Kili trailheads interviewing and surveying porters and climbers to ensure standards are being met. Climbing companies who have demonstrated their adherence to KPAP standards are granted “partner” status – a label that has become a must-have for any responsible travel providers running trips to Kili.

Interested in climbing Kilimanjaro?

Your travel choices have the power to make a positive impact. Here's what you can do to ensure your porters are treated fairly:

Visit the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program's website to learn more about their work

Climb with one of KPAP's “partner in responsible travel” companies – both Tanzanian ground operators, as well as international tour companies are listed by country

If you've already selected an operator who is not on the list, KPAP has a list of suggested questions/requirements you can utilize to ensure fair treatment on your trip

If your favorite tour operator is not on the list (and they run trips to Kilimanjaro), call them up and ask them why they have not joined, and when they plan to

Be sure to tip well (plan it into your trip budget), and be sure to tip directly to the porters

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Eco-Successes in the African Bush

About the Author: Ted Martens

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Confessions of a Sea Turtle Volunteer

responsible-travel — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:42:00 GMT

I wasn’t always a sea turtle fanatic. I didn’t grow up with a pet turtle, snorkel with green turtles in Hawaii, or even watch the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I had a pretty boring suburban US childhood without a lot of interaction with nature. (Don’t tell any of my colleagues, but I didn’t know the first thing about turtles when I first went to work with them.)

The first time I saw a leatherback turtle, I nearly fainted. Expecting a normal sized turtle with a hard shell, watching a dinosaur weighing close to 1,000 pounds dragging itself out of the water was a wake up call to me. Since then, I have become a bit of an turtle evangelist and have helped hundreds of people visit turtle nesting beaches to volunteer or just watch this amazing creature.

At first I painted a beautiful picture for prospective volunteers (moonlight strolls on the beach, giant turtles laying eggs, daytime free to lounge). We quickly found that to attract people not quite prepared for the experience. I now start with the bad stuff (bugs, rain, little sleep, long walks in soft sand) and let people know that if they can put up with that, it can be the most amazing experience of your life.

Volunteering with a sea turtle conservation project is very rewarding with benefits including personal satisfaction, resume material, lots of exercise, new friends from around the world, and great stories to tell. It should not be taken lightly though; it is hard work and the local organizations that run the turtle programs expect volunteers to fulfill their obligations.

Generally the projects require at least a week’s stay and will take people for up to 3 months. The organizations that we work with require volunteers to pay for food and lodging (their budgets are not big enough to cover those expenses) which ranges from $25 to more than $100 per day. For people who can commit to at least two months and have biology degrees or field experience, some projects offer research assistant positions at no daily cost.

Photos courtesy of Neil Osbourne

So what should a volunteer expect when going to volunteer on one of these projects?

First, the work is generally at night when the turtles come ashore. Most projects require volunteers to wear dark clothing and avoid using lights (including cameras) to avoid disturbing the turtles. On many beaches, volunteers work one of two four-hour shifts (8 to midnight or midnight to 4 am), walking up and down the beach with local researchers and other volunteers.

When a nesting turtle is spotted, the lead researcher will keep the group back until the turtle has started to dig the nest. At this time, the turtle goes into a trance-like state where they are so focused on digging and laying eggs that they have little sense of what is going on around them. If the beach has a hatchery (where eggs are protected from poachers or other animals), the eggs will be collected in a bag put into the nest. Most projects then collect data on the turtle including the species, length and width of the shell, distinguishing marks, and where on the beach it nests. Researchers will then put a tag on the turtle (either a metal tag on a flipper or a microchip injected into the shoulder). Other work at turtle projects include working in the hatchery (checking to see if hatchlings arrive), cleaning the beach of debris, or maintaining the research center.

So what should an eager turtle lover think about before deciding whether to volunteer and where to go?

First, think hard about how much discomfort you can put up with. If you can’t stand mosquitoes and rain and won’t survive if you can’t check your email or phone, its probably not the right experience for you. If you have health issues that walking long distances can worsen, you may want to look for something else.

Second, think about what is most important to you, the scientific aspect or the conservation and cultural aspects. Some projects have strong research programs and nicer facilities but may offer less interaction with local residents and receive large numbers of volunteers. Smaller community-based turtle projects may not have as strong of a research program or facilities but need help more than other projects and can offer homestays with local families. More established programs tend to be more expensive as well. Also, do you want to be near a town where you can hang out on off days or an isolated beach far from civilization?

I often get asked, “Really how much does volunteering help the turtles?” My response is always, “A lot!” Unlike some volunteer programs that are set up more for the volunteer than the local organizations, turtle projects need lots of help walking long stretches of beaches for hours each evening. In addition, the income from volunteer programs generates a large portion of the budget of some of these projects; they wouldn’t have the funds to continue without them. Perhaps most importantly, volunteers coming to these communities to spend their time and money helps to convince local residents that the turtles are more valuable alive than dead. I’ve seen first-hand the change that can take place in a town once volunteers start arriving. That may be the most satisfying part of the whole experience, bonding with people of different backgrounds over the hard work of bringing endangered species back from the brink.

Brad Nahill is a Director for SEE Turtles and SEEtheWILD.

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About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

The Second Government of Botswana - Wilderness Safaris

responsible-travel — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:39:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about how difficult it is to run a responsible safari camp in the remote Southern African bush, and the individual efforts of a few independent lodges. Now, I want to show you how one large safari company is positively changing the landscape across the entire region through their model of “sustainable conservation through responsible tourism.”

Botswana is home to some of the best safari camps (and wildlife viewing) on the planet. Famed for the Okavango Delta and the elephant-filled Chobe National Park, Botswana is a top destination on any safari-buff's bucket list. And no company knows more about running successful camps in Botswana than Wilderness Safaris. Started 25 years ago by a couple of rangers and a single Land Cruiser, Wilderness has grown to operate 60+ camps across southern Africa, with over 25 in Botswana alone. The company's active role in politics, conservation, tourism, and community development has earned them the nickname, the Second Government of Botswana. The company's commitment to sustainability has earned them the reputation of a world leader in responsible tourism.

“Wildness Safaris is first and foremost a conservation organization. The reason we exist is to protect pristine wilderness areas and the biodiversity they support.” Not too many for-profit companies have conservation as their core mandate. Wilderness' sustainability focus goes well beyond the environment – their commitment to the people and communities in their areas of operation has brought about unparalleled opportunity, education, skills, and jobs, with the vision of making “a difference in all people's lives, by enabling them to find new paths, and leaving a legacy of conservation for our children.”

Ok, so we've established that the company is committed in their mission and vision. But what are they actually doing on the ground in Botswana? Too much to tell in this single post. I'm going to completely ignore the operational sustainability aspect of their lodge and camp operation (responsible management of waste, energy, water, etc), as I covered some of those initiatives in my previous post. Here, we'll focus on the conservation and community initiatives of the company's non-profit arm, the Wildlife Trust.

Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust currently supports 43 projects across 6 Southern African countries. The projects fall into one of three project areas: Research and conservation, community empowerment and education, and anti-poaching and management. A few project examples:

· Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Project – Due to poaching, rhinos were all but extinct in Botswana until the Trust, in conjunction with Botswana's Wildlife and National Parks Department, began an anti-poaching and relocation project to bring rhino numbers back up in the region. In addition to relocating animals, researchers closely monitor the rhinos, their adaptation to the new environments, and their breeding patterns. Similar reintroduction projects are also being carried out by the Trust in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

· Children in the Wilderness – Wilderness Safaris' flagship community education program brings groups of rural kids from surrounding villages to Wilderness camps (which have been closed to the public) for a 5-night stay, where they participate in a life skills and environmental education program. Topics include wildlife, conservation, health, HIV/AIDS awareness, nutrition, life skills, geology, and arts and crafts. Through leadership development, Children in the Wilderness aims to facilitate sustainable conservation throughout the local communities. Over 3000 children have participated to date.

· Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit – This team of individuals has been fighting poachers in the Vic Falls region for over 10 years. Still a rampant problem in the area, the crew fights back though removal of animal snares (devices used to catch animals), treatment of animals injured by snares, and through direct arrest of poachers (436 were apprehended in 2009 alone) within the region.

And there are some 40 other projects funded, monitored, or executed by the Wildlife Trust. The scope of positive impact is astounding, and these efforts are funded almost entirely by Wilderness Safaris and their guests.

With over 2500 employees, over 2.8 million hectares of wilderness under their watch, over 40 Trust projects operating simultaneously, all while running over 60 safari camps and a bush airline, Wilderness Safaris' infrastructure may just rival that of a small country. It's a good thing that this “country's” people are putting conservation at the heart of their economy.

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About the Author: Ted Martens

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

Fast Five Profile: BikeHike Adventures

responsible-travel — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:03:00 GMT

1.) Who are you?

Hi, I'm Trish Sare. I started BikeHike 17 years ago because of my passion for travel, active adventures and other cultures around the world. I left home on a 5 year journey at 20, working my way around the world. I had so many experiences, lived with a local family for 2 years in Thailand (was one of only two foreigners on the island), living off the land as the local did. I developed a very strong appreciation of their culture, traditions, and honestly came home feeling how much we take for granted in the west that others can only ever dream of in the developing world.

That's how the cultural seed of BikeHike was planted. I wanted to introduce people back home to other cultures and how their lives were so simple, they had very little, yet they were happy. At the same time, I wanted to work with those local people, by bringing small groups of people to their villages, boutique hotels, and homes, helping them to earn money.

Then, I was hired as a tour guide. I was guiding all over South America, and as much as their trips were great, they were not active enough for me personally so I always sought out some adventure elements on the side (biking, rafting, inner tubing). I was really introduced to active adventure travel while I was living in Costa Rica. I met some amazing people there who took me on some absolutely thrilling adventures, rappelling into 300 ft caves, inner tubing, rock climbing, etc. Today we still work together, 17 years later.

Since both are my passions, and exploring the world is what I'd spent most of my life doing, I decided, why should I work have to be something that I just do to pay the bills. I met some amazing people out on my travels who were living fascinating lives, so they were my inspiration. I've never been one to follow the mainstream trail.

My overall vision of offering active adventures worldwide with a very strong focus on culture and sustainability hasn't changed, however so much has changed over the years in terms of technology, that we've had to change with the times or we wouldn't still be here.

2.) What are your views on Responsible Travel?

It is extremely important to the sustainability of our planet and the cultures around the world that are being lost at a rapid speed. I'm not an advocate of mass tourism as I don't feel that it helps to make the local people equals and often is the cause of destruction of natural habitats. BikeHike only works with local partners in the destinations that we operate in (guides, boutique hotels, local restaurants, rickshaw drivers, ranches with horses, local families who cook meals for us, etc). We only choose partners who share our vision of responsible travel.

We also support programs that give back to the communities for example buying desks, chairs and school supplies for a village in Peru, financially supporting a foundation in India that was created to give quality eye care and education to people who have no possibilities of affording it on their own.

BikeHike ensures that by us bringing small groups to the destinations that we operate in, the local people, the environment and the wildlife are benefiting. For example, we work to educate poachers that they can earn a sustainable and better living by protecting those animals that they were initially killing. We hire them as guides, for who knows better than a poacher how to find endangered animals.

Some of our programs involve some volunteer aspects, i.e. working with the leatherback turtles in Costa Rica, assisting in a disabled girls school in Thailand. These are part and parcel of the overall multi-sport adventures that we specialize in.

3.) Do you feel your travelers really care about travelling responsibly or is it just marketing hype?

My hope is that they do, but honestly, my feeling is that most (in the mid-range market) are motivated by the bottom line price, especially in a time when we are just coming out of an economic recession. I'm not sure if they understand that in order to achieve the low prices, compromises have to be made. If the trip prices are very low, one must ask are the employees being paid fair wages, are the porters on treks being forced to carry extremely heavy loads so that the companies that they work for can minimize how many staff to pay on a given trek.

I've recently watched the documentary Food Inc. which is a very disturbing look at how our food is produced and how so many are abused to keep the prices down but the profits high. It was a big wake up call for me to be more conscientious about the choices that I make. We do our best to educate our travelers to travel responsibly,

4.) How do you feel about taking travelers to 'conflict' areas, such as Egypt right now? If you are hesitant how long does it take until you are comfortable bringing travelers again?

I definitely don't believe that travelers should be traveling into conflict zones, as Egypt and BikeHike certainly would not be taking groups into dangerous environments. The safety of our travelers is our primary concern and if one of our destinations was to become politically unstable and unsafe, we will cancel all departures until the situation stabilizes. There are many safe places to travel and it's best to keep the risks at a minimum.

5.) What is your favorite memory of a tour? Your worst?

Favorite: On a Costa Rica trip many years ago there were very heavy rains, and the rivers were flooding. There were landslides occurring on many of the main roads, and the only road back to San Jose, was closed due to a major landslide. We were nearing the end of our trip, and had to get back to San Jose, but there was no way. We were stranded in a little village called Las Horquetas. This was back in the day that Costa Rica was just emerging as a place to travel. We were the only foreigners in town. There were no hotels in the town that were able to accommodate us, nor restaurants. We met a local person who asked all of his friends in town to get together and see if they had any extra blankets, pillows, mattresses and they put all 6 of us up in one of their homes. They cooked us a fantastic Costa Rican home-cooked meal. We shared an incredible night together learning about each others cultures and bonding. They were so unbelievably hospitable. That is a memory I'll always remember and I'm sure that entire group will as well.

The Worst: I was bitten by a domesticated monkey in Costa Rica. He was just playing, but his light bite, pierced through my skin. I immediately washed and disinfected the wound and thought all would be fine. A few days later while traveling through Guatemala I developed a very high fever and ended up in the emergency room of a Guatemalan Hospital. I was diagnosed with a severe kidney infection and an inflamed liver. I was in the middle of guiding a series of back-to-back trips for the next few months and there was no one to replace me, so I still had to be on. It took three stages of antibiotics and six months of weakness before my body could tackle the infection.

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About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe withTravel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

Read more stories from WorldNomads.com and keep travelling safely.

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Eco-Successes in the African Bush

responsible-travel — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:48:00 GMT

Running a safari camp can't be easy. In fact, it may be just about the most difficult hospitality gig on the planet. In addition to all of the nuances of running any old high-quality hotel, you have to do it off-the-grid, in a very remote and hard-to-access location, within a wildlife reserve or park, with highly specialized on-site staff, while running a successful game-drive business that ensures guests see all of the Big 5 animals and more.

Balancing a sustainable tourism plan in this already difficult operating environment can be a tall order for any camp owner. Some argue that there simply is not enough time (or money) to implement sustainability projects under such demanding circumstances. Fortunately, many others have taken the opposite approach, believing that operating responsibly is a necessity for survival in the safari business. After all, visits to the bush are all about viewing animals in their natural environment – shouldn't a safari camp's goal be to protect that very environment?

Thanks to the many challenges of running a safari operation, camp owners have been forced to develop some of the leading eco-innovation and efficiency techniques found in the tourism industry today. Here are some projects that impressed me in the bush:

· Energy – Remote bush camps have two options when it comes to electricity – diesel generators or renewables. Both systems are used to power battery units to provide power during off-peak times. While most camps have historically used diesel fuel, those that have switched to renewables are reaping the benefits – reduced energy costs over time, no expensive diesel delivery costs, no noise pollution in the bush, no fuel-burning pollution in the bush, etc. Solar is the new diesel, both through solar electricity and solar thermal devices. Cutting edge camps have cut their operational diesel burn to nearly zero, using the old generators only for back-up during maintenance.

· Solid Waste – With no routine trash pick-up (some camps only have vehicle access for less than 3 months a year!), storing waste and recycling can prove to be a challenge. Add to that the hungry and aggressive animals in these regions, and you have a waste management problem on your hands. Composting has become a big trend, eliminating over 50% of solid waste volume. Compost pits, however, must be heavily secured and closely monitored – hyenas in particular love to dig their way in. Recycling is separated at some of the more eco-focused camps, but most parts of Africa lack a location for processing these materials. Material re-use is woven into every aspect of operations, from food-prep, to housekeeping, to camp decoration. Leading camps have developed systems for eliminating packaging and excess materials prior to camp delivery, reducing the load on the back end. Remaining waste is stored in secure cages until it can be transported back to town.

· Water Waste – Water is a precious commodity in the often arid desert environments. Watersheds are very susceptible to disease and pollution, so it is imperative that camp water is properly treated before being released back into the ground. Old-school septic tanks are rapidly being replaced with cutting-edge bio-digester units that use natural bacteria instead of harsh chemicals to treat waste water.

Any single initiative listed here wouldn't constitute a news-worthy sustainability effort. However, when these projects are combined in a single property, and these properties are dotted across much of the African bush, we've got some pretty impressive and wide-spread eco-innovation. To me, there's something darn cool about a lodge that sources, uses, and disposes of all of its own energy, water, and most of its waste in a responsible manner. Regardless of whether the motivation is out of operational necessity or environmental consciousness, I call these off-the-grid camps an eco-success.

Related Articles:

African Access - Too Limited to the Rich and Famous?

Volunteer Africa: What to Consider Before Choosing a Project

About the Author: Ted Martens

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Voluntourism in Cambodia: What to Consider Before Going

responsible-travel — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:47:00 GMT

Cambodian Volunteer Tourism

‘Voluntourism’ has sprung into action over the last few years and Cambodia is no exception. Siem Reap in particular is host to a number of trendy volunteer hang-outs which have blossomed alongside the growth of volunteer experiences on offer. The term ‘voluntourism’ is a clever play on words that has both positive and negative connotations. Some love the concept that whilst on holiday you can offer some time to give something back to the communities you are visiting. Others, however, recoil in its distaste that volunteers should pay for giving up their time and expertise to help those in need.

Despite your personal choice of words to depict volunteering whilst away from home, the growth of volunteer tourism has exploded during recent troublesome economic times allowing for individual life enrichment, CV cultivation and an opportunity to take time out to contemplate their role in the world.

The Considerations

Whether volunteering is meeting up with fellow ‘volunteers’ every night on Siem Reap’s popular Bar Street to share personal experiences or really providing something of significance to the local communities is only something the individual can answer. It is, however, really up to the individual and the host organization to provide a win-win-win situation to fulfill and satisfy the individual’s own needs to volunteer and to really benefit and strengthen the long term needs of the project you are supporting.

In my opinion, this can be achieved, but only with careful consideration, screening and application. And, yes, perhaps you even want to pay an organization to provide you with the relevant information you need to make informed choices of where your expertise will be best suited.

It is, of course, possible to arrange your own volunteer placement and many organizations are crying out for help and assistance, but without considerate research - can you really be sure the organization you are assisting really is benefitting from your presence? Have they asked enough relevant information about you? Did you provide them with a current and up to date CV and police checks? Have they asked you to sign child protection policies and clearly outlined what they expect from you?

One piece of advice is to use a bit of common sense and relate this scenario back to your home country and whether you as complete stranger would be allowed into a children’s home to hug children or walk into a school and hand out books.
Beneficial volunteering requires organization, time and commitment to one project where your skills can enhance an organization and not pull on all their resources over a short time frame. Ideally, long-term volunteer stints should commit to a least 6 months or a year and at a minimum of three months.

Anything shorter and one should question the actual impact on the organization and, more importantly, especially kids attachments. Only specialist volunteers should consider short-term placement where the exchange of knowledge is key.
If you really want to help, you might want to consider whether spending your time fundraising and creating awareness for an established, well functioning organization can assist better in the long-term rather than a few days teaching English.
In our experience, it often takes a couple of weeks to settle in to the culture and get into the swing of things. For unskilled, short-term volunteers, by the time they are comfortable with what they are doing they are off home again - which brings up the question if it is really fair to put extra work and pressure on the project managers as they continually would have to train new short term volunteers before they leave back home? It is also important to ask what help can really be done? And realistically what can be achieved?

The Impacts

The term voluntourism has recently come under extreme criticism. It has been linked with the demand for orphanage tourism and this has significantly contributed to the number of children going into institutionalized care. Some package tours include afternoons at a local orphanage or school promoting this as worthwhile for the children. This is in general discouraged and whilst playing with little children and teaching English at a local school perhaps springs to mind when discussing the term voluntourism – there are areas in genuine need such as basic healthcare, advanced exchange of knowledge and skills, teacher training, marketing, business management, IT which are skills that are key in a developing country. It’s also important NOT to take away jobs from locals when employment is high in demand and rather pass on skills and knowledge where it is needed.

However, in my opinion skilled volunteering can and will offer a rewarding travel experience and if managed well benefit individuals and projects in the long term. In responsible tourism terms, voluntourism does encourage guests to stay longer, stay locally and interact with communities.

If you are intent in coming to Cambodia to volunteer, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

- How much will this organization benefit?

- Is this just satisfying my needs?

- Are the kids well looked after?

- Has the organization just let you (a stranger with no official paper work) walk straight into an environment with vulnerable at risk children without asking for references or police checks?

- What contact have you been given?

- If you pay for it – how much actually goes to the project you have worked at?

Related Articles:

Responsible Hospitality in Cambodia

How to Be a Responsible Traveller in Cambodia

About the Author

Jo Owen works for Angkor Hotels and is passionate about responsible tourism and highlighting places that get it right. Working in Siem Reap she constantly weighs up how double-edged tourism can make giant positive steps in impacting the local economy and communities, but equally can leave large negative footprint on the environment if not managed properly.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.