Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Planeterra works to turn travel into impact by supporting local communities by helping them earn an income from tourism.
We’ve created tips below for how you can turn travel into impact on any adventure!
1. Research where the businesses you’ll be supporting while you are there
From car services, airport pick-ups, to hotels and accomodation, handicrafts, restaurants and tours all of these have ripple effects in the local economy! Make sure you are supporting businesses that are owned by locals, and even better if they have a social enterprise or non-profit mission. Do your research before you go so you know that you being there is having positive impacts.
2. Respect Cultures
Often times when you travel, you may be able to learn about different cultures. Only participate in respectful cultural interactions that foster cross-cultural understanding. When visiting cultural landmarks, monuments or parks research respectful behaviours (dress and behaviour), and when purchasing handicrafts ensure you are buying from a local person and not a large shop.
You can learn about our guidelines specifically focusing on how Planeterra works (and ecourages travel companies to work) with Indigenous Peoples by reading Planeterra’s Indigenous Peoples and the Travel Industry: Global Good Practice Guidelines
3. Don’t Support Orphanage tours or School visits.
Did you know that 80% of children in orphanages have a living parent? The tourism industry’s support of orphanage visits, school visits and voluntourism created a demand for children to become tourist attractions in many parts of the world. When you travel, consider this, would you visit a local elementary school and enter the class room for photos with the children? In fact, many schools around the world require permission to photograph students at the school, so why would it be okay in any other part of the world.
So when you travel, please do not include anything to do with local children on your itinerary.
All Planeterra projects follow strict child welfare gudielines. You can read about our guidelines written in partnership with Child Safe International and G Adventures here.
Planeterra is proud to be inline with Lumos’, Helping not Helping campaign.
4. Protect Animals When You Travel
Many travellers want to see animals that are native to where they are visiting, however it is important to view them responsibly. Without cruel treatment, wild animals wouldn’t be interacting with humans.
If you can pet it or take a selfie with it, it is usually cruel. That’s why as a responsible traveller we urge you to not participate in any acitivities with wild animals as this creates a demand for this industry. Instead participate in activities from a far, such as a safari at a national park, or a snorkeling tour that doesn’t feed animals. This way you are able to protect and see animals in their natural habitat.
Planeterra follows the guidelines by World Animal Protection for all of our project partners around the globe.
5. Reduce your Plastic Use
Plastic use and travel have become synonymous when travellers don’t plan ahead. Bring a resusable water bottle no matter where you travel; Even if the country doesn’t have safe drinking water, purchase a larger size bottle that can be kept to refill your smaller bottle throughout your trip, which will reduce your use. Opt-out of using straws, and cutlery by bringing your own in your day pack if possible.
6. Use Your Voice
Write a blogpost, share on your social media how you turn travel into impact on your trip and help educate your family and friends! At Planeterra we know travel can be a force for good.
Lastly, you can support Planeterra Foundation here.