Most Popular Responsible Travel Articles

Most Popular Responsible Travel Articleshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/Contents/Item/Display/339899Most Popular Responsible Travel Articleshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid-on-your-next-adventureA bad wildlife experience may not always be easy to spot. As with any aspect of responsible travel, do your research.2025-12-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid-on-your-next-adventurehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Encountering wildlife in its natural habitat can be a thrilling and life-changing experience, and is one of the ways travel helps us connect with the world around us. But wildlife experiences that involve cruelty, unnecessary captivity or inappropriate interaction with humans should be a cause for concern, avoided and reported. Here’s why.</p> <h2>Why captive and interactive animal experiences are wrong</h2> <p>Seeing a leopard <a href="/travel-safety/africa/kenya/african-safari-safety-guide">on safari</a>, <a href="/make-a-difference/responsible-travel/planet/redefine-the-dive-10-tips-for-sustainable-divers">scuba diving</a> with reef sharks, or spotting a bear in the distance in a <a href="/explore/north-america/united-states/adventure-junkies-these-national-parks-are-for-you">national park</a> are all positive wildlife experiences where the animals are observed and left alone. However, keeping animals captive for a tourist-based wildlife experience is cruelty. It causes animals to lose their wild instincts, to rely on humans for their survival and makes them vulnerable to hunters.</p> <p>Wildlife should not be touched or handled for the same reason, and, under no circumstances, should you feed any animals you encounter.</p> <p>“It is likely to disturb their natural diet and health,” explains Hamish Keith from <a href="https://www.exotravel.com/?utm_source=worldnomads">EXO Travel</a>, “and distorts their natural social behavior. Animals may die because of your touch, however <g class="gr_ gr_97 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="97" data-gr-id="97">soft,</g> because they are more sensitive to human disease.”</p> <p>If an animal comes to you of its own <g class="gr_ gr_101 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="101" data-gr-id="101">choice</g> and is free to go when it pleases, for example, a pod of curious dolphins in the ocean, this is a bit different, but as a general rule avoid encounters where animals have no option but to interact with you. </p> <p>Other exceptions might include animal sanctuaries taking care of orphaned animals or those stolen from their parents, who can no longer survive in the wild and rely on humans for their survival. Examples include <a href="https://www.chimpeden.com/">Jane Goodall’s Chimp Eden</a> and Lemur Island in <a href="/travel-safety/africa/madagascar/local-laws-and-customs-madagascar">Madagascar</a>.</p> <h2>Animal experiences to avoid </h2> <p>Avoid any wildlife encounter that exploits an animal, or where there are signs of neglect or abuse. Removing animals, that belong in the wild from their natural habitat, to be used for performance and entertainment, including fighting, is unacceptable.</p> <p>Avoid situations where an animal is being harassed, either by its handlers or visitors, where animals are kept in cages or enclosures that are too small for them or where performance or interaction is encouraged.</p> <p>“The gold standard is an unforced encounter with wildlife in its natural environment,” advises <em><a href="https://www.roughguides.com/?utm_source=worldnomads">Rough Guides</a></em> editor Rebecca Hallet. “Avoid any operator who <em>promises</em> an interaction with the animal.”</p> <p>Experiences, where you are able to come too close to wildlife, are a common problem, explains Wendy Redal from <a href="https://www.nathab.com/?utm_source=worldnomads">Natural Habitat Adventures</a>. “I have observed Hawaiian endangered monk seals on a <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/north-america/united-states/5-things-hawaii">beach in Kauai</a>, and was distressed to see a number of visitors stepping inside the boundary rope in order to get a better look.”</p> <p>“But when wildlife tourism is done right,” she continues, “it holds the power to protect nature and crucial habitats, pays communities to protect rather than exploit natural resources, and helps support them economically and preserve their cultural heritage in the process.”</p> <p>Often, local communities rely on experiences, like elephant rides, to earn money from travelers, explains Hallett, “simply boycotting the practice may perpetuate poverty, and cause the animals to be sold for use as beasts of burden, or killed. Instead, try to look for alternatives in the area, thereby showing locals that they can earn a stable income by offering ethical animal experiences.”</p> <p>Heavy numbers of tourists can also leave communities struggling to manage the negative impacts of too many visitors in fragile ecosystems including litter, trail erosion, and noise.</p> <p>Extraordinary wildlife destinations, like the <a href="/travel-safety/south-america/ecuador/galapagos-islands-safety-guide">Galapagos Islands</a>, where many species approach humans because they are so unused to them, have introduced strict rules limiting visitor numbers and opportunities to interact with wildlife.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/make-a-difference/index-responsible-travel/planet/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid/wildlife-experiences-to-avoid-in-article.jpeg " alt="Diver Viewing Green Sea Turtle" /><figcaption>Diver viewing an endangered green sea turtle. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Photo credit: Getty Images/Michele Westmorland</figcaption></figure> <h2>How to spot a bad experience and what questions to ask</h2> <p>A bad wildlife experience may not always be easy to spot. Much of the cruelty is hidden from view and takes place once visitors have left. As with any aspect of responsible travel, do your research.</p> <p>“It is<em> our</em> responsibility to make sure that animal-related tourism is done ethically,” says Joyce Wang from the <a href="https://wildnet.org/?utm_source=worldnomads">Wildlife Conservation Network</a>. “Don’t rely on the venue to tell you.”</p> <p>Ask the tour operator about their commitment to animal welfare. Do they have a set of principles or guidelines, and how are they implemented in the travelers’ experience? Are they keeping within legal guidelines regarding the way animals in the wild should be treated; for example, safe distances between whale-watching boats and whales, and letting the whales follow the boats rather than the other way around?</p> <p>Fran Kearney from <a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/?utm_source=worldnomads">World Animal Protection</a>, says “As a rule, if you can ride, hug or have a selfie with a wild animal, you can be sure it is cruel.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/responsible-travel/?utm_source=worldnomads">Intrepid Travel’s Responsible Travel</a> Business Manager, Liz Manning advises using the Five Freedoms checklist. Does the animal have:<br />1. Freedom from hunger and thirst<br />2. Freedom from discomfort<br />3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease<br />4. Freedom to express normal behavior<br />5. Freedom from fear and distress. </p> <p>Most importantly, complain when you see animal cruelty and report it to the local authorities or a local animal welfare organization. </p> <h2>What positive wildlife experiences can I have?</h2> <p>There are many ways to have a positive wildlife experience that is enjoyable for you and the animals. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is best; in a genuine wildlife reserve, sanctuary or national park. An exception might be China's famous panda research bases, as you are highly unlikely ever to see these rare and elusive creatures in the wild.</p> <p>There are many places in the world where wildlife tourism has been vital in bolstering local economies, and in so doing, helped threatened species thrive. Examples include “India’s tiger territories,” explains Redal, “and <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/brazil/the-central-west/the-pantanal">Brazil's Pantanal</a>, where jaguar-focused tourism is aiding sustainable forestry.”</p> <p>Observing wildlife undisturbed by humans has to be one of the most amazing experiences, as the animals will behave in natural, non-threatening ways.</p> <p>“A captive wild animal can never truly experience a life free from suffering and cruelty,” says Fran Kearney, of World Animal Protection, “no matter how well they are looked after in captivity. Only in their wild environment can all the animals’ needs be fully met. The best place to see wild animals on your holiday is in the wild – where they belong.”</p>Getty Images/Elizabeth Wachsberg 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/help-save-our-planets-coral-reefsIf no action is taken, we could be living in a world without coral reefs by 2050. 2025-09-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/help-save-our-planets-coral-reefshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#1">Coral gardening</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Coral spawning</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Coral rehabilitation<br /></a></li> <li><a href="#4">Knowledge generation and community involvement </a></li> <li><a href="#5">Awareness and citizen action</a></li> </ul> <p><span>Over the past several years, <a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/obituary-great-barrier-reef-25-million-bc-2016/?scope=anon">headlines</a> claiming the Great Barrier Reef is dead or dying have sent the world into an uproar. However, while the world’s largest coral reef system (which stretches for more than 1,400 mi (2,250km) off the coast of Queensland, in Australia’s Coral Sea) is not dead, the headlines did get something right: the future of the Great Barrier Reef is not secure.</span></p> <p><span>The future isn’t looking bright for any of the world’s coral reefs. To put it grimly, if no action is taken, we could be living in a world without coral reefs by 2050<strong>. </strong>Take a moment to imagine living in a world where the oceans are depleted of their reefs, and all the life that thrives on them is gone, too, so that they can only be viewed in a tank at an aquarium. It sounds quite dystopian, doesn’t it?</span></p> <p><span>Coral reefs are crucial ocean habitats that are the home, breeding grounds, and source of food for many marine creatures. Reefs contain the highest biodiversity on the planet, and with the disappearance of reefs comes the extinction of many aquatic plants and animals. The impact also reverberates to life on land, impacting local communities who rely on the reefs as a source of income, from fishing to tourism.</span></p> <p><span>A planet without coral reefs doesn’t <em>have</em> to be the future, though. There is still time to preserve and regenerate coral reefs, and we are at a pivotal moment in marine conservation. In recent years, important steps have been taken to prioritize innovative action to preserve the future of our reefs and oceans. Knowledge and action have been put at the forefront of many ocean conservation agendas, and marine biologists and engineers, among other experts, have been busy researching and testing out innovative techniques in labs and in the ocean. Their tireless work gives hope to the future survival of coral reefs. The next few years will be crucial as the long-term impact of current research and innovations unfold. Coral conservation is a complex dance between repairing damage done by unsustainable marine tourism, overfishing, ocean waste, and mitigating the impact of climate change causing ocean temperatures to rise and bleaching coral.   </span></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/participation/reef-belize-content-resized.jpg" alt="A scuba diver working on a reef" /><figcaption><span>Coral bleaching at Glovers Beach Marine Reserve.</span> Photo credit: A.Tewfik and WCS</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="1">Coral gardening</h2> <p>Coral gardens are a phenomenal way to revive reef ecosystems in a protected setting. Nurseries provide a safe space where corals can be grown in large numbers and <a href="/explore/caribbean/5-unforgettable-experiences-in-the-caribbean">later transferred to reefs</a>. Fragments of healthy corals are carefully collected from existing coral colonies, typically coming from coral fragments that have already been broken off due to natural causes. The fragments are then planted in the coral nursery, which are either floating or fixed structures that are designed to hold the coral fragments in place. Once the coral fragments have grown to a large and healthy enough state, they are out planted back onto damaged reefs.</p> <p>Most coral nurseries are field based, in areas off-site from natural reefs. While field nurseries are relatively low cost and require less advanced technology, they also have disadvantages. They are susceptible to environmental extremes such as storms and warmer water temperatures, for example. Land based nurseries are more easily monitored and can be sheltered from external forces like disease and bleaching, however, are much more complicated.</p> <p>A growing number of organizations, including the <span><a href="https://rrf.org.au/">Reef Restoration Foundation</a> in Queensland, Australia, are dedicated to planting coral in gardens. <a href="https://coralgardeners.org/pages/our-work">Coral Gardeners</a> (CG) is another organization paving the way in coral nurseries. Initially started on the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia, Coral Gardeners has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle reef restoration through a coral adoption and replanting program that allows anyone to adopt a coral for the team to plant. So far, its team of gardeners has planted more than 30,000 corals. The initiative also develops innovative tolls at CG Labs to scale up reef conservation, refine techniques, and monitor progress. </span></p> <h2 id="2">Coral spawning</h2> <p>The future of coral reefs is brightened by their ability to regenerate. This natural phenomenon by which corals reproduce and create new coral colonies is known as coral spawning. While there is no way to know exactly when it will take place, coral spawning is a yearly event that occurs around October or November in conjunction with the full moon and depends on specific conditions, including warm water. When it happens, the event is quite spectacular to witness. Corals release eggs and spawn into the water at the same time. The bundles rise to the surface, where the fertilization process starts. If it’s successful, the fertilized eggs will settle on the ocean floor and eventually creates new coral colonies. Coral spawning is imperative to the future of reefs, as the phenomenon helps maintain genetic diversity within the coral population, replenish damaged and depleted reefs, and restores the complexity and functionality of reefs.</p> <p>Recently, a handful of scientists have begun using the power of nature to their advantage. Essentially, corals grown in nurseries are being used to help facilitate coral spawning. Using experimental techniques that were <span><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-environment-coral-idUSKCN1VD06G">pioneered in Florida</a>, the Reef Restoration Foundation transformed a coral fragment into to a reef colony that will continue to reproduce on its own. These corals were grown in Australia’s first coral nursery off the coast of Cairns on Fitzroy Island. In November of last year (2022), these nursery-grown corals spawned for the first time in the Great Barrier Reef.</span> </p> <p>“We planted coral cuttings in a degraded patch of reef and these pioneer species have grown to around 1m in diameter helping to create a healthy and complex habitat for various corals and marine life,” commented Marine Biologist and Master Reef Guide Azri Saparwan. “The spawning was a showcase of how the Great Barrier Reef generates new coral recruits each year as part of its regeneration process.”</p> <h2 id="3">Coral rehabilitation</h2> <p>From restoring damaged reefs to creating artificial reefs that allow the development of coral colonies, the numerous approaches to reef restoration and rehabilitation reflect a concerted and creative effort to tackle coral conservation. </p> <p><span>One example is <a href="https://www.reefmagic.com.au/">Reef Magic</a>, a sustainable marine tourism company off the Great Barrier Reef. It is dedicated to the reef’s preservation and has been experimenting with the use of reef stars to help protect damaged areas of the reef. Reef stars were first conceptualized in 2011 by <a href="https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/articles/coral-reef-rehabilitation">MARS</a>, a purpose-driven company that began installing reef stars in South Sulawesi, Indonesia to provide a stable surface for corals to grow. Since this initial experiment, these limestone-coated steel structures have been used to help secure damaged reefs in Australia, Bali, and beyond. The first reef stars were placed on a part of Moore Reef off the coast of Cairns in June 2020, a project implemented by Reef Magic and <a href="https://www.gbrbiology.com/">GBR Biology</a>, a team of marine biologists conducting research and leading educational snorkel tours on the Great Barrier Reef. Initially, the findings on Moore Reef show that Reef Stars increase coral growth or transform rubble dominated areas to coral dominated areas. In the past 18 months, there has been a 50% increase in coral growth. </span></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/participation/reef-belize-content-2-resized.jpg" alt="An aerial shot of a coral reef in Belize." /><figcaption><span>Aerial of Belize Barrier Reef Reserve.</span> Photo credit: Julio Maaz and WCS</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="4">Knowledge generation and community involvement</h2> <p>With all the intensive research and innovations in the field of marine conservation comes a responsibility to share it with other countries and organizations. The <span><a href="https://www.barrierreef.org/">Great Barrier Reef Foundation</a> has been heading up a united, comprehensive approach to achieve the change needed through its Reef Recovery 2030 program. Improving water quality, restoring damaged reefs and coastal ecosystems, and the protection of at-risk reefs are among the target strategies, and 43 interventions complement these goals, including enhanced coral breeding, reducing the exposure of reefs to heat stress, and treatment of damaged corals.</span></p> <p>Recently, a landmark partnership was initiated between UNESCO, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Belize government to protect coral reefs and the communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. The strategy aims to safeguard the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, home to more than 1,400 species of plants and animals, from the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and unsustainable tourism. The scheme has a long-term plan that focuses on three main areas: restoring coral reefs, realizing the potential of blue carbon, and investing in sustainable livelihoods among local communities.<br /><br />“We know that the solutions for coral reefs will not rest with one country or community, commented Anna Marsden, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Managing Director. “Which is why the Great Barrier Reef Foundation has a global focus and works in partnership with Indigenous people and local communities that are on the frontline of the fight against climate change. By working with a united purpose, we can still have hope that people and planet can thrive.”<br /><br /></p> <h2 id="5">Awareness and citizen action</h2> <p>A holistic approach to safeguarding the future of coral reefs is non-negotiable. From Coral Gardeners to Reef Restoration Foundation, awareness is at the center of all these organizations dedicated to coral conservation. The successes of their projects rests on knowledge from the general public and everyday actions taken by individuals. With a global awareness around the urgency of protection of reefs, businesses and individuals alike can check their own contribution to the protection of reefs. If you’re a frequent ocean visitor or are planning some aquatic adventures on your next vacation, look to book with a company that takes ocean conservation into account. Or, go a step further and take an educational snorkel or dive. <span><a href="https://www.moua.com.au/">The Museum of Underwater Art </a>in Townsville, Queensland allows you to snorkel among submerged sculptures that raise awareness surrounding reef conservation.</span></p> <p>Other ways to help? “The biggest thing we need to do is reduce carbon emissions as quickly as we can,” said Eric Fisher, Master Reef Guide with Reef Magic. “Currently, the Great Barrier Reef has not lost its ecosystem function and is quite capable of recovering on its own. However, it is under incredible pressure from climate change and individual reefs are subject to increasing cumulative disturbances in a short period of time.” So, take the bus instead of driving, and switch out your plane ticket for a train ticket.</p> <p>If you’re looking for a way to directly contribute to the critical efforts of coral conservation on World Ocean Day or any day, all the organizations in the throes of conducting research benefit from support. You can even <span><a href="https://coralgardeners.org/products/adopt-a-coral">adopt a coral</a> with Coral Gardeners and choose between one of five different climate-resistant corals that the team with collect from the lagoon, plant and grow to maturity in their nursery, and plant back into the natural reef to revitalize the biodiversity in the ocean. One coral at a time, we can all help preserve the future of coral reefs and their brilliantly abundant ecosystems. </span></p> <p><strong> </strong></p>Henry Brown 0 Coral reef and fish

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travelFrom using bamboo toothbrushes to avoiding airline food, Conor Purcell examines how we can reduce the impact of single-use plastic when we travel.2025-07-23T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#crisis">How bad is the ocean’s plastic crisis?</a></li> <li><a href="#plastic">Where is all the plastic coming from?</a></li> <li><a href="#travelers">What can travelers do to help?</a></li> <li><a href="#home"> What can you do when you get home? </a></li> </ul> <p>Picture the scene: the sun dips below the horizon in a remote tropical idyll as you drink in the beauty of a picture-postcard sunset. Enter stage right: a tangled mass of <a href="/explore/worldwide/planet/reduce-your-trash-impact-when-traveling">plastic debris</a> floating onto the shore, a few dead fish tangled up amongst it. Not quite what you had in mind, is it?</p> <p>While there's been a lot written about the need to reduce our use of plastic at home, it's also important to think about how we use plastic when we travel. The unfortunate butterfly effect of pollution means that a plastic bottle discarded in San Diego can eventually find its way to that tropical beach you were relaxing on. <br /><br />Luckily, there are plenty of ways travelers can help fight against the scourge of single-use plastic, and keep all those bucket-list destinations pristine.</p> <h2 id="crisis">How bad is the ocean’s plastic crisis?</h2> <p><span>The exact number is impossible to pinpoint, but <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-trash-525-trillion-pieces-and-counting-big-questions-remain/3rd-grade/">National Geographic</a> estimates there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. According to <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/what-we-do/oceans/plastics/" target="_blank">Greenpeace</a>, that’s more than the equivalent of one truckload of rubbish being emptied into the ocean every minute. The most infamous area is the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ which is exactly what it sounds like – a massive, floating accumulation of trash, the largest on the planet. Between California and Hawaii, it's estimated that 1.8 trillion plastic pieces are bobbing around. That's the equivalent of 250 pieces of plastic for every human on the planet. And it’s not the only one. There are similar – albeit smaller – so-called garbage patches in every ocean on the planet. <br /><br /></span>The effects are long-term and, predictably, devastating. Sealife is harmed in a variety of ways: through entanglement, ingestion and starvation. The chemical build-up of the debris also harms the underwater habitat, and ultimately it damages communities that live by the sea, harming the fishing, shipping and tourism industries.</p> <p>It also directly hurts birdlife. According to the photographer and environmentalist, Chris Jordan, nearly all of the 1.5 million Laysan albatrosses that inhabit the Midway Atoll, in the North Pacific, have plastic in their gastrointestinal tract. About one-third of their chicks die, many due to their parents unwittingly feeding them plastic. The figures are staggering. The <a href="https://conserveturtles.org/" target="_blank">Sea Turtle Conservancy</a>, the oldest sea turtle conservation group in the world, estimates more than a million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic in the ocean.</p> <h2 id="plastic">Where is all the plastic coming from?</h2> <p>The non-profit <a href="https://www.4ocean.com/">4Ocean</a>, set up by two surfers in 2017, reports that “up to 90 percent of ocean plastic comes from a land-based source and enters the ocean through a river mouth.” Since 4Ocean launched, it has removed more than 42 million pounds (over 19 million kilograms) of trash from coastlines around all over the world. It funds the clean-ups through the sale of a range of products and each item sold funds the removal of trash.<br /><br />4Ocean says that “Man-made causes (such as improper disposal or littering) and natural causes (such as storms, rain, and wind) contribute to ocean plastic pollution.” The key to solving the crisis? “To continue educating the public about the root causes and impact of plastic in the ocean.”</p> <h2 id="travelers">What can travelers do to help?</h2> <h3>Pack a water filter</h3> <p>In countries where the local water isn't safe to drink, the default solution is to buy <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/bottled-vs-filtered-water">bottled water.</a> However, approximately 1 million plastic bottles of water are bought every minute worldwide. While travelers make up a small fraction of that total, buying a reusable water bottle with a filter means you can use it before, during and after your trip. The LifeStraw bottle claims to remove 99.99% of bacteria and is no bigger than a regular water bottle.</p> <h3>Refuse airline food</h3> <p>Airlines love plastic. Everything from the rock-hard bread rolls to the stew-like substances they serve up is wrapped in the stuff. While bringing your own food in a reusable lunchbox helps, it’s more effective to contact the airlines directly (or via social media) and ask them about what they are doing to reduce their plastic usage. Some airlines are taking this seriously, and all airlines care what their customers think about them. They won’t make this a priority unless you do.  </p> <h3>Don't use single-use plastic in hotels</h3> <p>Hotels love their tiny bottles of shampoo and shower gel. And, to be honest, so did I, until I started thinking about the effect all that plastic was having on the world’s sea life. Bring your own reusable travel-sized toiletries; use a combined shampoo and conditioner, and use soap instead of shower gel. Talk to the hotel manager about their plastic use policy; don’t hector them, but suggest alternatives – much of this is about awareness. When leaving reviews on the likes of TripAdvisor, mention their plastic usage – for example, do they have cotton buds individually wrapped in plastic? Call them out on this in your reviews – they care what’s said about them online, so you can use this to your advantage.</p> <h3>Use a bamboo toothbrush</h3> <p>Yep, bamboo toothbrushes are a thing, and yes, they look pretty cool. Since launching on Earth Day 2013, <a href="https://www.woobamboo.com/">Woo</a> has sold more than six million bamboo toothbrushes, made from natural, biodegradable bamboo. The environment and your inner panda will thank you.</p> <h3>Pick up trash in remote areas</h3> <p>While many travelers make an effort to leave places of natural beauty the way they found them, some don't. Win some karma points by picking up <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-zero-waste">trash</a> wherever you find it, in deserts, forests, and mountains. Return it to civilization (and the nearest recycling bin), and you will have made the natural environment more beautiful, and safer for the wildlife that lives there. </p> <h3>Buy quality products</h3> <p>If it is of a higher quality, it will last longer which means fewer will be discarded, which means – you guessed it – less trash. A high-quality backpack or pair of hiking boots can last a decade or more, which is better for your pocket in the long run, and much better for the environment. <br /><br /></p> <h2 id="home">What can you do when you get home?</h2> <h3>Reduce your use of plastic</h3> <span>Keep using that filtered, reusable water bottle and those bamboo toothbrushes. Those good habits shouldn't stop just because you are back home. <br /></span><br /> <h3>Reuse and recycle</h3> Figure out where most of your plastic comes from. Work out how you can reduce the amount you use – every little helps. <br /><br /> <h3>Talk to local businesses about using less plastic</h3> Leave reviews on the likes of Yelp and Google Maps; let the owners know that reducing their use of plastic will ensure you return; Two relatively easy wins: suggest they use compostable coffee cup lids and stop using straws altogether. <br /><br /> <h3>Lobby your local politicians</h3> Politicians often only act when it's in their own interests; so make sure and let them know that your vote depends on them pushing for less plastic usage. <br /><br /> <h3>Volunteer</h3> <p>Take part in ocean and beach clean-ups organized by organizations such as the <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org" target="_blank">Ocean Conservancy</a> and <a href="https://4ocean.com/" target="_blank">4Ocean</a>. Check if there are any in your local area – if there aren’t, why not start one?<br /><br /><br /></p> <p></p>Getty Images / SEYLLOU 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/camel-ridingIs it ever OK to ride camels when we’re traveling, and how can we ensure we’re not harming them in any way? 2025-05-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/camel-ridinghttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>I first fell in love with camels in western <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/mongolia">Mongolia</a>. Every day for a week my fellow trekkers and I walked beside them across central Asia’s grassy steppe. The camels obligingly carried our tents, gear bags and supplies, and were more even-tempered than the horses with us. In the middle of each day, we’d shed our backpacks and boots for a couple of hours while the camels were unloaded so they could rest and roam.</p> <p>Sometimes at camp, we’d watch them roll on the ground, taking dust baths to kill mites. Or we’d stand transfixed as a camel train passed by, loaded with the worldly possessions of a nomad family moving house.</p> <p>Although I didn’t ride any camels on that trip, I’ve done that in various other sandy destinations including the Sahara-like dunes of Rajasthan in northern India and Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia. But with elephant rides banned a few years ago and a growing awareness that 'animals are not ours', as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) puts it, it seems timely to ask: should we still be riding camels?</p> <ul> <li><a href="#ride">Why do we ride camels?</a></li> <li><a href="#hump">One hump or two?</a></li> <li><a href="#riding">Does riding harm camels?</a></li> <li><a href="#case">The case for camel riding </a></li> <li><a href="#say">Camels have their say</a></li> <li><a href="#guidelines">Ethical guidelines</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="ride">Why do we ride camels?</h2> <p>Camels have long provided nomadic peoples in northern Africa and the Middle East with milk, meat, leather and fuel (from their dung) and carried them and their belongings. They were first domesticated more than 5,000 years ago, in fact, and have since been vital in desert exploration and military campaigns. Even today there are more than 50 words for “camel” in Arabic, an indication of how important they are in Middle Eastern culture.</p> <h2 id="hump">One hump or two?</h2> <p>Most camels are one-humped dromedaries (two-humped Bactrian camels make up about 6 percent of the world’s camels) and there are an estimated 14 million of them worldwide, including more than a million feral camels in Australia. Calves are born hump-less but start growing one when they start eating solid foods. Eventually, a camel’s hump will store up to 80 pounds of fat – not water, as is commonly believed. It is true, however, that camels don’t need as much water as other mammals. They can lose 25 percent of their body fluids before they’re technically dehydrated (most other mammals, including humans, can lose only 15 percent) and can drink up to 40 gallons at a time.</p> <h2 id="riding">Does riding harm camels?</h2> <p>According to the UK-based <a href="https://www.bornfree.org.uk/">Born Free Foundation</a>, there’s no evidence that riding camels hurts them. Built for tough lives, they’re not called ‘ships of the desert’ for nothing: an adult camel can travel up to 25 miles (40km) a day, carry up to 1,300 pounds (590kg) on its back and survive for 10 days without water.</p> <p>But should we ride them? Because camels are domesticated, not wild, you could argue that riding a camel is like riding a horse, making camel-riding an animal welfare issue rather than an ethical one (ignoring, for now, the notion that all animals were once wild).</p> <p>The problem is that in many of the countries offering tourists camel-riding experiences, such as <a href="/explore/north-africa/egypt">Egypt</a>, Jordan and <a href="/explore/north-africa/morocco">Morocco</a>, there are no strict animal welfare laws, or they’re not enforced. In 2018 PETA released disturbing footage from Egypt of camels being beaten with sticks and urged tourists not to do camel rides, anywhere. “Such abuse has no place in modern tourism,” said Ashley Fruno, PETA Asia’s director of animal assistance programs, at the time.</p> <h2 id="case">The case for camel riding</h2> <p>“Our development as a species is intertwined with key species of animals, specifically the transporters: horses, camels and elephants,” says Karen Ellis of <a href="https://www.cameltreksaustralia.com.au/">Camel Treks Australia</a>, which runs multi-day treks in outback South Australia as well as India and Mongolia. Raised by animal liberationists, Ellis lectures on camel welfare internationally and cares deeply about the well-being of all animals. <br /><br />“Riding camels, in particular, because they are desert animals, connects us with some of the world’s wildest places,” she says. “[Not only that but] interacting with animals can teach people how to treat other animals. It’s the same as experiencing wild natural environments; if we lock people out of national parks, how will they learn to value them?”</p> <h2 id="say">Camels have their say</h2> <p>Because camels are large animals, riding them – or indeed, just climbing onto one – requires their cooperation. They also tend to make their discomfort known. “Camels are never afraid to speak up if they’re not comfortable,” says Ellis. “Our female camels are like divas.”</p> <p>Unfortunately, their protests are often ignored because of a popular misconception that camels are cranky by nature. “If a camel is cranky, it’s probably because people have treated it badly and it’s traumatized,” Ellis says. <span>“Our camels [Camel Treks Australia has more than 30] don’t ‘spit’ [when stressed, camels actually regurgitate recently chewed food] or bite</span><span> and camels are naturally curious, gregarious, and capable of highly intelligent interaction.”</span></p> <h2 id="guidelines">Ethical guidelines</h2> <p>The decision to ride a camel or not will always be a personal one, but here are a few guidelines to help ensure that the camels you encounter will be well-treated:</p> <ul> <li>Plan ahead: go with tour operators that have animal welfare policies, such as <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/">World Expeditions</a> or <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au">Intrepid Travel</a>, says World Animal Protection, rather than opting for camel rides with hawkers outside tourist sites such as Petra in Jordan or Egypt’s Great Pyramids.</li> <li>Question time: ethical operators will be happy to tell you how their camels are trained and treated. </li> <li>Deserts only: camels evolved to survive in arid environments and should never be working in tropical, humid, non-desert landscapes.</li> <li>Camel check: the camels should look settled and calm, says Karen Ellis. “A relaxed camel chews its cud.” Do they look healthy and well-fed? Are their eyes clear? Is their skin in good condition, with no wear spots under harnesses, saddles or halters? And if a camel has a nose-peg, look for signs of rough treatment such as bleeding or torn skin.</li> <li>Human kindness: how do the cameleers speak to and treat the camels? Are they gentle or do they shout, whip them or yank on their reins?</li> <li>One person, one camel: Tour operators seeking to maximize profit will often put two people on one camel. Ask to ride your own camel.</li> <li>Ride on: multi-day camel safaris with a leisurely pace tend to be better for camels than short out-and-back jaunts that can make for long stressful days, particularly at competitive tourist sites.</li> <li>Speak out: if you believe any camel is being mistreated, tell the tour operator, write a review on TripAdvisor, and report it to an animal welfare organization such as SPANA, which helps working animals, or Animondial, a consultancy dedicated to responsible animal tourism. Tourists have power and standing up for animals creates change.</li> </ul>Richard I'Anson 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-firstBy prioritising cycling, these cities are becoming more flexible, sustainable and liveable.2025-04-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-firsthttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#madison">Madison, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#nyc">New York City, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#utrecht">Utrecht, Netherlands</a></li> <li><a href="#bogata">Bogotá, Colombia </a></li> <li><a href="#paris">Paris, France</a></li> </ul> <p>Not only are cars incredibly damaging to the planet, as their fuel pollutes the air we breathe, but many people simply can’t afford to own cars so they rely on public transportation and bicycles to get around. <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/cycling-travel-insurance">Cycling</a> affords flexibility and freedom, where your leg strength (and the condition of your bike, of course) are the only factors limiting you from getting where you need to go.</p> <p>By making cycling a more accessible option, cities can create a more level playing field where everyone – regardless of whether or not they own a car – can move around the city safely, easily, and in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.</p> <p>The best-known and most popular example of cycling infrastructure is the cyclist’s beloved bike lane, which comes in many forms. Some lanes are shared with cars, with nothing more than minimal on-street markings, while others are fully separated, protected paths.</p> <p>Bike lines create a demarcated safe space for cyclists that both encourages more cycling and forces drivers to respect the street space afforded to cyclists. They are a great start to encourage more pedal-powered transportation but they are just that, a start, as they are only one tool in the cycling tool box.</p> <p>Some cities around the world have made strong investments in education and broader cycling infrastructure that make cycling easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are some of the top global destinations that are putting cycling first.</p> <h2 id="madison">Madison, USA</h2> <p>This small state capital may be known to visitors for its lively nightlife, frequent political rallies, and “forever young” college town vibe but, for locals, it’s also well-known for its love of cycling. Wisconsinites are a hearty bunch, as anyone who lives here needs to put up with brutally cold and snowy winters, including cyclists.</p> <p>Madison city officials have responded by not only installing bike tools along popular bike routes, but by actually plowing bike lanes in the winter so that cyclists can still ride. Bike lanes often get ignored by snow plows (most of which can’t even fit in them) and it’s especially rare to find a small city footing the bill to plow them. But because Madison lanes are plowed, you’ll see Madisonians riding no matter the weather.</p> <p>The city has also received one of the coveted few <a href="https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/blog/2024-02-07/madison-renewed-as-platinum-bicycle-friendly-community" target="_blank">Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community status awards</a><span> from the League of American Bicyclists. The award was granted as a result of Madison investing in pedestrian and bicycle bridges over major highways, cross-flow bike lanes (bike lanes going in both directions on a one-way street), a citywide <a href="https://madison.bcycle.com/" target="_blank">Madison BCycle</a> bike share system, bicycle crossing signals at intersections, and an extensive network of bike lanes that connect Madison with surrounding communities.</span></p> <h2 id="nyc">New York City, USA</h2> <p>The city that never sleeps is one of the best places in the world for cycling, in no small part thanks to the priority the city has placed on cycling infrastructure. While local cyclists (myself included) still complain about how much more could be done (and about the NYPD cops who consistently park in the bike lanes), there is no denying the huge investment the city has made to make cycling safer and easier here. From installing bike lanes – and maintaining them in good condition – to offering free helmet giveaways in the summer, the Big Apple has long prioritized and promoted cycling as a way to stay fit and reduce the city’s famous congestion problem.</p> <p>New York City has an extensive network of bike lanes across the city, including dozens of large, wide, fully protected bike paths along main avenues. In many cases, entire parking and driving lanes have been eliminated to create space for cyclists, much to the anger of local drivers. New York’s <span><a href="https://citibikenyc.com/" target="_blank">CitiBike bike share program</a> is the largest in the country, with over 26,000 bikes spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and two communities across the Hudson River in New Jersey.</span></p> <p>New York’s Department of Transportation also produces highly detailed, extremely useful <a href="https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikemaps.shtml" target="_blank">NYC bike maps</a> each year, which not only plot out all the bike lanes, but also include bike shop information, and have close-ups of difficult-to-navigate bridge crossings.</p> <h2 id="utrecht">Utrecht, Netherlands</h2> <p>Surprise, surprise, the Netherlands made the list of most bike-friendly destinations. Many <a href="/explore/europe/netherlands/dutch-cities-worth-visiting-beyond-amsterdam">Dutch cities</a> could actually appear on this list (and Amsterdam often gets all the attention, thanks to its many bike lanes and public bike parking options), but Utrecht deserves special mention thanks to its enormous bike parking storage lot. This behemoth of a bike garage, <span><a href="https://www.utrecht.nl/city-of-utrecht/mobility/cycling/bicycle-parking/bicycle-parking-stationsplein/">Stationsplein</a>, is the world’s largest, accommodating an astounding 12,500 bicycles. The garage was strategically located near Utrecht Central Station popular public transportation terminal (to further encourage carless transportation) and it’s open 24 hours per day. Best of all, parking is actually free for the first 24 hours, as a way to both encourage its use while also discouraging misuse (using it for permanent storage).</span></p> <h2 id="bogata">Bogotá, Colombia</h2> <p>Colombia’s cultural and political hub may be known for its history, museums, and street art, but many visitors are surprised to learn how bike-friendly it is. Bogotá is blanketed with about 250 mi (400km) of bike lanes and is extremely proud to be home to Latin America’s oldest and largest Ciclovía ride. <span>Ciclovía, also known as Open Streets, was founded in 1974 and <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/50-years-ciclovia-open-streets-cycling-cars/" target="_blank">celebrated its 50th anniversary</a> in December 2024. </span>Each Sunday, tens of thousands of cyclists hit the streets to enjoy 75 mi (120km) of car-free lanes in the otherwise congested capital city.</p> <p>Even if you can’t make the Sunday ride, you’ll find large, well-defined bike lanes (many of which are protected) throughout the city but know that cars are still king here so you’ll want to stay alert while riding.</p> <p>Either rent a bike from a local shop or borrow one from the city’s brand new bike share system, <span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://tembici.com.co/en/" target="_blank">Tembici</a><span style="color: #0e101a;">. The program launched in 2022 and, with 1,500 mechanical bikes and 1,500 electric bikes across 300 stations, it’s the largest in Latin America. Bringing the whole family? Look out for one of the 150 bikes that comes equipped with a children’s seat!</span></span></p> <h2 id="paris">Paris, France</h2> <p>In late 2021, Paris announced that it would spend $291 million on infrastructure to make the entire city “100% cyclable” by 2026. The city’s impressive <span><a href="https://www.paris.fr/pages/un-nouveau-plan-velo-pour-une-ville-100-cyclable-19554">Bike Plan</a> details how Paris would gain 112 mi (180km) of new, permanent segregated bike lanes and how it will prioritize infrastructure that will connect the city to neighboring suburbs.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.paris.fr/en/pages/bicycles-outperform-cars-in-paris-and-its-inner-suburbs-by-far-28354" target="_blank">According to a 2024 study</a>, far more people already get around Paris by bicycle than by car. This can cause traffic jams on more popular routes. Additionally, most of the city’s current bike “lanes” are actually just shared spaces with cars and not segregated lanes that are fully separated from traffic. So, this plan is a dramatic improvement.</p> <p>Also, not only will Paris add 30,000 new metal arches to increase the number of bicycle parking spots from 60,000 to more than 130,000, but 1,000 of these arches will be dedicated to cargo bikes, which many people rely on to transport goods, groceries, and children around town.</p>Getty Images / peterspiro 0 Cyclist on the Brooklyn bridge

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/tourism-pledgesTourism pledges help us do the right thing when we travel, and understand what “the right thing” is for a destination, but do they really change attitudes and behaviors? And how can we as travelers help make pledges more effective?2025-02-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/tourism-pledgeshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>It’s a tricky line to walk, for any place in the world that wants visitors: how to warmly welcome people to your homeland while also making them aware of how you’d like them to behave, to protect the natural environment and reduce their impact on the people (and other animals) who live there. Introducing rules and codes of conduct might work in some destinations, but there is another, softer way: the tourism pledge.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#what">What is a tourism pledge, exactly?</a></li> <li><a href="#destinations">Sign here: destinations with pledges</a></li> <li><a href="#how">How do they work?</a></li> <li><a href="#palau">The Palau Pledge anomaly</a></li> <li><a href="#difference">Do tourism pledges actually make a difference?</a></li> <li><a href="#ahead">The road ahead for pledges</a></li> <li><a href="#meaningful">Make your tourism pledge more meaningful</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="what">What is a tourism pledge?</h2> <p>It sounds almost too simple, like a relic from a more trusting time: <em>ask</em> travelers to promise to “do the right thing”, whatever that means for a destination. But that’s basically what tourism pledges do, using three key strategies, according to Dr Julia Albrecht, Senior Lecturer in Tourism at the University of Otago, New Zealand: engaging visitors’ emotions (to inspire them to care about the destination) and requiring visitors to take <em>action</em> (rather than passively reading a list of guidelines) and make their promises <em>public</em>.</p> <p>“The public aspect of the pledge is very important,” says Albrecht, who has studied tourism pledges. “We know from research in areas like psychology and the health sciences that committing to a behavior publicly, for example via social media, can be extremely helpful in causing positive behavior change. So [signing a pledge] is about wanting to keep one’s word, yes, but also wanting to be seen to keep a promise one has made to oneself.”</p> <h2 id="destinations">Sign here: destinations with pledges</h2> <p><a href="https://pledge.visiticeland.com/" target="_blank">The Icelandic Pledge</a>, created by Visit Iceland in the summer of 2017, kicked off the pledge movement, closely followed by the <a href="https://palaupledge.com/" target="_blank">Palau Pledge</a> later that year. Then came New Zealand’s <a href="https://www.tiakinewzealand.com/" target="_blank">Tiaki Promise</a> in 2018 and the <a href="https://finlandnaturally.com/sustainability/" target="_blank">Sustainable Finland Pledge</a> in 2019.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/travel-pledges/palau-pledge-crop.jpg" alt="The Palau Travel Pledge, stamped into a passport." /> <figcaption>Upon entry to Palau, visitors must sign a passport pledge. Image credit: Palau Bureau of Tourism</figcaption></figure> <p>There are also more localized pledges, introduced in popular spots across the US such as: <a href="https://aspenchamber.org/pledge" target="_blank">Aspen</a> and Telluride (with its <a href="https://www.telluride.com/discover/blog/take-the-tell-u-right-pledge/" target="_blank">Tell-U-Right Pledge</a>) in Colorado, <a href="https://www.visitbend.com/the-bend-pledge/" target="_blank">Bend</a> in central Oregon, and <a href="https://visitsedona.com/sustainable-tourism-plan/sedona-cares-pledge/" target="_blank">Sedona</a>, Arizona, as well as California’s coastal <a href="https://www.cabigsur.org/big-sur-pledge/" target="_blank">Big Sur</a> region. The islands of <a href="https://www.ponopledge.com/" target="_blank">Hawai’i</a>, <a href="https://alohapledge.com/" target="_blank">Kauai</a> and <a href="https://mauitourism.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Maui</a> all have their own pledges, as does the <a href="https://haidagwaiipledge.ca/" target="_blank">Haida Gwaii</a> archipelago in Canada, and <a href="https://eastcoasttasmania.com/maria-island-pledge/" target="_blank">Maria Island</a> in Tasmania, <a href="https://ladyelliot.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/guest-sustainability-pledge.pdf" target="_blank">Lady Elliott Island</a> in Queensland, and <a href="https://www.byronpledge.com.au/" target="_blank">Byron Bay</a> in northern NSW, Australia.</p> <p>Riding the coattails of these destination pledges are issue-specific pledges. On <a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/take-action" target="_blank">World Animal Protection</a>’s website, for example, you can pledge to <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-elephant-riding-should-be-removed-from-your-list">not ride elephants</a> on your next trip, to see dolphins and other animals only in the wild, and to be an animal-friendly traveler. You can promise to avoid air travel for a year, to reduce your carbon emissions, with the <a href="https://flightfree.org/" target="_blank">Flight Free Pledge</a>. Or take the <a href="https://www.travelersagainstplastic.org/" target="_blank">Travelers Against Plastic</a> pledge to reduce your use of <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-to-reduce-plastic-use-while-you-travel">single-use plastics</a> when you travel.</p> <h2 id="how">How do pledges work?</h2> <p>Most pledges convey serious messages in a light-hearted way – the Sustainable Finland Pledge uses rhyming couplets like <em>“On my journey, I pledge to be like a Finn, and by this, I mean slowing down from within”</em> – and tend to be written in the first-person “to draw visitors in and deliberately create a personal connection,” says Albrecht.</p> <p>“Evoking an emotional response in visitors can be very successful in forming conservation intentions in visitors and complements increasing visitors’ knowledge, which is also important because research suggests that people are generally disrespectful out of ignorance, not malice.”</p> <p>So Kauai’s pledge, for example, includes this line: <em>“I will not stack rocks… as it is offensive to native Hawaiians”</em>. It also ends with<em> “The land is chief, man is his servant”</em> written in Hawaiian and English, like other pledges that use words and values from First Nations cultures. Hawai’i’s Pono Pledge (<em>pono</em> means righteous) asks visitors to <em>malama</em> (care for) the land, the sea, and each other. The Tiaki Promise is named after the Maori word <em>tiaki</em> (to protect, guard, and care for). And the Haida Gwaii pledge uses ancient Haida values such as <em>Yahguudang</em> (respect for all beings), <em>Ad kyaanang</em> (ask permission first) and <em>Tll yahdah</em> (making it right) to communicate how to travel with respect.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/travel-pledges/tourism-pledge-haida.jpg" alt="A totem pole on the Haida Gwaii archipelago in British Colombia, Canada." /> <figcaption>A totem pole on the Haida Gwaii archipelago. The Haida Gwaii pledge asks visitors to respect Haida Ways of Being during their visit. Image credit: Getty Images / Kimberly Nesbitt</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="palau">The Palau Pledge anomaly</h2> <p>One pledge that has broken away from the pack is the Palau Pledge, which is compulsory, not voluntary like other pledges. The island nation of Palau, famous for its scuba diving and conservation ethos, was the first country in the world to change its immigration laws to require all visitors to sign a pledge stamped into their passports on arrival. There are fines of up to US $1 million for environmental and cultural breaches, and legislation introduced in 2018 ensures all tour operators discuss the pledge with their clients to promote sustainable behavior.</p> <p>It's also addressed to Palauan children, many of whom helped draft the pledge. <em>“Children of Palau,”</em> it begins, <em>“I take this pledge as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home.”</em></p> <h2 id="difference">Do tourism pledges make a difference?</h2> <p>The short answer: no one really knows. “There has been very little monitoring,” says Albrecht and none of the tourism authorities contacted for this story could provide evidence that their pledges had changed visitor attitudes or behavior – which is understandable. For one thing, pledges tend to be general in nature (<em>“I vow to explore with a sense of responsibility, adventure, and kindness,”</em> says the Maria Island Pledge) without measurable outcomes. Then COVID-related border closures interrupted the flow of tourists (and data) to most destinations for at least two years.</p> <p>It’s also impossible to isolate the effect of a pledge when it’s part of a broader campaign, as most pledges are. Or to know if a pledge changed visitor attitudes – or vice versa.</p> <p>World Animal Protection has had more than 1i0,000  to its animal-friendly pledges since the first one (not to ride elephants) was launched in 2016. “We do know that these pledges together speak to a shift in public behavior around wildlife tourism,” says Suzanne Milthorpe, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, “but it's difficult to say if individual pledges on their own help to shift attitudes, or if changing attitudes are resulting in people signing these pledges.”</p> <h2 id="ahead">The road ahead for pledges</h2> <p>But there are hopeful signs. In terms of reach, Palau’s pledge has been wildly successful, if only because signing is compulsory for inbound tourists: more than 1,067,000 have signed since it was launched in late 2017 (although some of those signatories might have been returning visitors).</p> <p>Post-COVID, some destinations are dusting off their pledges to rebuild tourism more sustainably. A recent Air New Zealand <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsAO0Lle59I" target="_blank">inflight safety video</a> revolved around the 2018 Tiaki Promise. The Aspen Pledge, created in 2018, was relaunched in July 2022 with a financial twist: the Aspen Chamber Resort Association now donates US $18.80 per signature (Aspen was founded in 1880) to local conservation groups and raised more than US $7,000 in its first three months. Palau has developed a world-first app, called <a href="https://olaupalau.com/" target="_blank">Ol’au Palau</a>, to “gamify” responsible travel by awarding travelers points for, say, signing the Palau Pledge or offsetting their carbon footprints, with points used to access places and experiences usually off-limits to visitors.</p> <p>And new pledges are still being rolled out, such as the Byron Bay Pledge, a community-led initiative launched in Byron Bay in late 2021 as part of “a multi-pronged regenerative tourism pathway” according to co-founder and local eco-tour operator Wendy Bithell.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/travel-pledges/tourism-pledge-iceland-stay-on-path.jpg" alt="A sign in Iceland asking hikers not to stray off the path." /> <figcaption>A sign in Iceland, asking hikers to stay on the path in order to protect fragile ecosystems. Image credit: Getty Images / Andriy Prokopenko</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="meaningful">Make your tourism pledge more meaningful</h2> <p>“We should only sign a pledge if we intend to follow up on the positive behaviors in the pledge,” says Albrecht, “and if that’s the case, there’s no reason <em>not</em> to sign it.” Signing also communicates to tourism authorities that we care about sustainable travel, which can have flow-on effects in terms of infrastructure and policy. A few ways to make your pledge count:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Sign as close to your arrival in a destination as possible</strong> and revisit the pledge during your trip so it stays fresh in your mind, like a responsible travel mantra.</li> <li><strong>Make it <em>more</em> public:</strong> Some pledges, like the Tiaki Promise, invite you to share your pledge on social media, but even if they don’t, spread the word and share the love.</li> <li><strong>Talk to other travelers.</strong> “Talk with other travelers and ask if they’ve taken the pledge and what they think about it,” suggests Albrecht. “Starting conversations is always a path towards changing attitudes, particularly when they’re between peers.”</li> <li><strong>Talk to the locals.</strong> Interacting with people who live in the place you’re visiting – whether it’s a local guide or someone you meet in a cafe – is a great way to understand, in practical terms, why your pledge matters and how you can put it into practice.</li> <li><strong>Use pledges to plan.</strong> Love travel that benefits people, places, and the planet? Pledges can steer you towards <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">like-minded destinations</a>. Because what could be better than visiting a place that helps us all travel responsibly, sustainably, and regeneratively?</li> </ul>Getty Images / Leo Patrizi 1519847789 Getty Images A hiker refills a reusable metal water bottle.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/sustainable-termsStaying up-to-date with the latest sustainability terms can ensure we’re all on the same page and may even broaden our ideas of what the future of travel could look like.2025-01-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/sustainable-termshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ecotourism, carbon offsets and greenwashing are <em>so</em> five minutes ago. As our planet changes and traveling sustainably increasingly becomes the new normal, new words keep busting down the door of our ethical lexicon.</p> <p>Of course, words can still be used to hide our true intentions and hoodwink others (greenwashing will probably always be a thing). But words can be a force for good too, connecting us with like-minded travelers and immersing us in a more sustainable future; speak the lingo and you’re already part of the responsible travel revolution.</p> <p>Here are a few sustainable travel terms we’re all going to be hearing – and saying – a lot more.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#nature"> Nature positive </a></li> <li><a href="#foodprint">Foodprint</a></li> <li><a href="#decolonizing"> Decolonizing </a></li> <li><a href="#guerilla"> Guerilla humanitarianism </a></li> <li><a href="#zero">Net zero</a></li> <li><a href="#climate">Climate positive</a></li> <li><a href="#untourism">Untourism</a></li> <li><a href="#jomo">Jomo travel</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="nature">Nature positive</h2> <p>“Nature positive” has become the buzz phrase of our time, particularly since the UN’s Biodiversity Conference, COP15, in Montreal in December 2022, where an historic global agreement was signed to, among other things, <span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/dec/19/cop15-historic-deal-signed-to-halt-biodiversity-loss-by-2030-aoe" target="_blank">protect 30 per cent of the planet for nature</a></span> and halt biodiversity loss by 2030 (the “30 by 30” target).</p> <p>“Nature positive” is essentially the idea that limiting our damage to the natural environment isn’t enough; we need to ensure our actions have a <em>positive</em> impact. How? The World Travel and Tourism Council's <span><a href="https://research.wttc.org/nature-positive-travel-and-tourism?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=nature-positive-report&utm_content=pensara_video" target="_blank">Nature Positive Travel & Tourism report</a></span> focuses on “reversing damage to nature” through recovery and regeneration and include tips on how to protect biodiversity and travel in harmony with nature.</p> <h2 id="foodprint">Foodprint</h2> <p>A play on “carbon footprint”, this one relates to the environmental, animal welfare and social impact of the foods we eat. It might be trickier to calculate your “foodprint” than the carbon emissions of a trip, but it’s more about eating as ethically as we can, using guides such as Melbourne-based <a href="https://sustainabletable.org.au/all-things-ethical-eating/" target="_blank">Sustainable Table</a> and US-based <a href="https://foodprint.org/" target="_blank">Foodprint</a> and its <span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-youre-eating/id1609268111" target="_blank">What You’re Eating</a></span> podcast.</p> <p>A related term is “climavore” – someone who reduces their impact on the climate through their food decisions. Being a climavore goes beyond eating plant-based or choosing SLOW (seasonal, local, organic, whole) foods when we travel. It involves considering the fossil-fuels used to grow, process, store, transport and cook what we eat, particularly in remote locations, and making food decisions as specific, and as beneficial, as possible to the destinations we visit.</p> <h2 id="decolonizing">Decolonizing</h2> <p>This growing movement – also called “rejecting neo-colonializm” – seeks to challenge predominantly white, Western perspectives that dominate how many destinations are presented and experienced. The goal: a truly inclusive, local-centric way of seeing and experiencing those places. “Decolonizing” travel means being aware of our privilege in traveling and questioning messages we might be presented with, asking at any given moment, “Is this the voice of the colonizer or the colonized?<span>”.</span></p> <p>As travelers, we can choose tours that shine a light on the realities behind tourism – such as those offered by <span><a href="https://www.makingtheroad.com/" target="_blank">Making the Road</a></span> and the Hawaii DeTours Project (and companion <span><a href="https://read.dukeupress.edu/books/book/2667/DetoursA-Decolonial-Guide-to-Hawai-i" target="_blank">book</a></span>) – avoid white saviorism (particularly when volunteering) and words like “discover” and “colonial charm”, and support local guides and locally owned businesses, restaurants and hotels to ensure that the money we spend stays in the communities we visit.<br /><br /></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/7sustainabletravelterms/beach-cleanup.jpg" /><figcaption> Picking up litter when you travel makes a difference. Photo credit: Getty Images: Solstock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="guerilla" style="text-align: left;">Guerilla humanitarianism</h2> <p>Less institutional and more hands-on than voluntourism, “guerilla humanitarianism” is simply about doing good while you’re on the road. At its most basic, it can involve doing spontaneous beach clean-ups during a surf trip. Or you could pack specific items needed by people living where you’re going, whether it’s shoes or school books or medical supplies, donating them via hotels and tour operators through US-based <span><a href="https://www.packforapurpose.org/" target="_blank">Pack for a Purpose</a></span>, which runs projects in more than 55 countries.</p> <p>Similarly, <span><a href="https://www.wavesforwater.org/couriers/about" target="_blank">Waves for Water</a></span> has a “courier” program whereby travelers can crowdfund compact water filters they then carry in to remote, often inaccessible, communities; each water filter can provide 100 people with clean water for up to five years.</p> <h2 id="zero">Net zero</h2> <p>“Zero carbon” – not producing <em>any</em> carbon emissions – might be the holy grail when it comes to climate action, but total decarbonization is practically impossible for the travel industry, which is responsible for roughly <a href="https://sustainabletravel.org/issues/carbon-footprint-tourism/" target="_blank">8 per cent of global emissions</a>. The next best thing is a “net zero” approach, which involves travel companies using <span><a href="https://sciencebasedtargets.org/net-zero" target="_blank">science-based targets</a></span> to make “rapid, deep emissions cuts”, reducing their emissions by 90-95 per cent by 2050 and neutralizing the remaining 5-10 per cent through carbon removal.</p> <p><a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au" target="_blank">Intrepid Travel</a>, which has been carbon neutral since 2010, has signed up to this approach. Their decarbonization measures include removing short-haul flights from 14 of their most popular trips in destinations such as Vietnam, Turkey, and Egypt.</p> <h2 id="climate">Climate positive</h2> <p><span>In a perfect world, being “climate positive” would involve actually removing more carbon, and other greenhouse gases, from the atmosphere – through, say, carbon storage technology – than you produce. In reality, climate-positive companies use carbon offsetting, to offset more carbon than they emit. You might also hear travel companies marketing themselves as “</span>climate-conscious<span>” or “</span>climate-aware<span>”, meaning they’re taking action to reduce their contribution to the climate crisis, throughout their supply chains.</span></p> <p>Going next level, Bhutan became the<span> </span><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Q_qHCk815Yh46kR6FJozQU?domain=earth.org/" target="_blank">world’s first “carbon-negative” destination</a><span> </span><span>in 2021; its extensive forests act as a carbon sink, absorbing more carbon than the tiny Himalayan country produces. And</span><span> </span><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/tqKEC91W8JHxgz6ghoLBoe?domain=discovergabon.com/">Gabon</a><span> </span><span>in central Africa uses its equatorial rainforests to do the same, but calls itself the most</span><span> </span><a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/XItNC0YKgwF4Dk9DFDKeIU?domain=karryon.com.au/">“carbon positive”</a><span> </span><span>nation on earth</span><em>.</em></p> <h2 id="untourism">Untourism</h2> <p>First, there was overtourism. Then came undertourism, with tour operators promoting unsung hiking trails and “second cities”, to share the travel love.</p> <p>Now there’s “untourism” which, in its purest form, is all about wandering, without a list or an itinerary, letting serendipity be your guide. It’s about travelers interacting directly with locals who get to show off their favorite places and the things they love doing to a select few, in an ad hoc fashion – not on organized tours. It’s personal, unplanned, affecting and refreshingly non-commercial – although, inevitably, there are “untours” such as the wildly popular <span><a href="https://www.wehatetourismtours.com/" target="_blank">We Hate Tourism Tours</a></span> in Portugal.</p> <h2 id="jomo">Jomo travel</h2> <p>You’re likely familiar with the term FOMO (fear of missing out). This type of social pressure often has travelers packing as much into their itinerary as possible. What if you don’t check out that restaurant or beach or museum everyone is raving about?</p> <p>JOMO (the joy of missing out) turns that on its head. Similar to the “<a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-beauty-of-slow-travel">slow travel</a>” movement, Jomo travel is about intentionally limiting the number of stops or attractions you visit, and instead taking the time to truly savor and enjoy the place you’re in. It’s OK not to see or do everything. And it’s OK not to share every moment on social media. Putting phones down and keeping your schedule light makes for a much more relaxing holiday.</p> <p>Jomo travel often involves spending time in nature or seeking out wellness retreats, but it can apply to a city visit or stay-cation too. It has the added benefits of helping local economies and reducing your carbon footprint, since you’re staying longer in one place.</p>Getty Images / Pamela Joe McFarlane 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourismFrom Bhutan to Barcelona, here’s what’s being done to curb mass tourism which makes destinations pricey, crowded and bad for the environment.2025-01-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/destinations-combating-overtourismhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>From cheap flights to remote work conditions, there are numerous reasons why some of our favorite cities are becoming saturated with tourists. Crowds make travel more expensive, frustrating, and difficult, and they can also be dangerous to the destination by trampling on sensitive environments and eroding local culture.</p> <p>What should an ethical traveler to do? The first step is to consider <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-avoid-the-masses-when-you-travel">visiting less-crowded alternatives</a> to popular destinations or to prioritize <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">destinations putting the planet first</a>. Also, contemplate traveling during off-peak seasons, which are less crowded and less expensive.</span></p> <p>Wondering which places have figured out how to limit the number of tourists passing through? We’ve rounded up a list of global destinations that have taken significant steps to curb mass tourism.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Bhutan</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Barcelona, Spain</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Manchester, UK</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Amsterdam, Netherlands</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Venice, Italy</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1"><strong>Bhutan</strong></h2> <p>The Eastern Himalayan <a href="/explore/southern-asia/bhutan/10-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-bhutan">Kingdom of Bhutan</a>, which is landlocked between China and India, is known for clifftop monasteries, misty terraces, and Himalayan hiking trails. Since last year, Bhutan is also now known for a hefty tourist tax that was introduced to curb the number of visitors and preserve its unique cultural heritage. Bhutan follows the tourism motto of "high value, low volume" and its government believes that if travelers have journeyed all the way there, they should contribute towards the country's development.</p> <p>As a result, the previous daily visitor fee of US $65 (which remained unchanged since 1991), jumped up to $200 per day in September 2022. (The fee was revised again in 2023 and is currently USD $100 per day.) Known as the <span>Sustainable Development Fee, it is utilized to support healthcare, education, and environmental infrastructure projects and it is separate from the mandatory $40 visa fee.</span></p> <p>According to Brijesh Sarsar, of <a href="https://www.authenticindiatours.com/">Authentic India Tours</a>, which operates tours in Bhutan, while the previous fee covered expenses such as guides, hotels, and meals, the new tax does not include these services, it simply allows you to visit. He also adds that his company’s Bhutan office saw an immediate and substantial fall in new travel bookings after the new tax went into effect, so it would appear the new rules are working.</p> <h2 id="2"><strong>Barcelona, Spain</strong></h2> <p>As one of the most tourist-choked cities in the world, Barcelona has long struggled with how to balance welcoming the visitors – who are necessary to sustain the local economy –while also maintaining quality of life. Residents have long complained that the 32 million annual tourists clog their streets, clutter their beaches, and create loud nuisance. Barcelona, which was, in 2012, one of the first cities to implement a city tourist on top of the regional tax, announced in 2022 that guided tours would also have capped numbers and limited routes. They also would have to adopt headsets and earpieces instead of megaphones.</p> <p>While the city has not yet found a perfect solution, economy professor, Pedro Aznar, says the answer is <span><a href="https://en.ara.cat/society/barcelona-tourism-mass-easter-overcrowding_130_4350435.html">distinguishing between different types of tourism</a>. For instance, he says there is a large economic difference between a bachelor party ( which comes to spend one night in a budget hotel) and a family (who stays multiple days and plans a full schedule of cultural and gastronomic activities). In 2022, Barcelona announced an incremental growth of this city tax that will vary based on the accommodation type. <a href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/07/01/barcelona-is-increasing-its-tourist-tax-heres-how-much-youll-have-to-pay-in-2023" target="_blank">As of October 2024</a>, visitors to the city must pay €4 on top of the regional tax. This means guest rentals will cost an addtional €5.25/night, and five-star hotels will charge an additional €7.50/night.</span></p> <h2 id="3"><strong>Manchester, UK</strong></h2> <p><a href="/explore/northern-europe/united-kingdom/top-pubs-to-visit-in-manchester-uk">Manchester</a> became the first UK city to impose a tourist tax on April 1, 2023. Dubbed the “city visitor charge,” the tax will impose an additional £1 per night, per room in hotels in the city center. Though the fee is modest, it’s expected to draw in £3 million per year, which will go towards the new Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) and its goal of supporting the city’s visitor economy and experience.</p> <p>Its strategy will include increasing overnight visitors by amplifying marketing campaigns but balancing that push by securing large-scale events during low-season periods. For instance, it plans to hold large sporting events, concerts, conferences, and festivals during off-peak months to incentivize travelers to visit when the city is less crowded.</p> <h2 id="4"><strong>Amsterdam, Netherlands</strong></h2> <p>While the Dutch city of Utrecht is helping combat climate change by <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-first">putting cycling first</a>, its sister city, Amsterdam, is focused on combating overtourism by decreasing visitors to its famed Red Light District. What’s unique about its approach is that it’s specifically targeted at British male visitors aged 18-35, who tend to focus their travels on drinking and using drugs. Many of these visitors specifically come for raucous stag (bachelor) parties, which the city is actively trying to discourage.</span></p> <p>In a campaign launched in March 2023, would-be British tourists searching terms such as “pub crawl Amsterdam” and “stag party Amsterdam” were greeted with a<span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDwhRdHk7hc">serious video advertisement</a> warning visitors of the consequences of an alcohol- and drug-fueled trip. Amid images of police arrests and jail stays, viewers seeking a “messy night” are warned to stay away.</span></p> <p>On top of their ad campaign, on May 25, 2023, Amsterdam also enacted a new rule <span><a href="https://nltimes.nl/2023/05/20/last-weekend-legally-smoke-cannabis-outside-red-light-district">prohibiting marijuana smoking on the street in the Red Light District</a>. A majority of the city council approved the measure to curb the crowds, noise, and general nuisance associated with tourists in the area.</span></p> <h2 id="5"><strong>Venice, Italy</strong></h2> <p>As visitors far outnumber residents on the narrow streets of Venice’s historic center, the city implemented a new rule that went into effect in 2024. Day trippers will no longer be able to just show up in the historic center; rather, they must first make an online reservation up to four days in advance and pay a fee. Overnight visitors, whether staying in hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodation, are exempt from the rule. Considering that about 80% of the city’s visitors are day trippers (approximately 19 million per year), the new policy stands to have a tremendous impact.</p> <p><span>The daily trip fee is 10 euros (USD $10.30) per person and <a href="https://cda.veneziaunica.it/contributo-di-accesso" target="_blank">will be applied on specific days during the high season</a> (April 18 through July 27). Violators risk fines as high as 300 euros (USD$315) if they are stopped and unable to prove (via QR code) that they pre-booked and pre-paid.</span></p>Getty Images/Alexander Spatari 11428441295 Getty Images Crowds of people on the shopping street in Vienna, Austria

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/an-interview-with-simon-monkWorld Nomads’ Footprints program offers travelers a way to give back to the places they visit. Find out how this program got started and the positive impact it’s had over its 20 years.2025-01-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/an-interview-with-simon-monkhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>20 years ago, in January of 2005, World Nomads launched <a href="/responsible-travel/footprints">our Footprints program</a>. A groundbreaker at the time, Footprints allows World Nomads and Travel Insurance Direct customers to give a microdonation to a project of their choice when they buy a <a href="/travel-insurance">travel insurance policy</a>. Since its launch, Footprints has funded <a href="/responsible-travel/footprints/projects/?status=open">274 community development and conservation projects</a> around the world and raised AUD $5.7 million dollars (World Nomads and TID combined).</p> <p>We spoke to World Nomads and Footprints co-founder Simon Monk about the inspiration behind the program and how it has evolved over the years.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: You were a founder of World Nomads in 2002. Can you talk about what inspired you to start the Footprints program in 2005?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: Nomads was a couple of years old by that stage – we had a handful employees in a tiny office in Sydney. And, on the news was the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/indian-ocean-tsunami-anniversary-photo-gallery-65a5fdaeed08d68336523e7e4a4835a2" target="_blank">huge Asian tsunami</a> that killed over a quarter of a million people [in December 2004]. All of us were travelers, and it affected us deeply because we could see all these villages that we’d been to over the years, and they had no means of dealing with anything so catastrophic. So, we said, what can we possibly do?</p> <p>We decided to use our skill set, which was in internet and travel, to try to raise some funds. That was the genesis of the idea. And then I came back in the morning, and said, “Right, let’s just add a $2 donation as a check box in the purchase path.” And off we went! At this stage, the [money raised] just went into a relief fund for the tsunami.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: And you ended up raising quite a bit right away.</strong></em></p> <p>SM: Yes, we surpassed [our initial goal of $50,000] pretty quickly, like in a few weeks, I suppose. And we went, wow, we’ve really got something here.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: And once you were done funding that cause, the idea was to keep going and continue to support causes around the world?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: I suppose what really resonated was that we’d built something that connected with our travelers. It was beyond our imaginings of how successful it would be in terms of engagement. So, rather than just putting $2 into a bucket, we decided to give our travelers the choice of where they wanted their money to go. And that evolved into a process of choosing and funding particular projects. So, you might [set a goal of] $4,500 to fund a school in a particular village. And once that was funded, it would automatically stop, and the next project would kick in.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/footprints-20th-anniversary/surfaid-indonesia-food-security.jpg" alt="A woman smiles while tending to her vegetable garden on a remote island in Indonesia." /> <figcaption>This Footprints project helped local communities in Indonesia establish climate-resilent nutrition gardens. Image credit: SurfAid</figcaption><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p><em><strong>WN: How did you initially decide which projects to fund?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: We originally toyed with the idea of funding schools ourselves, but it’s not our core expertise. And when you think, for example, about digging wells in villages, it seems a very tangible outcome but the more you speak to NGOs in this arena, you discover those aren’t the issues at all. [Through the <a href="/responsible-travel/footprints/who-we-fund/wateraid">organization WaterAid</a> we learned] it’s not just providing the water, it’s educating the children about sanitation, in local language. So, we worked in partnership with NGOs who were more experienced in this space.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: All Footprints projects are aligned with one or more of the United Nations <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank">Sustainable Development Goals</a>. What was behind the decision to do that?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: You can’t fund everything, so you need some guidelines to choose what to fund. The SDGs provided a really good framework to work within – it’s education, or it’s sanitation, it’s health, etc. Even with less obvious ones, such as environment, we tried to ensure that local people would have a tangible outcome based on those SDGs.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/footprints-20th-anniversary/snow-leopard-project.jpg" alt="A woman milks her goats in a snow-leopard-proof enclosure in the Himalayas." /> <figcaption>This project helped conserve snow leopards while protecting the livelihoods of local villagers. Image credit: Australian Himalayan Foundation</figcaption></figure> <p><em><strong>WN: Have you been able to visit any of the projects yourself?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: Just a handful. With the best will in the world, I try to stay out of the way and let the agencies get on with it, but occasionally I’ve been invited, and it’s always a pleasure and it’s always humbling. You’re treated to hospitality by people who have next to nothing compared to yourself.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: You left World Nomads in 2016. Were you still with Footprints at that time?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: I was still on the committee, trying to run it. Structurally, it became a bit difficult. With the best of intent, I handed it over to a team that could keep running it well.</p> <p>In any program when you raise money, there are governance issues around how funds are allocated. If you say you’re going to raise money for an organization then you need to have the proof you’re actually doing what you said you’re going to do.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: 2025 marks the 20-year anniversary of the Footprints program. We’ve completed 274 projects and raised more than $5.7 million from more than 2 million travelers. How do you feel about meeting these milestones?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: Slightly surreal, I suppose. 2 million travelers, that’s an awful lot of donors.</p> <p>I suppose the proudest thing is, when you build a service like World Nomads, you build it to try and take a segment of the market that is like you. Or in this case, like me – I’m a keen, adventurous, independent traveler. I built a service for me and discovered there’s lots of people globally who are of similar mind. And it’s basically the same with Footprints. Most travelers of that ilk have experienced the places and understand the people locally.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/footprints-20th-anniversary/gaza-save-the-children.jpg" alt="Aid workers funded by Save the Children organize humanitarian aid in Gaza." /> <figcaption>Save the Children staffers organize humanitarian aid in Gaza. Image credit: Save the Children</figcaption></figure> <p><em><strong>WN: I think Footprints really taps into the desire of travelers to give back. When you travel to a place, you take a part of it with you forever.</strong></em></p> <p>SM: Yes, Footprints taps into that.</p> <p><em><strong>WN: What would you like to see happen with Footprints in the years to come?</strong></em></p> <p>SM: If I could pick any one thing, it would be to build on that sense of connection to a place.</p> <p>We’ve done it to some degree. What happens is you fund a project, and once the goal is reached, it’s closed. And then two years later, you can actually go to the 3,163 people who funded it and tell them what the outcome was! And when we do that, we’ve had extraordinary feedback, going, “Wow! I gave $2 and here’s a detailed report on what my $2 did!” That always makes you feel good.</p>Australian Himalayan Foundation 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travelAs travelers try to balance a desire to explore the world with trying to battle the causes of climate change, could traveling by train be the answer?2024-11-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#comeback">Train travel makes a comeback</a></li> <li><a href="#environment">Breakdown of environmental benefits</a></li> <li><a href="#sustainable">Sustainable advances and the future of the train industry</a></li> <li><a href="#global">Global train adventures</a></li> </ul> <p><span>The unsteady tempo of the train lurched back and forth, carving its way through steep emerald tea fields. Standing on the edge of the open doorway, I allowed the wind and rain to tickle my face as we made our ascent into Sri Lanka's vivid hill country. I had the best place on board, privy to the ever-changing climate and scenery, watching small towns, Buddhist relics, and plantations pass by. Behind me, the train car was flooded with chaotic and joyful music as a Sri Lankan family beat drums and sang to the rhythm of the train. I smiled to myself, reminded that the actual journey adds a level of depth and element of surprise to travel that the destination simply cannot.</span> </p> <h2 id="comeback">Train travel makes a comeback</h2> <p>Before traveling in the great blue sky became as common as taking the bus, there was a time when overland travel by train wasn’t just a trend, it was the norm. Train travel to destinations near and far was once a leading means to adventure across the globe (unless you had to cross an ocean, that is). During the mid-20<sup>th</sup> century, airplanes slowly started to become the standard rather than a luxury mode of transport and in 1955, for the first time, more people in the United States traveled by plane than train. The world hasn’t really looked back since, as an explosion of air travel shrunk the globe, turning once days-, if not weeks- or months-long travel into mere hours. The consequences on the environment have been dire, as aviation travel is responsible for 2.5% of global carbon emissions and road travel accounts for approximately 10% of these direct emissions.</p> <p>In an age where slow, intentional travel is finding its place again and green living takes center stage, the allure of train travel is making a comeback. From commuter trains, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-light">sleeper trains</a> to slow, scenic journeys reminiscent of travels from a bygone era, train travel in every sense is on the rise. Outdated rails are being replaced by high-speed, modern structures and as a whole, trains are becoming more efficient, and more alluring to the carbon-conscious traveler.</p> <h2 id="environment">Breakdown of environmental benefits</h2> <p>Beyond simply immersing travelers in their surroundings, train travel also offers steep environmental benefits, particularly in comparison to plane and car travel. Since trains still burn a significant amount of fuel, what exactly makes trains so much more sustainable?</p> <p>Even though the train may be a big carbon emitter, it’s designed to carry a lot more passengers than either cars or domestic jets, so the per capita emissions are much lower. And trains are increasingly being powered by electricity. Train travel isn’t just a sustainable alternative to flying, it’s also vastly better for the environment than driving.</p> <p>Based on <a href="https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint" target="_blank">research</a> conducted by UK Government, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in 2022, domestic flights are responsible for the highest carbon emissions, at 246g per capita, with long-haul flights coming in at 148g. Gas-powered cars with four passengers emit 43g/capita, however if cars only carry one person, they jump ahead of flights at 171g. Emissions from trains vary based on the type of train and route. Domestic rail came out to 35g/person, while the Eurostar experienced a significant drop with only 4g/person.</p> <p>Besides being efficient and convenient, Eurail is one of the <a href="https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/everything-you-need-know-about-eurail/advantages-train-travel/why-eurail-your-greenest-choice">greenest option to explore Europe</a>. The average Eurail trip emits between 66% and 75% less carbon than traveling by car or plane.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/traintravel/train-travel-in-copy.jpg" alt="The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels through Southern California." /> <figcaption> The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner travels through Southern California. Photo credit: Getty Images/Laser1987</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="sustainable">Sustainable advances and the future of the train industry</h2> <p>The environmental benefits of trains may be outweighed by other factors at first glance when it comes to ease of travel. Trains have a reputation of being slower and more expensive, and often outdated. Thus, travelers are put in the position of choosing between affordable travel and environmental sustainability. This is changing, though, with many countries jumping on the train, figuratively that is, to make train travel cheaper, faster, and more modern.</p> <p>The rise of <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/future-rail-travel-cmd/index.html">bullet trains</a>, an experience once just associated with Japan, where they are known as the <em><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan">shinkansen</a>,</em> are setting out to make train travel more efficient. The fastest bullet trains can travel up to 200mph (320kph). New lines are currently underway in Japan, as well as Germany, Spain, France, India, and China. In the United Kingdom, the new High Speed 2 trains are underway and by the time they’re launched in the early 2030s, they’ll hold the title of the world’s fastest conventional trains.</p> <p>Train systems are being revitalized to reduce their carbon emissions. Many major train lines, especially in Europe, are run by electricity. When coupled with electricity generated by renewable energy sources, rails have the potential to be carbon-free. Other alternatives include trains running on hydrogen or batteries.</p> <p>There are still great strides to be made, as many trains still run on diesel – 90% in the US and Canada. However, even many diesel trains are underdoing green modernization. <a href="https://www.alstom.com/" target="_blank">Alstom</a>, a UK-based sustainable travel company, for example, is helping renovate existing trains with tabletops made from recycled plastic bottles and biodegradable carpets, while recycling old parts to create a circular economy. </p> <h2 id="global">Global train adventures</h2> <p>Shake the need to hop from point A to point B at high speed and look into booking a cross-country or cross-continental train trip instead. Needing to cross a body of water? Look into crossing by ferry and then hopping on a train once you’re on dry land.</p> <p>Choose between scenic railways far and wide. You can traverse the vast terrain of North America by <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/routes">Amtrak</a> and along the way, glimpse national parks, cruise along the vast Pacific Coast, and admire the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains from your window.</p> <p>Across the pond, small towns and historic sites of Europe can be journeyed to by train. While most travelers are no strangers to the expansive reaches of the Eurail, new additions are continuously being added. The new <a href="https://www.europeansleeper.eu/" target="_blank">European Sleeper train</a> from London to <a href="/explore/europe/germany/berlin-locals-guide">Berlin</a>, Amsterdam, and Brussels launched in May 2023, for example. Other intriguing developments in European trail travel include Inntravel’s rail pilgrimage from Bilbao to Bordeaux, satiating the curiosity of food and wine lovers. <a href="https://www.railbaltica.org/route-alternative-approved-for-the-future-construction-of-the-rail-baltica-railway-from-kaunas-to-the-border-with-poland/" target="_blank">Rail Baltica</a> is starting new lines to connect the Polish border to Baltic cities.</p> <p>And as for the rest of the world, your options are almost limitless. Head to Mombasa by train instead of plane. Reaching Kenya’s biggest port city by train doesn’t just reduce your carbon emissions, it takes you on an epic adventure through the wild terrain of Kenya. This scenic journey aboard the <a href="https://metickets.krc.co.ke/" target="_blank">Madaraka Express</a> winds its way through Tsavo National Park and if you’re lucky, you can spot grazing giraffes and zebra along the way. <br /><br />In late 2023, <a href="https://www.trenmaya.gob.mx/" target="_blank">Tren Maya</a> launched on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This new rail route takes you from the Mayan ruins at Palenque to the dreamy beaches of Cancun, through spectacular scenery along the way. The most adventurous wanderers can hop aboard the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20190904-an-exhilarating-train-journey-across-the-sahara">Train du Desert</a>, Mauritania’s 1960’s-era train that carries passengers for over 700km across the Sahara Desert. Noted as being one of the longest trains in the world, the Train du Desert consists of metal boxes traversing long stretches of hot desert, making stops at tiny towns along the way.</p> <p><em>Planning an epic journey by train? Find out <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance">how travel insurance</a> can cover lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other mishaps and help your trip stay on track.</em></p>Getty Images / Jonathan Filskov Photography 0 Getty Images A train travels through autumnal trees

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/10-eco-friendly-travel-gadgets-for-greener-explorationsFrom harnessing solar energy to embracing sustainable materials, these clever, green tech products will power you up without draining the planet.2024-10-31T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/10-eco-friendly-travel-gadgets-for-greener-explorationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Traveling responsibly starts before hitting the road – what we pack requires just as much consideration as <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">the places we visit</a> as far as our impact on people and planet. Not only does a well-thought-out checklist save us lugging around extra weight, but it also allows our carbon footprint to be lighter while we explore the world. This doesn't mean limiting ourselves to the bare essentials, but rather thinking carefully about how the items we pack – and purchase – impact the planet throughout their lifecycle.</p> <p>Opting for <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/eco-friendly-toiletries-to-take-on-your-travels">products that use sustainable materials and minimize plastic</a> is a great start, but there are plenty of further ways we can make better choices, particularly when it comes to the everyday gadgets we rely on to make life easier and more enjoyable. Seek out brands that offer free repair, reuse, and recycle programs, support businesses that give back through social and environmental initiatives, and take advantage of products that employ solar energy.</p> <p>We've rounded up some of the best eco-friendly gadgets that are not only clever and convenient but also clean and green, allowing you to travel in style while having a positive impact at the same time.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#pad">Our Pure Planet Bamboo Wireless Charging Pad </a></li> <li><a href="#mouse">Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse</a></li> <li><a href="#charge">Cygnett ChargeUp Explorer </a></li> <li><a href="#bags">Bellroy Digital Nomad Set</a></li> <li><a href="#straw">LifeStraw</a></li> <li><a href="#filters">Urth Lens Filters</a></li> <li><a href="#speaker">Marley Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Speaker</a></li> <li><a href="#app">Klima App</a></li> <li><a href="#light">MPOWERD Luci Pro Series Outdoor Light</a></li> <li><a href="#headphones">Urbanista Los Angeles Solar Noise Cancelling Headphones</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="pad">Our Pure Planet Bamboo Wireless Charging Pad</h2> <p>Switching to products made from bamboo, which is both biodegradable and compostable, is increasingly easy, with everything from cutlery to toothbrushes now widely available in this fast growing and naturally renewable material. <a href="https://ourpureplanet.com/" target="_blank">Our Pure Planet’</a>s wireless charging pad is 100% carbon neutral, offering a slim, lightweight design and 15W of charging output that will keep all your Qi-enabled devices powered up, plastic-free.</p> <p>RRP AUD $59.99</p> <h2 id="mouse">Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse</h2> <p>Many of the bigger tech companies are ramping up their use of recycled materials, making it simpler than ever for consumers to choose more responsibly when bamboo and other biodegradable materials aren't an option. Microsoft's <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/microsoft-ocean-plastic-mouse/8xh06gbzm3nd/mcvg?activetab=pivot:overviewtab" target="_blank">Ocean Plastic Mouse</a> is an innovative example, featuring a shell made from 20% recycled plastic that has been recovered from oceans and waterways. It connects to your computer via Bluetooth, with a single battery lasting up to 12 months.</p> <p>RRP USD $28.00</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/travel-gadgets/ocean-mouse.jpg" alt="The Ocean Plastic Mouse, a computer mouse made from placic recovered from oceans and waterways." /> <figcaption>The Ocean Plastic Mouse. Image credit: Microsoft</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="charge">Cygnett ChargeUp Explorer</h2> <p>Harness the energy of the sun while you're out enjoying nature by taking advantage of a growing number of solar-powered products on the market, starting with this versatile power bank. <a href="https://www.cygnett.com/products/8-000-mah-power-bank-with-solar-panels" target="_blank">The ChargeUp Explorer</a> packs a punch with three detachable solar panels that provide up to three charges for your smartphone, while bonus features include a built-in LED torch and a second USB port, meaning you can charge your tablet and phone at the same time.</p> <p>RRP AUD $99.95</p> <h2 id="bags">Bellroy Digital Nomad Set</h2> <p><a href="https://bellroy.com/" target="_blank">This B Corp Certified company</a> prides itself on its rigorous environmental practices, offering an expansive range of tech accessories that are not only stylish and practical but also responsibly made and long-lasting. While <a href="https://bellroy.com/bundles/digital-nomad-set#slide-0" target="_blank">this sleek set</a> including a tech kit and laptop sleeve might not technically be a gadget itself, it will certainly help to keep your cords, dongles, and accessories safe and secure when your office is anywhere and everywhere.</p> <p>RRP USD $89</p> <h2 id="straw">LifeStraw</h2> <p>When it comes to gadgets that help to reduce plastic use, the <a href="https://lifestraw.com/" target="_blank">LifeStraw</a> range is high on the list. This ultralight, ingenious device works to purify water by removing 99.9% of bacteria with its long-lasting membrane microfilter, with each device making up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 litres) of water safe to drink. Having one of these on hand will be especially useful if you're travelling to places where drinking the tap water isn't an option, saving you time and money as well as saving countless plastic bottles from ending up in landfill.</p> <p>From USD $19.95</p> <h2 id="filters">Urth Lens Filters</h2> <p>If you're the type of traveler who always has a camera in hand, <a href="https://urth.co/" target="_blank">this eco-conscious brand</a> will most likely have something for you. Their <a href="https://urth.co/collections/lens-filters" target="_blank">wide range of filters</a>, made with premium materials and designed to be low-impact, come with a lifelong guarantee, exemplifying the ethos of 'buy less, buy better'. Additionally, every purchase contributes to Urth's reforestation program, with five trees planted per lens filter. The brand offers a range of high-quality camera accessories including straps, lens adapters, and carry bags.</p> <p>Filters from USD $29 / AUD $39</p> <p><em>Looking to travel more responsibly? Find out why <a href="/travel-insurance">getting travel insurance</a> is part of being a good global citizen.</em></p> <h2 id="speaker">Marley Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Speaker</h2> <p>Wood can be a great option when it comes to utilizing natural materials and reducing plastic, and it’s an even better choice when its FSC-certified. This <a href="https://www.thehouseofmarley.com/get-together-2-mini-bluetooth-speaker" target="_blank">stylish speaker</a> is just that – <a href="https://www.thehouseofmarley.com/" target="_blank">House of Marley</a> uses only sustainable materials across its range of speakers, earbuds, headphones, and accessories – offering an earthy, organic look with up to 15 hours of battery life, all delivered in 100% recyclable packaging. The company also gives back through its global reforestation program.</p> <p>RRP USD $169.99</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-wiser/mini-speaker.jpg" alt="The Marley Get Together Mini Bluetooth Speaker made from wood and other natural, sustainable materials." /> <figcaption>The Marley Get Together 2 Mini Bluetooth Speaker. Image credit: House of Marley</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="app">Klima App</h2> <p>There are plenty of fantastic apps packed with tips to help us travel more responsibly, from supporting ethical brands and businesses to getting on board the sharing economy. One that covers a wide range of bases is <a href="https://klima.com/" target="_blank">Klima</a>, an easy-to-use, B Corp Certified app that lets you calculate your carbon footprint and offers personalized tips to reduce your impact through lifestyle changes, with ideas on everything from eating habits and shopping to transport and energy use.</p> <h2 id="light">MPOWERD Luci Pro Series Outdoor Light</h2> <p>For a gadget that can take a bit of rough and tumble, you’ll love <a href="https://mpowerd.com/products/pro-series">this waterproof, shatterproof, collapsible solar light</a>. Perfect for camping, hiking, or even to have on hand in case of a power outage, this durable and lightweight lantern offers up to 50 hours of light following 14 hours in the sun. <a href="https://mpowerd.com/" target="_blank">The New York-based company</a> is also involved in more than 700 non-profit partnerships, supplying life-changing clean energy to communities around the world.</p> <p>RRP USD $44.95</p> <h2 id="headphones">Urbanista Los Angeles Solar Noise Cancelling Headphones</h2> <p>The world's first <a href="https://urbanista.com/collections/solar-powered/products/los-angeles" target="_blank">self-charging headphones</a> are as sustainable as they are stylish, using advanced green technology to charge constantly when exposed to light. Fuelled by Powerfoyle, inspired by the natural principle of photosynthesis, all forms of light – both indoors and outdoors – are transformed into clean energy to offer virtually unlimited battery life. Perfect for strolling the streets enjoying your favorite travel playlist while the sun keeps you charged up all day long.</p> <p>USD $199</p>Getty Images / AleksandarNakic 11319658970 Getty Images A woman checks her smartphone while camping in the wilderness.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-lightIt’s no secret that transport and accommodation are the two biggest carbon emitters when we travel. By combining the two we can slash our travel footprint.2024-09-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-lighthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Whether by train, boat, or coach, traveling overnight can be lots of fun – you’re likely to see more and absorb more of the local culture than traveling by plane and staying in hotels every night. Here are some tips for smooth overnight journeys. Most of all, by combining travel and accommodation, you're reducing your travel carbon footprint.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#plan">Plan ahead</a></li> <li><a href="#save">Save a night’s worth of natural resources</a></li> <li><a href="#trains">The wonder of train travel</a></li> <li><a href="#sleepers">Classic ‘sleeper’ trains</a></li> <li><a href="#water">Overnight journeys by water</a></li> <li><a href="#bus">Don’t discount bus travel</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="plan">Plan ahead</h2> <p>It pays to plan your itinerary in advance, identifying journeys long enough for overnight travel and seeing what’s on offer.</p> <p>By planning ahead, you won’t end up spending the night on a train station bench. You’ll want reasonably comfortable, safe transport so that you can wake up refreshed at your destination.</p> <p>When traveling through Europe as a student many years ago – on the tiniest of budgets – we made the most of our rail pass by traveling through the night whenever we could. We slept upright through France and then prone on Italian couchettes. Once, we laid out on the deck of a Greek ferry as it navigated rocky seas from Italy, by way of Corfu.</p> <p>While we did save lots of money, many of my memories of the world’s most beautiful cities are hazy, glimpsed through a bleary, sleep-deprived brain.</p> <p>Now I’m weighing up another trip through Europe, but I figure if I pay for a cabin on the overnight ferries and trains, I’ll still be saving money and <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/low-impact-ways-to-see-the-world">reducing my carbon impact</a> if the travel does double duty as my accommodation.</p> <h2 id="save">Save a night’s worth of natural resources</h2> <p>A stay in a hotel, motel, apartment, or Airbnb involves energy and hot water use as well as towel and bedlinen changes, all of which chew through natural resources.</p> <p>In fact, the average hotel room uses 68.5lbs (31.1kg) of carbon per room per night according to the <a href="https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resource/hotel-carbon-measurement-initiative/" target="_blank">Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI)</a>, an initiative from the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.</p> <p>By traveling through the night, we’re saving most of that while also enjoying a richer experience.</p> <h2 id="trains">The wonder of train travel</h2> <p>“Trains are wonderful.... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life,” said Agatha Christie.</p> <p>The train is also <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travel">the least polluting form of travel</a> – other than making your way on foot – and there are often multiple options for overnight travel, from the most basic to deluxe.</p> <p>Another bonus of trains is that you often arrive in the heart of a city, not an airport, which can be miles out, meaning yet another bus or taxi as well as more money and carbon emissions.</p> <p>Then there’s the delight of bedding down in one place and waking up in an entirely different place, perhaps even a different country, a different language and landscape.</p> <h2 id="sleepers">Classic sleeper trains</h2> <p>Europe boasts a number of classic sleeper routes, such as Vienna to Rome (around 11 hours). The <a href="https://www.nightjet.com/en/#/home" target="_blank">NightJet</a> service operated by <span>Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) </span>got even better in 2023 with innovative new trains going into service.</p> <p>Another stunning route is from Stockholm to Narvik at the Arctic Circle in northern Norway (22 hours). Or there’s a night train from Rome to Sicily with the train boarding a boat to make the final crossing across the Straits of Messina.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/overnight-stays/messina-train-ferry.jpg" alt="A ferry carrying a train crosses the Straits of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily." /> <figcaption>A ferry carrying a train crosses the Straits of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily. Image credit: Getty Images / pilesasmiles</figcaption></figure> <p>For multiple trips all over Europe, consider purchasing a <a href="https://www.eurail.com/en" target="_blank">Eurail</a> pass – or <a href="https://www.interrail.eu/en" target="_blank">Interail</a> for European citizens.</p> <p>There are a couple of UK sleeper journeys I'd like to do, too, including the <a href="https://www.sleeper.scot/">Caledonian Sleeper</a>, departing London Euston 10 minutes shy of midnight and arriving in Edinburgh at daybreak.</p> <p>The ‘Night Riviera’ from London to Penzance leaves Paddington in the late evening. You’ll wake up a world away as you glimpse sunrise and the glorious views of St Michael’s Mount in the far west of Cornwall.</p> <p>Looking to Asia, one of my favorite train journeys is through <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam">Vietnam</a>. This long, skinny country is in many ways ideal for a long train trip from one end to the other.</p> <p>The <a href="https://vietnamvisa.govt.vn/travel-guides/reunification-express-train-guide/" target="_blank">Reunification Express</a> links Ho Chi Minh City to the capital Hanoi in the north, two distinctly different cities culturally. There’s so much to see along the way as you wind your way along the South China Sea – temples, rice paddies, historic towns. Not the height of luxury but cheap, air-conditioned, and reasonably comfortable on the softer bed options.</p> <h2 id="water">Overnight journeys by water</h2> <p>There’s a lot of appeal to an overnight stay on a boat, but cruising doesn’t necessarily equal environmental travel, even as some companies are turning their attention to sustainability. It’s difficult to justify the huge fuel footprint of behemothic vessels which can be as much as, or more than, flying per passenger.</p> <p>(Friends of the Earth has a <a href="https://foe.org/cruise-report-card/" target="_blank">scorecard</a> that rates the industry. It’s worth noting that none of the cruise companies evaluated score higher than a C+ in 2022.)</p> <p>But it is possible to opt for smaller companies who operate more modest vessels, barges, or sailboats and have a strong environmental focus, usually outlined on their website.</p> <p>Take cruise company <a href="https://www.uniworld.com/uk" target="_blank">Uniworld</a> which has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Initiatives include using 50 percent of electricity renewable by 2025, working with <a href="https://www.leanpath.com/" target="_blank">Leanpath</a> to reduce food waste onboard, and banning more than 60 types of single-use plastics. Their trips include such adventures as Cairo to Aswan and back again over 12 days, and 13 days on the Ganges India, from New Delhi to Kolkata.</p> <p>But for more budget options, you could simply add in some overnight ferry trips to your itinerary, either booking a sleeper cabin or a travel recliner.</p> <p>Consider traveling to China from Japan aboard the Shanghai Ferry from Osaka. Overnight cabins are basic but aboard you’ll find Japanese-style baths, karaoke, and a mah-jongg lounge.</p> <p>If you’re traveling from France to the UK, you could go the roundabout way via Ireland. Take the overnight ferry from Cherbourg to Rosslare (17 hours), then travel by train to Dublin to catch another overnight ferry to Liverpool.</p> <p>Or to cut out some of the overland travel between Croatia and Italy, there’s the Split to Ancona ferry which takes 12 hours and offers recliners to fairly luxurious private cabins with ensuite bathrooms.</p> <p>It’s also worth remembering that many ferries are covered by the Eurail pass, so check before you travel.</p> <h2 id="bus">Don’t discount bus travel</h2> <p>Perhaps it’s the least glamorous of the overnight options, but coach or bus travel is often the cheapest and it doesn’t have to mean a rough night upright.</p> <p>This is a particularly worthwhile option when venturing through South America. With lots of ground to cover, it’s a smart option by bus and can be extremely cheap, as well as stunningly scenic.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/overnight-stays/sleeper-bus-argentina.jpg" alt="A sleeping passenger aboard a long distance sleeper bus in Argentina." /> <figcaption>Sleeping on board a "bed bus" in Argentina. Image credit: Getty Images / Anton Petrus</figcaption></figure> <p>For example, an overnight journey from Buenos Aires to Bariloche on a <em>coche cama</em> – or bed bus – with its reclining seats and in some cases, a hot meal. Even with more luxurious options, it’s still cheaper than flying or accommodation, and by carrying many passengers is more sustainable than a car.</p> <p>When booking your next long trip, think about incorporating at least a few overnight travel segments to cut your travel footprint. You’ll be opening yourself up to new experiences too, and isn’t that what travel is about?</p>Getty Images / Oscar Wong 1596950717 Getty Images A woman sits on a bunk bed and gazes out the window of a sleeper train car.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-airbnb-an-ethical-optionShort-stay accommodation platforms like Airbnb were hailed as a way for travelers to enjoy a more authentic, local experience. Then came the backlash. Can these rentals still be part of an ethical travel experience?2024-03-11T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/is-airbnb-an-ethical-optionhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The surge in short-term residential platforms has transformed the travel industry in recent decades. So why is the sector being blamed for everything from the housing crisis to overtourism worldwide?</p> <ul> <li><a href="#rise">The rise and rise of Airbnb</a></li> <li><a href="#issue">The issue with short-stay vacation rentals</a></li> <li><a href="#restrictions">Are restrictions on STRAs justified?</a></li> <li><a href="#balance">Balancing the tourism economy and affordable housing</a></li> <li><a href="#change">How travelers can help change the industry for the better </a></li> <li><a href="#why">Why choose a short-stay vacation rental?</a></li> <li><a href="#back">Getting back to the original idea behind Airbnb</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="rise">The rise and rise of Airbnb</h2> <p>Back in the day – 2008 to be exact – many travelers discovered a new way to find a roof over their head in far-flung areas around the globe.</p> <p>This was the year Airbnb came into play and, while it wasn’t the first short-stay accommodation platform, it revolutionized travel for many. Choices opened up for travelers, beyond hotels and motels. And better still, they could vet their options with online reviews from previous users.</p> <p>These platforms also provided a way for locals to rent out their homes and make some extra cash from travelers.</p> <p>Now Airbnb is one of the world’s most-visited travel websites and competitors, like VRBO and Booking.com, are also big players in the hosted and non-hosted short-stay residential accommodation (STRA) sector.</p> <h2 id="issue">The issue with short-stay vacation rentals</h2> <p>In many tourist hotspots, local governments are now trying to curb the growth of STRAs, particularly non-hosted stays (where the host does not live on site permanently), to address chronic housing shortages and rising rents for locals.</p> <p>In 2023, one of Italy’s most popular cities and a World Heritage UNESCO site, Florence, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/florence-airbnb-ban/index.html" target="_blank">banned any new Airbnbs in the historic center of the city</a>, due to overtourism.</p> <p>In Australia, state governments are imposing restrictions on the sector in an attempt to confront a housing shortage and surging rents. The state of Victoria imposed a levy on short-term rental property owners and restrictions are already in place in New South Wales, where non-hosted STRAs are limited to 180 days. And in some of the most popular tourist areas, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/sep/26/byron-bay-shire-nsw-60-day-short-term-holiday-rental-airbnb-cap-approved" target="_blank">there have been calls to restrict this further</a>, to only 60 days.</p> <p>In New York City, there have long been restrictions on these kind of short-stay rentals but it wasn’t until 2023 that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/nyregion/airbnb-regulations-nyc-housing.html" target="_blank">NYC’s Law 18</a> meant more serious enforcement of the rules.</p> <p>Some say these rules are already working to open up rentals; others say they’re unfair to locals trying to make some extra cash, while giving hotels an unfair advantage.</p> <h2 id="restrictions">Are restrictions on STRAs justified?</h2> <p>That depends who you speak to. Academics, governments, media – and Airbnb – have all been crunching the numbers to determine just how much STRAs affect long-term housing supply, and how much restrictions will hurt the tourism industry.</p> <p>In a statement from Airbnb Australia entitled <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/en-au/housing-crisis-demands-action-not-scapegoats/" target="_blank">Housing Crisis Demands Action not Scapegoats</a>, the company claims restrictions have made it more expensive for visitors to New York and cautions against Australia going down the same route.</p> <p>“Visitors have fewer accommodation options and face higher hotel prices – both of these trends are discouraging potential visitors from travelling to the Big Apple. As has been proven time and time again, more competition, not less, is vital to keeping prices down.”</p> <p>Airbnb claims that other factors play a bigger part in exacerbating the housing crisis in Australia, including new housing supply not keeping up with demand, record-low interest rates, tax breaks for investors, and population growth.</p> <p>It also cites the issue of second homes laying empty all year round and not available for rent at all. This is a legitimate argument – in the Australian state of New South Wales, according to the 2021 census, there are approximately 10 times as many vacant houses as there are short-term rentals. But these are more difficult for governments to regulate.</p> <h2 id="balance">Balancing the tourism economy and affordable housing</h2> <p>So, while housing advocates call for regulations, governments in areas reliant on the tourist dollar face the task of ensuring sufficient visitor accommodation, while retaining affordable housing for locals and the very people who keep that economy going.</p> <p>Jen Clark is a former accommodation manager and founder of Australian-based <a href="https://hostingwithheart.net.au/" target="_blank">Hosting with Heart</a>, which she created to address issues within the STRA sector and make it more ethical.</p> <p>It’s billed as “the world’s first online property directory managed by hosts who give a s**t about people and the planet as much as they do profit.”</p> <p>Jen believes there is a long way to go to find a healthy balance between quality, responsibly operated accommodation and longer-term rental housing stock and that not regulating STRAs in Australia has resulted in an oversupply of short-term accommodation.</p> <p>“This benefits no one, as every STR operator <span>–</span> be them ethically-minded or not <span>–</span> suffers lower occupancy rates as a result.”</p> <p>Jen believes the recent study commissioned by Airbnb (cited above) made the figures look rosier “in order to suit their commercial agenda.”</p> <p>Consistent regulation and incentives for multi-property owners to list secondary properties long-term would make a difference, according to Jen.</p> <p>With this in mind her new STRA marketplace, ‘Heartful’, encourages hosts to move their properties to the long-term rental market if they’re sitting vacant for a significant part of the year.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/short-term-rentals/airbnb-local-stay.jpg" alt="Two young women walk down the front stairs of an apartment building in a European town." /> <figcaption>Short-term rentals let travelers live like locals – but is it fair to the actual locals? Image credit: Getty Images / Cathedral Falls Commercial</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="change">How travelers can help change the industry for the better</h2> <p>Heartful also connects travelers with responsible hosts by only featuring properties that focus on sustainability and inclusive hosting practices. Jen believes travelers can influence the market by looking closely at the ethos of accommodation providers and asking more questions:</p> <p>“Does a particular property showcase products and services from its local community? Do they operate with sustainability? Do they practice inclusion and aim to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable stay for guests with diverse access needs?”</p> <p>These sound practices by hosts, rather than being a burden, give them a competitive business edge, Jen says.</p> <p>“A growing number of travelers are seeking holiday experiences that align with their own values and cater to their needs… We want them to feel empowered by the impact their travel choices have on people, communities, and the planet.”</p> <h2 id="why">Why choose a short-stay rental?</h2> <p>Tracy Bickley is a writer and artist who travels around the world. Mostly, she opts for short-stay residential accommodation for affordability and an immersive cultural experience, compared to a hotel.</p> <p>She seeks either hosted or non-hosted STRAs, and credits them with “opening up the world” to someone like her – a single parent with an unreliable income living in central London during a <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/travel-cheaply-in-cost-of-living-crisis">cost-of-living crisis</a>.</p> <p>On a recent trip to Japan, she stayed in a large hotel first, but found it impersonal and anonymous, so she booked into a traditional Ryokan via an online booking platform.</p> <p>“I learned about Japanese culture and kindness,” she says. “In Spain and France, I’ve stayed in homes where I’ve gained insight just looking at the bookshelves or the spices in the kitchen cupboards. You’re living the culture.”</p> <p>She finds residential stays usually more environmentally sound than large hotels, too:</p> <p>“I don’t need my room cleaned every day, or new sheets and towels that use so much water. I don’t need free toiletries, slippers, or plastic toothbrushes and cutlery… huge hotels are often more detrimental to climate change than someone opening up their home for a week.”</p> <h2 id="back">Getting back to the original idea behind Airbnb</h2> <p>Tracy also points to the economic benefit for those renting out their homes, with friends and neighbors in London often doing it to pay bills and survive.</p> <p>“If you're really wealthy, there's no need for anyone to ever come into your home and you can lock the doors and go away.”</p> <p>This fits with the original ethos of Airbnb. Its disruptor model was founded when its creators struggled with the rent on their San Francisco apartment – they had the bright idea of raising cash by letting out air mattresses on their living room floor.</p> <p>Perhaps like many things – including some of the world’s best tourist destinations – STRAs can become a victim of their own success.</p> <p>Short stays don’t need to be off the agenda though – they can still offer some wonderful accommodation options. As responsible travelers, we can do the research and choose wisely.</p>Getty Images / Milko 11462177558 Getty Images A pair of senior travelers arrive at their vacation rental.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/international-womens-day-2025From an all-woman-run safari camp in Tanzania to female breadwinners in Mongolia, here are seven travel experiences that help make the world a more inclusive place for women.2024-02-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/international-womens-day-2025https://www.worldnomads.com<p>Mothers, sisters, daughters, friends. Artisans, chefs, entrepreneurs, farmers. Stewards of the land, keepers of traditional knowledge. Women occupy many titles and roles – they are the backbone of their families and the heart of their communities. Yet far too often, women still face discrimination, from less access to education to fewer income opportunities.</p> <p>The theme for <a href="https://www.internationalwomensday.com/" target="_blank">International Women’s Day 2025</a> is “Accelerate Action<span>”</span>. Women’s Day reminds us of the unrelenting uphill battle that women around the world face. It also serves as a reminder of the power that the tourism industry holds and how it can be used as a force for change.</p> <p>This year, let travel be an opportunity to connect with host communities, invest in local economies, and champion <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transport">environmental initiatives</a>. An opportunity to interact with women around the world and support their endeavors so they can continue to practice and share their wisdom, preserve their culture, invest in their children, and occupy new spaces.</p> <p>On your upcoming adventures, ask yourself, “How can I, as a traveler, help accelerate positive change for women around the global?”</p> <p>We’ve rounded up a few ideas to get you started.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#peru">Experience Peru with its female changemakers</a></li> <li><a href="#kerala">Explore the culture and cuisine of Southern India</a></li> <li><a href="#safari">Safari the female way in the Serengeti</a></li> <li><a href="#kigali">Walk and weave with the women of Kigali</a></li> <li><a href="#mongolia">Explore Mongolia and learn about the lives of local women</a></li> <li><a href="#pakistan">Journey through the landscapes of Pakistan</a></li> <li><a href="#india">Connect with acid attack survivors in India</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="peru">Experience Peru with its female changemakers</h2> <p>With the hopes of tackling the gender imbalance in the travel industry, <a href="https://www.explorationscompany.com/latin-america/experience-latin-america/peru" target="_blank">Explorations Company</a> has recently launched <em>Las Poderosas</em>, or “The Women of Peru<span>”</span>. The journey connects guests to Peru’s abundant nature and dynamic cities in a profound way: through the eyes of Peruvian women who are shaping the country. Journey to the barrios with Vania Masias, a former ballerina who is connecting the local children to the art of street dance. Explore the Amazon alongside the matriarchs who are leading conservation movements in the rainforest, such as conservationist Tatiana Espinosa, whose women-led non-profit <a href="https://www.arbioperu.org/en/" target="_blank">ARBIO</a> is leading new ways to protect the Amazon.</p> <p>Each trip can be specially crafted to fit each travelers’ interests, allowing them to dive deep into the country’s culture, art, and landscapes, while better understanding and supporting the livelihoods of Peruvian women.</p> <h2 id="kerala">Explore the culture and cuisine of Southern India</h2> <p>Kerala is known for its backwater villages, Ayurvedic traditions, and misty tea plantations. A trip through southern India’s rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes is enhanced through the guidance of local stewards. Join <a href="https://villageways.com/" target="_blank">Village Ways</a> for a ten-day, women’s-only <a href="https://villageways.com/kerala-itinerary-womens-group-holiday/" target="_blank">adventure to Kerala</a>, experiencing the abundant state through the lens of Keralan women. Take weaving classes, listen to drumming, explore a coffee plantation, cook Keralan curries, and stay in local communities – all with the expertise of female guides. The benefits of the trip go both ways. Beyond connecting visitors to the traditions of Kerala, it allows Keralan women to be the storytellers of their home, while supporting their industries and livelihoods.</p> <p>Beyond the female-focused Kerala trip, Village Ways runs ethical journeys through rural regions across India. Started in the foothills of the Himalayas with the intention of preserving traditional ways of life, each carefully designed adventure works hand-in-hand with the villages. Co-founder and director Manisha Pande’s hope is to empower rural Indian women as guides to tell the story of their home through their eyes, while lifting communities out of poverty.</p> <h2 id="safari">Safari the female way in the Serengeti</h2> <p>Opened in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in 2016 by Asilia Africa, <a href="https://www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/dunia-camp/" target="_blank">Dunia Camp</a> is the first all-female-run safari camp. From guides and chefs to housekeepers and managers, everyone behind this stunning property is a woman. There is an unparalleled impact in placing women in roles that they aren’t traditionally seen in, shifting the dialogue around gender norms in East Africa. In addition to economic and professional empowerment, Dunia provides local Tanzanian women with a sense of personal empowerment as they trade a traditional life for a life in the wilds of the bush.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/womens-day-2024/asilia-grace.jpg" alt="A woman safari guide with Dunia camp in Tanzania." /> <figcaption>Grace Matemba, a safari guide with Dunia. Image credit: Dunia/Asilia</figcaption></figure> <p>Travelers can search for lions and zebras on sunrise and sunset game drives, track footprints and wildlife on foot during a walking safari and unwind with handcrafted meals in the calming tempo of the Serengeti – all with Tanzanian women as your guides.</p> <p>Dunia’s vision goes beyond the camp. Partner projects support current and future generations of East African women in multiple capacities. Asilia’s scholarship program enrolls disadvantaged youth in a Tourism and Hospitality Course to jumpstart their careers in tourism, and <a href="https://www.themaatrust.org/" target="_blank">Maa Trust</a> employs over 600 Maasai women in honey and bead collectives.</p> <p>Says Grace Matemba, who is in the process of completing her training as a walking safari guide, “Working as a woman helps to support our families and remove the idea that we can’t bring any progress into our societies. Most of our local communities still do not have gender equality. For example, if a woman decides to go to work, she might be excluded for breaking the traditions of these communities.</p> <p>“For me, being with Asilia has brought a great light to my guiding career based on the training I get whenever I'm at camp. During that time, I had the opportunity to join the walking training where soon I will become one of the first certified female walking guides. I hope I can bring motivation and inspiration to upcoming female guides.”</p> <h2 id="kigali">Walk and weave with the women of Kigali</h2> <p>Rwanda may be known for its mountain gorillas, but its capital, Kigali, is worthy of a visit too. Join a women-led walking tour with <a href="http://www.nwc-umutima.org/tours.html" target="_blank">Nyamirambo Women’s Center</a> (NWC) through the colorful streets of Nyamirambo. Learn about the neighborhood’s Muslim history, browse local produce markets, stop for a glass of fresh milk at a milk bar, and learn a few Kinyarwanda words along the way. Afterwards, join the women for a cooking or weaving class.</p> <p>NWC was started in 2007 by 18 Rwandese women to address gender-based violence, gender inequality, and discrimination. Profits built a children’s library and provide ongoing literacy, sewing, computer, and weaving classes for women, in addition to workshops like women’s rights and health.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/womens-day-2024/nyamirambo-street-scene.jpg" alt="A street in the Nyamirambo neighborhood in Kigali, Rwanda." /> <figcaption>The Nyamirambo neighborhood in Kigali. Image credit: Alicia Erickson</figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re interested in learning more about the weaving heritage of Rwanda, take a class at <a href="https://talkingthroughart.org/" target="_blank">Talking Through Art</a>. The initiative supports Kigali women living with disabilities, as well as their children, and helps them stay off the streets by employing them as weavers and teaching them life skills. Master basics of Rwandan basket making in the sunny garden and you may be tempted to bring a few of the shop’s gorgeous baskets home with you.</p> <h2 id="mongolia">Explore Mongolia and learn about the lives of local women</h2> <p>From the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains, the landscapes of Mongolia are an idyllic backdrop for extraordinary adventures. Now, imagine experiencing Mongolia’s steppes and mountains through the lens of Mongolian women. <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/" target="_blank">Responsible Travel</a> and Eternal Landscapes have crafted an <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/24665/women-only-tour-in-mongolia" target="_blank">unparalleled expedition to Mongolia</a> led by women, for women. Along the way, travelers will stay at the homes of many female breadwinners. A Kazakh eagle huntress, an embroiderer, and a herder are among the hosts along the journey.</p> <p>Beyond welcoming you into their homes, these women will include you in their daily activities, from planting trees to combing yaks, to help you understand their livelihoods, customs, and challenges through an unfiltered lens.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/womens-day-2024/assistant-mongolia-trip.jpg" alt="A female trip assistant lights a fire on a tour of Mongolia." /> <figcaption>An Eternal Landscapes trip assistant lights a fire. Image credit: Eternal Landscapes</figcaption></figure> <p>Odonmicheg, one of the Mongolian trip assistants on these journeys reflected on the impact on her life: “My life has grown since I started to work with Eternal Landscapes. I’m an English teacher but I always work with tourists in the summer months and my English skills and that of my students are developing year by year. After some difficult years as a single mother, I am now financially independent and feel confident about myself.”</p> <p>Responsible Travel also offers other fantastic women-only trips, including a <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/34611/women-of-south-africa-cultural-tour" target="_blank">cultural tour of South Africa</a> and a <a href="https://www.responsibletravel.com/holiday/27750/women-only-tour-in-pakistan" target="_blank">Pakistan trip</a>.</p> <h2 id="pakistan">Journey through the landscapes of Pakistan</h2> <p>The vivid scenery, cuisine, and heritage of Pakistan are a big draw for travelers seeking adventure. But, Pakistan isn’t the easiest place to visit as a female solo traveler. <a href="https://themadhatters.pk/about/" target="_blank">Mad Hatters</a>, a women-run travel company, is working to make travel in Pakistan more inclusive and accessible for female travelers, while providing Pakistani women a platform to pursue work in tourism. Each carefully crafted trip focuses on immersive experiences that create economic opportunities in remote regions of Pakistan.</p> <p>Learn culinary traditions as you cook with Pakistani women, adventure through the stunning mountains of the Hunza and Kalasha Valleys, visit the ruins of ancient empires, stay at the homes of locals, and meet local artisans and women-run businesses. With a wide range of trips to choose from, Mad Hatters (along with their partners) also runs a few <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/pakistan/pakistan-womens-expedition-146841" target="_blank">women-only</a> trips, which shine a light on women working on female-empowerment projects along the adventures through Pakistan.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/womens-day-2024/mad-hatters-pakistan.jpg" alt="Women travelers on a trip to Pakistan." /> <figcaption>Women travelers on a Mad Hatters trip to Pakistan. Image credit: Mad Hatters</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="india">Connect with acid attack survivors in India</h2> <p>Wander beyond the famous silhouette of the Taj Mahal and pay <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheroes_hangout/?hl=en" target="_blank">Sheroes Hangou</a>t a visit. The Agra café is run by acid attack survivors, providing women who would typically face discrimination an opportunity to gain economic independence.</p> <p>Sheroes, which also has locations in Lucknow and Noida, serves as a space for acid attack survivors to heal and feel confident showing their faces, shedding the stigma that so often causes acid attack survivors to hide. Take the time to listen to their stories during your visit. Learn about their personal journeys, as well as issues like acid attacks that continue to disproportionately impact women in India today.</p>Alicia Erickson 0 A Rwandan woman teaches a weaving workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/sustainable-travel-trends-2024With the new year comes fresh opportunities to travel more responsibly. Discover new wildlife initiatives, innovations in transport, and eco-friendly tours that benefit the traveler as well as the planet.2023-12-06T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/sustainable-travel-trends-2024https://www.worldnomads.com<p>Travel never stands still. Movement, change, and adaptation are in its nature. But after another year in which more parts of the world experienced extreme temperatures, weather events, and natural disasters – while travel continued its post-pandemic boom – it could be time for a reality check.</p> <p>It seems we’ve reached a fork in the road. In one direction, this scenario: our wanderlust increasingly curtailed as the climate crisis affects more destinations more often in more unpredictable ways. Or, the path we must take, collectively and individually: a fresh approach to travel, one that consciously prioritizes people, animals, and the planet we depend on – and makes travel more enriching for us all in the process. In some parts of the travel industry this is already happening. Here are 11 changes we can look forward to in 2024 and beyond.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#era">A new era for wildlife protection </a></li> <li><a href="#climate">Climate-resilient destinations</a></li> <li><a href="#wilder">A wilder Europe</a></li> <li><a href="#trains">More sleeping on trains</a></li> <li><a href="#ancient">Ancient stories told in new ways</a></li> <li><a href="#carbon">Carbon labeling</a></li> <li><a href="#trees">Protecting (not just planting) trees</a></li> <li><a href="#more">Coming soon(ish): Four more sustainable travel trends </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="era">A new era for wildlife protection</h2> <p>In a radical move promising to help travelers find <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethical-safari-camp-wilderness-experience">ethical wildlife-watching destinations</a>, reduce animal suffering, and involve local communities in protecting wild animals and their habitats, <a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/" target="_blank">World Animal Protection</a> and the World Cetacean Alliance launched <a href="https://www.wildlifeheritageareas.org/">Wildlife Heritage Areas</a> in October.</p> <p>The project is an extension of the successful <a href="https://whaleheritagesites.org/" target="_blank">Whale Heritage Sites</a> program that has combined wildlife tourism and whale and dolphin conservation at 11 marine reserves worldwide since 2015. There are already three Wildlife Heritage Areas – two in the Amazon (the Night Monkey Heritage Area in Peru-Colombia and the Uakari Heritage Area in Brazil) and the Marsican Bear Heritage Area in Ambruzzo, central Italy, for critically endangered Marsican brown bears – with more to follow, designated by a network of wildlife experts, community leaders, and responsible tourism stakeholders who will ensure that wildlife-viewing experiences in each Area meet the highest animal welfare standards, adhere to experts’ wildlife-watching guidelines, and benefit local communities.</p> <h2 id="climate">Climate-resilient destinations</h2> <p>While we’ve long known about low-lying cities (Venice, Amsterdam) and island nations (the Maldives, Fiji, Tuvalu) at risk from rising sea levels, “climate-resilient destinations” are fast becoming a thing. Earlier this year Architectural Digest <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/solar/most-climate-resilient-cities" target="_blank">evaluated the climate resilience of 50 major American cities</a>, using data from the University of Notre Dame that included each city’s elevation, vulnerability to extreme weather events and clean energy policies, among other factors.</p> <p>Denver, Salt Lake City, Austin, and Seattle all made the top 10; Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, all hugely popular tourist destinations, were in the bottom 10. Meanwhile dozens of <a href="https://halifax.citynews.ca/2023/10/08/canadian-municipalities-looking-to-become-spongier-to-build-climate-resilience/" target="_blank">Canadian cities, including Vancouver and Toronto</a>, are applying the “sponge city” concept, originally developed in China, to help urban environments withstand the effects of intense rainfall events through measures such as green roofs and holding ponds.</p> <h2 id="wilder">A wilder Europe</h2> <p>In October, Europe’s largest network of protected natural areas, the EUROPARC Federation, partnered with <a href="https://rewildingeurope.com/" target="_blank">Rewilding Europe</a> to scale up rewilding already happening in some of its national parks, biosphere reserves and other protected areas, which cover a whopping 1.2 million km<sup>2</sup> of Europe’s land mass, an area the size of France and Spain combined.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/2024-trends/rewilding-europe-wolf.jpg" alt="Grey wolf photographed in the Bieszczady Mountains of Poland." /> <figcaption>A grey wolf in the Bieszczady Mountains of Poland. Image credit: Grzegorz Leniewski / Rewilding Europe</figcaption></figure> <p>The rationale is that if we’re serious about tackling the biodiversity and climate crises, it’s not enough to simple protect wild places. We need to “rewild” them by working with local communities to, say, <a href="https://rewildingeurope.com/blog/beyond-protection-towards-wilder-european-parks/" target="_blank">reintroduce keystone species</a> such as wolves and wildcats, regenerate forests, restore natural fire regimes and watercourses, and encourage natural grazing patterns. Rewilding Europe also offers trips in <a href="https://rewildingeurope.com/visit-our-rewilding-landscapes/" target="_blank">rewilded landscapes</a> that include <a href="https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/" target="_blank">rewilding walks in Scotland</a>, <a href="https://www.wewilder.com/" target="_blank">wildlife tracking in Romania</a>, and <a href="https://rewilding-apennines.com/rewilding-experiences-en/" target="_blank">hands-on fieldwork in Italy</a>.</p> <h2 id="trains">More sleeping on trains</h2> <p>This year France made official its world-first move to <a href="https://www.forbes.com.au/news/innovation/france-legally-bans-short-haul-flights/" target="_blank">ban short domestic flights</a> to cut emissions. As a result, and because of a rising climate-consciousness among travelers, there’s been a boom in rail travel in Europe, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/why-traveling-overnight-means-traveling-light">night trains in particular</a>.</p> <p>Eurail and Interrail recently announced that its passes, valid for train (and ferry) travel in 33 countries, can now be used on overnight trains run by Dutch-Belgian start-up <a href="https://www.europeansleeper.eu/en" target="_blank">European Sleeper</a>, which launched in May this year, including on its inaugural Brussels-Amsterdam-Berlin route. In March 2024, European Sleeper will extend this route to Dresden and Prague, and plans an Amsterdam-Barcelona route for 2025. Meanwhile, Eurostar, the network that links the UK and mainland Europe, has <a href="https://mediacentre.eurostar.com/mc_view?language=uk-en&article_Id=ka43z000000bv1xAAA" target="_blank">a new winter service</a> (running December-February) that aims to help skiers reduce their emissions on trips between London and the French Alps.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/2024-trends/aboard-the-european-sleeper.jpg" alt="A traveler reads aboard the European Sleeper train." /> <figcaption>Aboard the European Sleeper train. Image credit: European Sleeper</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="ancient">Ancient stories told in new ways</h2> <p>It seems counterintuitive: using 21st century technology to showcase a culture more than 65,000 years old. But that’s the beauty of <a href="https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/wintjiri-wiru/experiences" target="_blank">Wintjiru Wiru</a>: it’s an ancient and contemporary cultural experience.</p> <p>Launched in May this year on Anangu country near Uluru in central Australia by the Indigenous-owned Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, it’s also a world first. Never before has any Indigenous story been told using lights, lasers, and projections, on such a large scale; more than 1100 choreographed drones criss-cross the starry outback sky over Uluru every night, in the two shows, with narration in the local Pitjantjatjara language.</p> <p>Meanwhile, visitors take in the spectacle from a purpose-built open-air theatre designed to rest lightly on the dunes to allow sand and wildlife to move naturally underneath. This could just be the future of Indigenous storytelling.</p> <h2 id="carbon">Carbon labeling</h2> <p>“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” says Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures which, in 2021, became the first global travel company to <a href="https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/carbon-label-to-all-trips-and-calls-on-the-travel-industry-to-follow-suit/" target="_blank">add carbon labels</a> to each of its 160 adventure trips. The company’s six-night hike in Slovakia, for instance, produces 246kg of CO2 per person, taking into account emissions produced by local transport, accommodation, meals, and activities.</p> <p>Displaying a trip’s carbon footprint not only helps travelers make better decisions about how we travel, it helps travel companies reduce their emissions; Much Better Adventures is now working towards halving its average carbon footprint to 17kg per person per night across all its trips by 2030.</p> <p>Other travel brands have been slow to follow but this year <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/responsible-travel-heroes">Intrepid Travel</a>, the world’s largest travel B Corp, <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/intrepid-carbon-labelling" target="_blank">introduced carbon labeling</a> on 500 (about half) of its trips – including its top 100 itineraries such as the 13-day <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/morocco/morocco-uncovered-149857" target="_blank">Morocco Uncovered</a> tour (42.85kg of CO2 per person per night) – with plans to show carbon emissions for the rest of its trips by the end of 2024, in addition to various decarbonization measures like reducing internal flights and discontinuing scenic flights on all its trips in 2024.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/2024-trends/intrepid-tour-morocco.jpg" alt="Ait Benhaddou, Morocco." /> <figcaption>Ait Benhaddou, Morocco. Image credit: Intrepid Travel</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="trees">Protecting (not just planting) trees</h2> <p>It’s a common refrain at hotels everywhere: if you stay a night, we’ll plant a tree. GAdventures also introduced a <a href="https://www.gadventures.com/community-tourism/trees-for-days" target="_blank">Trees for Days</a> program this year: for every day you’re on one of their trips, GAdventures plants and, importantly, maintains a tree in one of 17 community-led projects in deforested countries like Madagascar and Bolivia.</p> <p>But tree-planting is complicated. Deforestation is certainly a major cause of climate change and trees are natural “carbon sinks,” but the right type of seedlings aren’t always planted in the right place and don’t always grow into big trees; <a href="https://www.earthday.org/reforestation-fact-sheet/" target="_blank">a tree has to be 10-20 years old before it makes a difference to the environment</a>. And plantation forests sequester less carbon than natural forests. “<a href="https://adventure.com/role-of-trees-global-deforestation/" target="_blank">The earth grows its own trees better than we can,</a>” says American ecologist Robert Langellier.</p> <p>So, some travel companies are now protecting existing forests rather than planting trees. Newly launched conscious hotel booking platform <a href="https://www.gokinda.com.au/" target="_blank">GoKinda</a> is one of them; it protects five trees for every booking, through <a href="https://onetribeglobal.com/" target="_blank">One Tribe</a>, a global B Corp helping businesses preserve tropical rainforests and biodiversity by working with Indigenous communities who live in those forests.</p> <h2 id="more">Coming soon(ish): Four more sustainable travel trends</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Zero-emissions flight.</strong> Sweden’s government recently announced that <a href="https://www.thelocal.se/20190416/sweden-airlines-fossil-free-biofuel-climate-compensate-sas" target="_blank">all domestic flights will be fossil fuel-free</a> by 2030, international flights by 2045. Going a step further, Airbus is developing the first <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/low-carbon-aviation/hydrogen" target="_blank">zero-emissions commercial jets</a>, to be powered by hydrogen, which they hope to roll out by 2035. Meanwhile UK-based <a href="https://www.hybridairvehicles.com/" target="_blank">Hybrid Air Vehicles</a> plans to launch a helium-filled, hybrid-electric airship, the Airlander 10, by 2027 with zero-emissions airships to follow by 2030.</li> <li><strong>Carbon-zero destinations:</strong> Queenstown in Aotearoa/New Zealand is on track to become the <a href="https://www.queenstownnz.co.nz/regenerative-tourism-2030/the-plan/" target="_blank">world’s first carbon-zero destination</a> by 2030 with decarbonization initiatives such as electric jetboats, hydrogen-powered ferries, and EV coaches, bikes and cars. Hainan in southern China is also angling for the title.</li> <li><strong>An Arctic Ocean reserve:</strong> Set up by Arctic explorer Pen Hadow, the <a href="https://www.90northfoundation.org/" target="_blank">90 North Foundation</a> hopes to establish the world’s largest wildlife reserve, a 2.8 million square kilometre Central Arctic Ocean Marine Reserve, around the North Pole by 2037 to safeguard the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Arctic, the fastest-warming region on Earth.</li> <li><strong>Carbon passports:</strong> By 2040, according to <a href="https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au">Intrepid Travel</a>’s latest Sustainable Future of Travel report, we can expect to have “carbon passports” keeping us within personal carbon allowances of around 2.3 tons a year (equivalent to a return economy flight from Sydney to Bangkok), well below current per capita emissions in the US (16 tons), Australia (15 tons) and the UK (11.7 tons).</li> </ol>Getty Images / Gennaro Leonardi 11255026048 Getty Images An endangered Mariscan brown bear in Ambruzzo, Italy.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transportUsing public transport when you travel helps you get under the skin of a destination, interact with local people, and it’s cheaper.2023-11-08T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transporthttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>As sustainability-minded travelers are prioritizing <span><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/the-destinations-turning-green">eco-friendly travel destinations</a>, having the ability to take public transportation during a trip can be a big selling point. Not only is taking public transit while traveling a great way to cut back on car emissions, but it is also far more affordable, and faster (sometimes), and it can be a fun, unique way to get to know a destination. Here are four cities with excellent public transportation.</span></p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">New York City, USA</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Edinburgh, Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Mexico City, Mexico</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Tokyo, Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Other notable cities</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1"><strong>New York City, USA</strong></h2> <p>It’s no surprise that the Big Apple tops the list as it has, by far, the best public transportation system in the USA. Not only does the <span><a href="https://new.mta.info/">MTA system</a> run 24/7 (something few cities can boast), but the train network is extensive, and a league of buses helps fill in further-out corners of the five boroughs that the trains don’t reach. A single ride costs less than $3, and frequent riders can save even more money by purchasing a weekly or monthly MetroCard). Considering that <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/putting-cycling-first"></a></span></p> <p>What I love best about the New York City subway is that it is a true slice of New York. Everyone – and I mean <em>everyone</em> – rides the train, from stockbrokers and politicians to cooks, cleaners, and content creators. Riding the train is the best way to experience the diversity of the city, as you’ll hear nearly every language in the world spoken, and you’ll probably also be entertained by some pretty preposterous performances. While locals sometimes tire of metro magicians, singers, dancers, and acrobats, their shows are usually a real treat for visitors. To get out of the city, there’s also the Long Island Rail Road that can easily whisk you away to Long Island, the MetroNorth that spreads around upstate NY and Connecticut, and Amtrak to get you everywhere else.</p> <h2 id="2"><strong>Edinburgh, Scotland</strong></h2> <p>Scotland’s <span><a href="https://www.scotrail.co.uk/">ScotRail</a> system makes it easy to get around all over the country (and to England), as it seamlessly connects large cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh to Highland areas such as Fort William and Inverness, stopping in tiny towns and villages along the way. Trains are clean, quick, and easy to use, and they travel through some of the most fantastic scenery. In general, Scotland is an easy country to navigate by public transit, but Edinburgh stands out in particular simply due to the sheer number of different public transit options. Edinburgh has set an ambitious <a href="https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/climate-2/climate-target-net-zero-2030">goal of net zero emissions by 2030</a>, which includes the decarbonization of its extensive public transport system. </span></p> <p>In addition to ScotRail’s several stations throughout Edinburgh, you’ll also find loads of buses that are clean, convenient, and run all over town and to airports (you can even catch a bus from Edinburgh Airport to central Glasgow, which is what I did). The brand new <span><a href="https://edinburghtrams.com/">Edinburgh Trams</a>, which was completed in June 2023, offers a pleasant way to get from central Edinburgh out to the airport, the Ocean Terminal, and the traveler hotspot neighborhood of Leith. A month after it opened, I took the tram from the city center out to explore Leith and again to the airport, and in both cases, the ride took about as long as a cab would have, yet it was a fraction of the price and it gave me a new way to see the city.</span></p> <h2 id="3"><strong>Mexico City, Mexico</strong></h2> <p>Latin America’s largest city is home to nearly 23 million people spread across 16 municipalities and 300 neighborhoods. To accommodate this steadily growing population, Mexico City continuously improves and expands its public transportation while also placing an increasing number of restrictions on cars to encourage people to take public transit. The result? A dizzying array of options, including a sprawling <span><a href="https://www.metro.cdmx.gob.mx/">Metro</a> train network, aboveground light rail, Metrobus (known as bus rapid transit, or BRT), regular buses, minibusses, and loads of interstate buses that can quickly and easily get you to Tepoztlan, Cuernavaca, Oaxaca and beyond. </span></p> <p>system. While minibusses might be a bit confusing for first-time visitors, the proper Metro trains Metrobus buses are very straightforward, with clear signage and maps.</p> <h2 id="4"><strong>Tokyo, Japan</strong></h2> <p>There isn’t a metro network anywhere else in the world quite like the labyrinth of the Tokyo transit system. Not only is the Tokyo subway system sprawling (and said to serve the most riders in the world), but it’s also shockingly clean, efficient, well-maintained, and timely – something that can’t be said about most other networks. You won’t be able to ride every route 24/7 (so be sure to check schedules if you plan to be out late), but the Tokyo public transportation system is, by far, the best way to get around. It’s fast, far more affordable than cabs, and it goes just about everywhere, including all the popular attractions.</p> <p>Tokyo has two separate train systems, the <span><a href="https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/index.html">Tokyo Metro</a> and the <a href="https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/services/subway.html">Toei Subways</a>, but they are interlinked very well, and the only time you have to worry about the two separate systems is when you buy an individual ticket. To skip the confusion, buy a subway pass or prepaid card, which can be used on either system. Prepaid cards like the <a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html">Welcome Suica</a> and <a href="https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/buy/">Pasmo Passport</a> are sold at the airport and a handful of metro stops, rail stations, and other locations. Not only can the cards be used to pay for the train, but you can also use them to pay for goods and services all over Japan, and they are much faster and easier than dealing with individual tickets. Ready to be amazed? Check out this <a href="https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/pdf/RouteMap_majorrailsub.pdf">Tokyo Combined Subway and Train map</a>.</span></p> <h2 id="5"><strong>Other notable cities</strong></h2> <p>We didn’t have enough space to really dig into every city offering great public transportation around the world, but some other top spots to keep in mind are London, Stockholm, Barcelona, Berlin, Montreal, Mumbai, Shanghai, Taipei, Chicago, and Copenhagen. Some cities’ public transportation networks also include unique and iconic ways to get around, such as continent-crossing ferries in Istanbul and Lisbon’s famous tram network.</p>Getty Images/B.S.P.I. 1522169322 Getty Images A Yamanote Line Train Crosses Over Pedestrians and Traffic at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/travel-tips-for-dictatorshipsCountries under authoritarian rule hold an attraction for adventurous travelers but visiting them comes with risks. 2023-10-03T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/travel-tips-for-dictatorshipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#regime">What is an oppressive regime?</a></li> <li><a href="#rules">Follow the rules</a></li> <li><a href="#opinion">Keep your opinions to yourself</a></li> <li><a href="#online">Take care online </a></li> <li><a href="#radar">Fly under the radar </a></li> </ul> <p><span>Ancient civilizations, intriguing cultural traditions, and customs that are entirely different to those of your own country – it’s little wonder intrepid travelers are drawn to the likes of <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/north-korea/north-korea-travel-tips">North Korea</a>, Iran, and China. But traveling to countries such as these takes more than courage and common sense.</span></p> <p>Do your research and travel mindfully when venturing into oppressive nations and take their rules and restrictions seriously. There are usually limitations on what travelers can do when they visit, along with real consequences if they don’t follow regulations during their stay.</p> <p>Keep in mind that some countries may also take such a staunch stance on an issue that traveling there simply isn’t safe. Several countries have <a href="https://www.humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-the-law/map-of-criminalisation/" target="_blank">criminalized same-sex relationships</a>, for example, with those <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/lgbtq-travel-safety-tips" target="_blank">identifying as LGBTQ+</a> risking imprisonment or corporal punishment.</p> <p>If you do decide to travel to an oppressive country, read on to minimize the chances of your adventure going horribly wrong.</p> <h2 id="regime">What is an oppressive regime?</h2> <p><span>As of 2023, there were 28 countries on the list of oppressive regimes, according to UK-based not-for-profit <a href="https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/" target="_blank">Ethical Consumer</a>. Countries make the list based on real data related to human rights, press freedom, labor conditions and corruption. The Political Terror Scale, for example, measures state-perpetrated violence, such as torture and extra-judicial killings; the SERF Index uses statistical analysis to test how efficiently a government supports people’s health, education, housing, and social welfare. The 28 countries on Ethical Consumer’s <a href="https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/our-ethical-ratings/oppressive-regimes-and-their-allies" target="_blank">list of oppressive regimes</a> are: Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, the Central African Republic, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, and Venezuela.</span></p> <p><a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/boycott-or-not-when-is-it-unethical-to-travel">Boycotting an oppressive regime is an option</a>, of course, but doing so can punish the very people already suffering the most. As Intrepid Travel co-founder Geoff Manchester points out: “The reality is that when tourists stay away, it often impacts the wrong people. It’s not just the government or military who feels the pinch, it’s the locals who rely on travelers purchasing their goods to support their families.”</p> <h2 id="rules">Follow the rules</h2> <p><span>Whether you agree with them or not, entering an oppressive country means adhering to their sometimes draconian rules. In North Korea, for example, independent travel is not allowed. Be prepared to travel with an approved tour group accompanied by government-appointed guides at all times. Don’t be tempted to stray from the group during excursions to do your own thing – it’s a no-no – and it’s best not to try to strike up a conversation with a local. Interaction with locals is discouraged and often limited to official settings. Be mindful of curfews that require you not to leave your accommodation after a certain time. As uncomfortable as these limitations to freedom are, it isn’t worth testing how strictly they are enforced. </span></p> <p>In North Korea, showing respect for the national flag and political leaders is important – and can lead to disastrous consequences if you don’t. Who can forget the case of US college student Otto Warmbier, who was arrested in Pyongyang in 2016 while on an organized tour for allegedly trying to take a propaganda poster from the wall of his hotel? He was sentenced to 15 years hard labor but returned home to the US <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66236989">blind, deaf and deformed</a> the following year, dying a few days later.</p> <h2 id="opinion">Keep your opinions to yourself</h2> <p><span>Voicing your opinions or engaging in political debate can label you as an activist in the eyes of officials. It isn’t just what you say out loud that can come under scrutiny. Be careful not to take books with you that could be considered religious or critical of the country’s regime (leaving them at home, not in your hotel room), and be mindful of the content stored on your phone, tablet or laptop – inspections can and do happen. Be mindful of what you say throughout your trip, even in the relative safety of your hotel. It’s best to assume that all your activities and conversations are being monitored.</span></p> <h2 id="online">Take care online</h2> <p>Social media isn’t a safe space to share your thoughts either and keep in mind that all of your online activities may be tracked. In <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/is-china-safe-for-travelers">China</a>, its strict internet censorship and monitoring is known as the ‘Great Firewall’ of China. Social media platforms such as Meta, Instagram, X, and YouTube are blocked.</p> <p>Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access blocked content if you must but be aware that VPN usage can be monitored. Also check your past posts, reels and tweets for anything that might be considered offensive to the country you’re visiting. Even the US now requires visa applicants to disclose all social media handles they’ve used over the past five years on more than 20 different platforms.</p> <h2 id="radar">Fly under the radar</h2> <p>Blend in as best you can to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Dress modestly if that’s what the locals do. In Iran, women are advised to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and a headscarf (hijab) that covers their hair. Men should wear long pants.</p> <p>If you’re traveling to a Muslim-majority country such as Saudi Arabia <a href="/explore/worldwide/traveling-muslim-countries-ramadan">during Ramadan</a>, a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, avoid eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Also, avoid public displays of affection, ask permission before taking photos of people, places or things (anything from construction sites to train stations could be considered off-limits), and be respectful of gender segregation practices in public places. Restaurants, religious sites, public transportation and certain events may all require men and women to sit separately.</p>Getty Images/ED JONES/AFP 1695060968 Getty Images North Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/volunteering-overseas-without-breaking-the-bankVolunteering offers among the most immersive experiences that you can get, a front row seat to the realities of life in a given place. Find out how to give more for less.2023-08-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/volunteering-overseas-without-breaking-the-bankhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#expensive">Why Is volunteering so expensive?</a></li> <li><a href="#choose">How to choose the right project</a></li> <li><a href="#reasons">Volunteer for the right reasons</a></li> </ul> <p>It could be one of the most life-changing chapters in your life: the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a remote location, to be out of your comfort zone, to learn about a community at the grassroots level, and to see the difference you can make to it.</p> <p>You could be a soccer coach in <a href="/responsible-travel/footprints/projects/266/water-for-ghana">Ghana</a> or camped out in the Caribbean counting <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/turtle-conservation-in-costa-rica">turtle</a> eggs, empowering women in India, or doing an internship in a medical field that will help your education or career. You’ll be making an impact, but also making memories and perhaps a few friends for life along the way.</p> <p>Volunteering across the world is a booming industry. Pre-pandemic, it was estimated that <span><a href="https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/tourism/save-tourism/market-potential">10 million travelers worldwide</a></span> worked on projects each year, spending more than $US1.5 billion. But as options have grown, so too has the microscope on the worthiness of projects. There have been many unscrupulous operators exploiting well-meaning volunteers and many communities for whom supposed “help” creates more disruption and dependency than aid.</p> <p>There are ways to make sure your contribution is done in an ethical, sustainable manner and has a real, long-term benefit to the community you work with. It’s also important to make sure projects match your abilities and aims, whether you’re on a gap year or bringing a professional skillset, or on a career break or other avenue. Another big component to bear in mind is cost – what you’ll pay for the experience and where the money will go.</p> <p>So, research is absolutely key. There are plenty of accredited organizations offering the experience and expertise to help, and lots of resources to find the right fit.</p> <h2 id="expensive">Why is volunteering so expensive?</h2> <p>You’re not just donating your time for free, you are buying an experience. For projects to function properly, they need to ensure costs are met – not least to keep you safe. Fees for programs – which can run into thousands of dollars – go towards funding your individual trip, as well as the overall set-up and running of the project you’re working on, and the wider services and admin of the volunteer organization to make sure it operates in a safe and supportive way.</p> <p><span><a href="https://www.volunteerworld.com/en">Volunteer World</a></span> is one of the biggest program comparison websites, with links to 1,600 projects globally and fees and breakdowns of what individual programs cover. You’ll find you can check dates and durations – the longer you stay, the cheaper it will be on a weekly basis – and what it includes. Airport transfers, accommodation, and food and drinks are usually covered; flights, travel insurance, vaccinations and visas will normally be additional costs.</p> <p>Volunteer World does have a slider search filter on the costs of programs per week, so you can easily search through cheaper options. There are even programs without fees, but rarely will you find that transfers, housing, and food will be covered so you’ll still have to foot that bill separately – and be mindful of what you may miss out on in terms of wider support and sometimes quality.</p> <h2 id="choose">How to choose the right project</h2> <p>It’s important to think long and hard about what you will be getting into. The main areas of volunteering include conservation and the environment, teaching, community-led projects with children or the elderly, or perhaps hands-on construction. Then there are more focused fields such as medicine, research, and humanitarian aid. You may find something that matches your university study or career aspirations, or where you can contribute with professional experience already gained.</p> <p>The type of project you do should also influence the amount of time you should spend doing it – for example, it’s easier to dip in and out of conservation projects such as a beach clean-up over a few days, than a community project where it would be more meaningful to connect with people over a longer time.</p> <p>It’s also essential to hunt out feedback from other participants. Check online reviews, not only of the company you go through, but of individual projects – many include ratings and reviews by previous volunteers, and most organizations are happy to put you in touch with people on the ground or other volunteers to help you with questions.</p> <h2 id="reasons">Volunteer for the right reasons</h2> <p>It’s important to ask why the project needs volunteers – that it’s not taking jobs from the local community and that your efforts will have a long-term benefit after you’ve gone. It’s also good to know what kind of training will be provided and what support will be in place. Make sure you have a clear picture of what your day-to-day life will be like before you commit.</p> <p>You should be able to find statements of the values or missions of organizations when you begin your research, so you know they’re decent operators working in line with your own values. For example, <span><a href="https://www.workingabroad.com/about-us/ethical-volunteering-abroad/volunteering-with-wildlife/">WorkingAbroad</a></span> takes a strong stance on supporting ethical volunteering with wildlife and makes sure its projects don’t involve anything beyond observing wildlife from a distance – so that’s absolutely no cub-petting or elephant rides.</p> <p><span><a href="https://africanimpact.com/">African Impact,</a></span> which has been running projects since 2004, says it ensures local communities have active ownership in running programs and want the projects and volunteers in the first place.</p> <p>In summary, wanting to do good is not enough – so do your research to make sure the project is worthy of your time and money and creates true value for the community you’re aiming to help.  </p>Getty Images / Matt Porteous 0 Getty Images Swimming with turtles

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/top-10-tips-for-environmentally-friendly-travelIt’s easier than ever to care for the planet when we travel, without having to sacrifice anything. Here's how.2023-08-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/top-10-tips-for-environmentally-friendly-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#pack">1. Pack right </a></li> <li><a href="#sleep">2. Sleep well </a></li> <li><a href="#ownway">3. Go your own way </a></li> <li><a href="#green">4. Travel green </a></li> <li><a href="#slow">5. Slow down </a></li> <li><a href="#ethical">6. Choose ethical operators </a></li> <li><a href="#kind">7. Show a little kindness </a></li> <li><a href="#shop">8. Shop smart </a></li> <li><a href="#eat">9. Eat well </a></li> <li><a href="#share">10. Share with care </a></li> </ul> <p>More and more of us are making eco and ethical choices on the road and finding our travels are all the richer for it. Follow these tips to get your next trip off to the greenest start possible, and learn how to look after the people and wildlife you encounter along the way. </p> <h2 id="pack">1. Pack right</h2> <p>Lighter luggage isn’t just easier to lug around, it’s the first step to reducing your travel footprint. If you’re flying, travel with just <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/how-to-only-travel-with-hand-luggage">hand luggage</a> if you can.</p> <p>Pack quick-dry, washable items that you can mix and match, layer and wear on repeat. The lighter your luggage, the less greenhouse gas will be generated on your flight.</p> <p>Pack a reusable water bottle (with filter), a shopping bag and a soap bar that doubles as shampoo/conditioner.</p> <p>Don’t forget to take a large scarf or sarong – this multipurpose item will come in handy throughout your travels.</p> <h2 id="sleep">2. Sleep well</h2> <p><span>Book eco-minded, locally-owned <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/how-green-is-your-accommodation">accommodation</a> and you’re already doing the planet a big favor. Beware the hotel chain that claims to be green but does little more than ask guests to reuse towels and bed linen. At the very least, the place you stay should avoid single-use plastics and disposable toiletries.</span></p> <p>There should also be transparency around efforts to reduce energy and water use, along with their contribution to conservation and local communities. If they’re striving to become carbon neutral (or already are) and have signed the <a href="https://www.unwto.org/the-glasgow-declaration-on-climate-action-in-tourism" target="_blank">Glasgow Declaration</a>, so much the better. </p> <h2 id="ownway">3. Go your own way</h2> <p>Some destinations are too popular for their own good, but there are <a href="/explore/worldwide/10-places-to-go-in-2025-without-crowds">so many beautiful places to visit in the world</a> beyond these overcrowded hotspots. Choose a lesser-known city in the same country, visit an alternative national park, or venture out into smaller towns in the countryside – getting off the beaten track far from the t-shirt shops will give you a far more rewarding experience.</p> <h2 id="green">4. Travel green</h2> <p>Flights are the worst when it comes to causing harmful emissions, but if you can’t avoid flying to get to your destination, pay a few dollars extra to offset the carbon generated by your flight when you book your ticket. Once you’re on the ground, get around under your own steam if you can by walking or biking, or catching public transport. <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-return-of-train-travel">Train travel</a> is enjoying a resurgence in popularity as more people embrace this green mode of transport, and it’s a great way to take in the scenery. If you can’t avoid hiring a car, choose an electric one.</p> <h2 id="slow">5. Slow down</h2> <p><span><a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/the-beauty-of-slow-travel">Taking the pace down a notch</a> when you travel is a simple but effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Why not stay a little longer and really get to know a place? Take a cooking, language or dance class, start up a conversation, and find out where the locals like to eat and drink. <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/best-cities-to-visit-with-great-public-transport">Get around using public transport</a>, book a homestay, and explore some days without a plan. The unexpected people and places you stumble upon are what tend to make slow travel so special – and it’s often far less expensive. </span></p> <h2 id="ethical">6. Choose ethical operators</h2> <p><span>Whether you’re off on a day trip or joining a group for a week-long adventure, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethical-safari-camp-wilderness-experience">select a tour operator</a> with a strong track record of doing the right thing. Check that they have a sound animal-welfare policy, contribute to the prosperity and well-being of communities they visit, and can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in tangible ways. A tick of approval from a well-known organization such as B Corp is a very good sign, as is an operator that follows <a href="https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/" target="_blank">Leave No Trace principles</a> or is a member of 1% for the Planet. </span></p> <h2 id="kind">7. Show a little kindness</h2> <p><span>Visiting another country is a chance to build bridges between cultures, and learn about different points of view. Go gently and respectfully, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">especially at spiritual sites</a>, and be kind to those who help you on your travels. A tip or thank you and a smile can brighten the day of the people that help you carry your bags, check you in, clean your room or serve your meals. Share those good vibes around! Be sure to learn a little about a country’s customs before you leave home to avoid causing offense. Giving a thumbs up, crossing your chopsticks or showing the soles of your feet are social gaffes in some countries. </span></p> <h2 id="shop">8. Shop smart</h2> <p><span>Spend your travel dollars in ways that benefit locals when you can. Supporting social enterprises that provide training and employment to people in need are especially worth seeking out. Show your support to a social enterprise cafe, handicraft shop or hostel and you’ll walk away with more than a warm, fuzzy feeling that you’ve given back in a meaningful way. You’re also likely to feel grateful for the memory you just made connecting with local people. </span></p> <h2 id="eat">9. Eat well</h2> <p><span>It’s fun to try new things when you travel – food is one of the best things about it – but there are things you shouldn’t eat and drink if you want to be a responsible traveler. There are the obvious ones to avoid (cat, dog, whale, seal, shark and sea turtle), but also avoid <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/cat-poo-coffee">‘cat poo’ coffee</a>, puffin, pangolin and ‘bushmeat’. Support zero-waste and eco-friendly eateries where you can.  </span></p> <h2 id="share">10. Share with care</h2> <p>Social media can take a beautiful destination from heavenly to horrible in no time when shared images and videos draw crowds from around the world. National parks and other ecosystems have suffered as a result, and an influx of travelers can be a burden to locals and infrastructure.</p> <p>Turn off location access on your phone and avoid sharing the location in social media captions. AI still makes it possible to identify a location, but it will be less visible to all who see it. <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/how-to-take-photos-responsibly">Be respectful when taking photos of people</a> (never sharing images of children), and leave the drone at home – they can be <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/ethical-drone-photography-filming">disruptive to wildlife</a> and invasive to people’s privacy.</p>Getty Images / © RAZVAN CIUCA 0 Reuseable bag being used in vegetable market

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/world-refugee-dayWorld Refugee Day, which falls on 20 June each year, is a day of remembrance and a call for action. 2023-06-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/world-refugee-dayhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><span>In 2015, a European migrant crisis was declared. Around 1.3 million migrants applied for asylum in the EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway. This set a <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2016/08/02/number-of-refugees-to-europe-surges-to-record-1-3-million-in-2015/">record high</a>, nearly double the previous record set in 1992 following the fall of the Iron Curtain. Refugees fled to Europe from Afghanistan and Iraq, among other countries, with more than 440,000 of them going to Germany.  Syrians by far topped the list, accounting for nearly one-third of all asylum seekers in Europe in 2015, total <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2016/08/02/number-of-refugees-to-europe-surges-to-record-1-3-million-in-2015/#:~:text=Refugees%20from%20Syria%20numbered%20378%2C000,recent%20surge%20in%20asylum%20applications.">378,000 refugees</a>.</span> </p> <p><span>In the wake of the influx of these extraordinary numbers of people, a crisis was declared. Local economies, workforces, and housing in host countries floundered beneath the weight of the new migrants. However, the framing of this phenomenon is problematic. People were, and still are, understood through numbers and statistics rather than as individuals. Human lives are perceived as a crisis on a continent, rather than as human beings who were forced to flee unimaginable circumstances.</span></p> <p><span><a href="https://www.unhcr.org/world-refugee-day">World Refugee Day</a>, which falls on 20 June each year, is a day of remembrance and a call for action. A time to elevate the voices and the stories of individuals impacted by war, conflict, and natural disasters, who fled home in search of safety and new beginnings. To bridge the gap between “them” and “us” and simply connect through human nature. As travelers, conscious explorers of the world and seekers of culture, we can be ambassadors of awareness.</span></p> <p><span>In light of the 2023 World Refugee Day (that has the theme 'hope away from home'), I spoke with Mohamad, a tour designer and guide with <a href="https://refugeevoicestours.org/">Refugee Voices Tours</a> in Berlin. Refugee Voices Tours was founded in 2015 by refugees and activists with the intention of informing the public why so many refugees were forced to flee and seek refuge in Europe. Whether it be on your next trip to Berlin, or from afar virtually, join this innovative company on immersive walking tours. Experience a different side to this popular European city and understand why so many asylum seekers found themselves in Germany and Europe over the past decade.<br /><br /></span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: Can you tell me more about yourself and how you ended up in Berlin?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>I’m originally from a small town outside of Damascus, Syria. I left in 2013 to go and find work elsewhere to support the rest of my family. My younger brother and I went to Libya and stayed there for about two years, where we built a business. Things were going relatively well until Libya itself, or Benghazi specifically, became a war zone. We lived through it for a couple of months and then decided to go to Europe because we didn’t know how long the conflict would last. Our Syrian passports were pretty much useless to go anywhere else legally besides Europe. Our parents were in Turkey, but we couldn’t even get to the airport to fly to them. The airport in Benghazi was not functional until mid-2015.</span></p> <p><span>We ended up coming to Europe with smugglers on a fishing boat. First to Sicily, then to mainland Italy, and then on trains from Milan to Berlin. About seven months after submitting our papers, we were granted asylum.</span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: Can you elaborate on the situation facing refugees arriving in Germany?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>It varied quite a lot depending on when they came, where they came from, and which state in Germany they went to. Not all conflicts were seen as equal or eligible for asylum. Before 2014 and 2015, Syrians were given asylum on the fly. It was typical to wait between seven months and a year to receive your papers. During that time, you’re not allowed to visit people in different cities or leave the camp for more than 40 hours.</span></p> <p><span>Once you get asylum, you’re put through an integration course, which is mostly a German language course, for six months. And then you’re pushed to find work. They encourage you to certify the degree you already have, but it’s a tedious process. Many times, it’s easier to go back and study again than have your degree officially acknowledged. To give you a close example, my sister is a dentist and it took her nearly seven years to verify her degree. Their assumption was that Syrian education was bad, that you know nothing and need to start from scratch. This is a lot of loss of skill and makes it difficult for people to feel integrated. The last eight, ten years of their life was wasted, and they need to start basically over.</span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: How did Refugee Voices Tour first emerge?<br /> </span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>In 2016, I met Lorna Cannon, founder of Refugee Voices Tours. The tour that Refugee Voices Tours was built on was led by refugees from Africa—like Libya and Sudan— who fell outside the system and would not be granted asylum. They organized a <a href="https://oplatz.net/">big demonstration in Oranienplatz</a> in 2012. People built tents and were there for over a year (until April 2014). Eventually, the state decided to give more rights to refugees but since they didn’t fit that criteria, it didn’t apply to them.</span></p> <p><span>Lorna knew the demonstrators and lived in the neighborhood where it was going on. There was a suggestion to build this tour for people to learn about the movement and its outcome. When I met Lorna, the tour was still running so I experienced it. It was so powerful and made me think: “How can we build something like this about Syria and allow people to learn about the Syrian conflict firsthand?” The idea was to use the history of Berlin to talk about some of the current events happening in Syria. We spent time putting it together, trying it, and adjusting the design. It’s been going on for almost seven years now.</span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: What do the tours aim to show to participants? How are they shaped by your personal experience?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>I used to go to these dinners connecting people coming from different parts of the world. When they asked where I’m from and I said Syria, you could tell they have lots of questions but they’re not sure if it’s the right place or time. I figured the tours could be the platform for people to ask these questions.</span></p> <p><span>The tour that I designed is called “Why We’re Here.” The whole idea is to try and answer this question. Why are there refugees in Europe and specifically, why are Syrians in Germany? We want to make what happened in Syria digestible. Why it happened and why it forced people to seek refuge all around the world. It’s like a crash course in the Syrian conflict but still related to Berlin and its rich history. Trying to relate pieces of history that people are aware of to something they have no clue about; to connect people so they don’t just see it as another conflict in the Middle East.</span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: What has been the impact you’ve seen from Refugee Voices Tours?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>I honestly didn’t think it was going to go anywhere but it grew much bigger than I expected. It was timely as people were discussing the refugee crisis in Syria when the tour launched and gained momentum from there. We started on a weekly basis up to just before the pandemic. Now we are doing biweekly tours and hope by summer to return to a weekly basis.</span></p> <p><span>Every time I question why I keep doing these tours, I’ll have a group or an individual in the tour that reminds me why I’m doing this. At the end of the tour, we go to a restaurant where people can process it and feel comfortable enough to ask questions. It becomes a discussion about the many nuances and layers to it. Which makes it much more lasting and helps them unpack any piece of news they may come across.  </span> </p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: What impact do you believe travelers can have in raising awareness around and having an impact on refugee-related issues?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>I try to show them how much the humanitarian efforts they saw in 2015 and in 2022 were heavily motivated by politics and how the rhetoric can assign values and select who is deserving of being treated as human beings and who is not. And I try to leave an impact on them. Even if they can't change anything on a governmental scale, at least they detect the bias that exists in every political decision and hopefully inspire them to spread that idea and understanding to others.</span></p> <h3><strong><span>Alicia: What message do you want to send to the public for World Refugee Day?</span></strong></h3> <p><strong><span>Mohamad: </span></strong><span>Nobody chooses to be a refugee. We were reminded by that again with the invasion of Ukraine where people went to sleep with all of their hopes and dreams for the next day and then they needed to leave. To show that nobody who has been displaced because of war is inhumane. I want people to Imagine themselves as displaced and how they would react, what they would do if the whole world started looking at and treating them differently just for the fact that they’re displaced. I am a refugee and am one of the privileged ones that had the chance to start over and the opportunity to have the platform to talk to people. This is not the case for the vast majority of refugees around the world. </span></p>Getty Images / Jasmin Merdan 0 A group of migrants walking against a sunrise