World Nomads

World Nomadshttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/world-nomadsWorld Nomadshttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/6-reasons-to-reconsider-a-cruiseCruising may be back in a big way but there are good reasons not to jump on the bandwagon – cruise ships are more harmful to the planet than you may think.2022-12-12T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/6-reasons-to-reconsider-a-cruisehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>No longer the domain of retirees reclining on poolside sun loungers with cocktails in hand, cruising is gaining appeal with younger holidaymakers and adventurers looking to explore the world in style.</p> <p>Newer, better ships are being built every year as cruise lines compete to lure first-time cruisers and keep repeat guests coming back for more. Dowdy and dated cruise ships are also being updated with interiors akin to luxury resorts with everything from bowling alleys and snow grottos to zip lines, water slides and Michelin-starred restaurants. But at what cost to the environment?</p> <p>More than 30 million people booked a cruise in 2019 and, while COVID-19 clearly caused a hiccup in cruising’s exponential growth, it is once again the fastest-growing sector in the tourism industry. Passenger numbers are expected to reach pre-pandemic numbers by the end of 2023 – and grow a further 12 percent by 2026. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew. There are seven neighborhoods on board, along with an ice rink, 24 dining options, casinos, theatres, gyms and even parklands.</p> <p>It should come as no surprise that the cost of moving a ship that size through the ocean comes at a price to the environment, but it isn’t just the giant vessels that do the damage. A recent study found that passengers on board a cruise to Antarctica can produce the same carbon emissions on a seven-day expedition as the average European produces over the course of an entire year.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Sewage has to go somewhere</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Local communities suffer</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Carbon emissions are excessive</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Leftover food goes overboard</a></li> <li><a href="#5">There’s only so much that can be recycled</a></li> <li><a href="#5">Cruise ships cause noise pollution</a></li> </ul> <p>Despite the efforts cruise lines are making to reduce their impact on the environment, there’s no doubt this mode of travel takes a toll on fragile ecosystems, marine life and the planet as a whole.</p> <p>Here’s how to cruise more sustainably if it’s something you still want to do.</p> <h2 id="1">1. Sewage has to go somewhere</h2> <p>Passengers on a seven-night cruise on a mid-sized ship can generate more than 750,000 liters of blackwater otherwise known as sewage. According to Friends of the Earth, which measures the environmental footprint of 18 major cruise lines and 213 cruise ships in an annual Cruise Ship Report Card, most of the sewage generated on cruise ships is released untreated into the sea. Once these floating resorts move a few miles away from shore, they are no longer required to treat sewage before discharging it. </p> <h2 id="2">2. Local communities suffer</h2> <p>Ever had to leave a public swimming pool due to a Code Brown? The same issue can affect coastal communities when raw sewage is dumped just offshore as waves and currents carry human excrement into populated areas. Less visible but no less harmful, sewage can also contain chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and hazardous waste. </p> <p>When cruise ships carrying thousands of people descend on a port, the impact on local people is significant. While business owners prosper when cashed-up cruisers arrive, local people trying to go about their lives can find the crowds an imposition. Little wonder port cities such as Venice are restricting all but the smallest cruise ships from its waters.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/cruise-ship/cruise-ship-inarticle2.jpg" alt="cruise ships" /><figcaption>Tourists leaving cruise ship. Photo credit: Gary D Ercole</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="3">3. Carbon emissions are excessive</h2> <p>An overnight stay on board a cruise ship uses 12 times more energy than a stay in a land-based hotel, according to a study published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin. Cruise ships keep their motors running 24 hours a day, even when they’re in port and the largest cruise ships weigh more than 230,000 gross registered tons, so moving them through the water is no mean feat. Even medium-sized ships use around <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/carbon-offset-schemes">150 tonnes of fuel </a>a day, emitting as much particulate as a million cars.</p> <h2 id="4">4. Leftover food goes overboard</h2> <p>All-you-can-eat buffets piled high with food of every description may be fun, but they’re less fun when you think about what happens to the <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/zero-waste-dining">leftovers</a>. Unprocessed food waste can be lawfully disposed of 12 nautical miles from land, and there’s an awful lot of it. Uneaten food from passenger plates and kitchen scraps from the numerous restaurants on board all add up. While more responsible ships use bio-digesters to churn up waste before dumping it overboard, this isn’t required by law.</p> <h2 id="5">5. There’s only so much that can be recycled</h2> <p>In theory, cruise ship rubbish is either incinerated on board or collected for recycling (glass, plastic, aluminum and paper) but the industry has a poor record when it comes to <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/destination-zero-waste">waste</a> management, with some cruise lines fined for dumping plastic at sea. </p> <p>It isn’t just rubbish generated on board that’s the problem, however. When ships reach the end of their lives, they go to cruise ship graveyards for stripping and gradual dismantling. While much of the metal can be melted down and everything from light fittings to life jackets sold off, everything that can’t be repurposed, sold on, or recycled ends up as landfill.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/cruise-ship/cruise-ship-inarticle1.jpg" alt="Water pollution" /><figcaption>Water pollution from a cruise ship. Photo credit: Jordan Lye</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="6">6. Cruise ships cause noise pollution</h2> <p>The engine/propellor noise and vibration ships make as they move through the water can interfere with marine life breeding and feeding, cause stress-hormone levels to spike, and even damage the hearing of marine mammals such as dolphins and <a href="/explore/north-america/mexico/whales-and-sea-turtles">whales</a>. As the number of cruise ships (and ships in general) rises, marine noise pollution will intensify.</p> <p><strong>Still want to go on a cruise? There are ways to reduce your cruising footprint:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Choose a small ship. The smaller the ship, the lower its impact on the environment. Think river cruises, small expedition ships and wind-powered vessels.</li> <li>Support cruise lines committed to the planet. </li> <li>Do your research and choose a cruise ship using scrubbers (exhaust gas cleaning systems) that meet or exceed air emissions requirements.</li> <li>Seek out ships using LNG fuel, which cuts carbon emissions by a quarter.</li> <li>Support cruise lines striving to become carbon neutral by 2050.</li> <li>Choose a hybrid cruise ship that generates <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/off-the-grid-travel-stays-zero-emissions-maximum-fun">zero emissions</a> when in port.</li> </ul>Daniel Piraino / EyeEm 0 Cruise ships

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/worldwide/corrupt-policeWhen you travel, your rights in your own country don't travel with you, and this can become challenging if you meet a police officer who isn't on your side.2025-09-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/worldwide/corrupt-policehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#be-prepared">Be prepared before you travel abroad</a></li> <li><a href="#what">What to do if you encounter a corrupt police officer while traveling</a></li> <li><a href="#should">What you should not do when dealing with a corrupt police officer while traveling</a></li> <li><a href="#corrupt">Corruption is in the eye of the beholder</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="be-prepared">Be prepared before you travel abroad</h2> <p><a href="https://www.indexmundi.com/surveys/results/1" target="_blank">A survey</a> by Index Mundi provides a subjective scale (from 1 to 10) of how citizens in a list of 100 countries measured the level of police corruption in their country.</p> <p>While there is not much a traveler can do about corrupt police in their destination, awareness of the local conditions and sensible preparation could prevent an already uncomfortable situation from worsening.</p> <p>You can get through an encounter with corrupt police by educating yourself on local conditions and following a few rules of diplomacy and ego-stroking. Also, the best advice is to control your indignation and be respectful and pleasant.</p> <p>Before traveling oversea, do <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-police-compare-different-democracies" target="_blank">some research</a> on the organization of the police force in the countries you are visiting. For example, metropolitan police in developing countries tend to be the worst paid and poorly trained. Some may augment their meagre incomes by extortion and bribery.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/police-article-in-article2.jpg" alt="polic car lights" /> <figcaption> Police car patrol. Photo credit: Getty images/Westend61</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="what">What to do if you encounter a corrupt police officer while traveling</h2> <p>If you are stopped or detained by a foreign police agent, consider the following strategies:</p> <h4>Just speak English (even if you know the local language)</h4> <p>Local police officers may not speak English. Even if you're a native speaker, stick with English. Often, if the officer cannot handle the transaction, he'll give up and go searching for someone else to fleece.</p> <h4>Be nice and don't escalate the situation</h4> <p>Sometimes it's best just to agree to pay the 'fine' and move on. The last think you want to do is to escalate the situation. Some other helpful tips to fight extortion by a corrupt police officer include carrying only a small amount of cash before you go out walking or driving, hiding your cash and credit cards in a safe place, and if you're stopped, make it clear the small amount of cash in your wallet is all you have. If the cop is corrupt, he'll take the small amount and leave.</p> <p>Also, by humbly admitting you did commit whatever violation the officer is accusing you of and accepting the officer's "kind assistance," you'll stroke the ego and may get out of the situation.</p> <p>Important: Do not offer a bribe. Ironically, in most countries, bribery is against the law. Instead, agree to "pay the fine" the officer imposes.</p> <h4>Insist that you go the local police station to pay your fine</h4> <p>This might sound counterintuitive, but if the police officer is looking for an easy mark, he can't get the money at the station. If the police officer backs down and offers to accept a fine on the spot, you should still insist on going to the station to get an official record of the transaction. Often, the police officer won't want to go through the hassle of leaving his beat and going to the station and will let you off with a warning.</p> <h2 id="should">What you should not do when dealing with a corrupt police officer while traveling</h2> <h4>Don’t act tough or question the officer’s authority</h4> <p>The officer may occupy a low station in local society, but one of the perks of the position is authority over others, a feeling of power and importance—and the ability to make money on the side.</p> <p>So, playing "king of the mountain" with a foreign police officer is a losing game. If you become verbally abusive and threaten to cause an international incident, plan on being arrested for verbal (or even physical) assault.</p> <h4>Don’t be impatient or say you have to be somewhere else</h4> <p>Expect a corrupt policeman's eyes to light up like a slot machine when he learns that you are on a deadline. You immediately become hostage to his arbitrary power to detain you, with the resulting motivation to pay up and get on your way.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/police-article-in-article.jpg" alt="polic car lights" /> <figcaption> Police car lights. Photo credit: Getty images/Douglas Sacha</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="corrupt">Corruption is in the eye of the beholder</h2> <p>Police corruption notwithstanding, as a foreigner, you are also subject to the country's laws and different approaches to civil rights. If you're arrested in France, for example, you can expect long pre-trial detention, where, according to the <a href="https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/france/" target="_blank">U.S. State Department,</a> "some suspects spent many years in detention before trial. As of July (2020) pretrial detainees made up 34 percent of the prison population".</p> <p>French citizens, however, don't seem to worry much about police corruption. When asked to rate on a scale of 1 to 10 how big a problem is police corruption in their country, the average <a href="https://www.indexmundi.com/surveys/results/1" target="_blank">response was 3.74</a>.</p> <p>And that highlights another problem that you, as a foreign traveler, might encounter: locals may not care much for the welfare of foreign visitors and may accept police corruption as a fact of life.</p>Getty Images/Westend61 11223182320 Westend61 Roof of police car driving in middle of rainy night

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-europe/ukraine/is-it-safe-after-russian-invasionWhat should you do if you are traveling in Ukraine during the Russian invasion?2022-03-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-europe/ukraine/is-it-safe-after-russian-invasionhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><strong>Warning: this destination is considered very high risk, and many governments advise their citizens not to travel to large parts of the country.</strong></p> <p>Check your government's advice for travel to <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/uk/help/insurance/recent-events/ukraine-russia-11-March-2022">Ukraine</a>. Several foreign governments have clearly advised on their websites do not travel to Ukraine which is fighting a war with Russia and the country is operating under Martial Law.</p> <p>There have been multiple missile strikes on cities including the capital of Kyiv, there is widespread destruction and an increased risk to life. There is considerably high risk to both locals and travelers from both Russian and Ukraine fire. <span>Terrorist attacks in Ukraine can’t be ruled out.</span></p> <p>Many thousands of Ukrainians have left the country and many more are on the move heading to the borders with Poland, Moldova and Slovakia, making conditions at these borders desperate. Roads, train and bus services are likely to be severely disrupted and you should check scheduled train and bus services are operating before you travel.</p> <p>If you are traveling in Ukraine, you should follow the advice of the Ukrainian authorities while you are in the country and you should check the measures in place in your location as they will vary from region to region.<br /><br /><span>If you decide to remain in Ukraine, you should remain vigilant for potential combat situations, keep your departure plans under constant review and ensure your travel documents are up to date. You should monitor the media regularly.</span></p> <p><span>Travel to a destination that is not covered by your policy, or against government advice, may have implications for your travel insurance and you should read and understand your policy documents thoroughly if you are considering travel to this destination, policies may also have exclusions that apply for war, or loss that would expose the insurer or reinsurer to any sanction. If you are a World Nomads policy holder and are unsure how it will affect you, please contact our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/24hr-emergency-assistance">24/7 Worldwide Emergency Assistance Team</a> as for some travelers, even the warning of "reconsider your need to travel" is enough for it to impact your travel insurance.</span></p> <p>If you go anyway and get into trouble, it may be impossible for your insurer to provide emergency assistance, and consular officials from your own country may be severely limited in the assistance they can give. We care about your personal safety and wellbeing, please heed all government issued travel warnings.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>Getty Images/Kirill Rudenko 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/in-the-news/global-youth-travel-awards-2022World Nomads Wins Best Responsible Tourism Campaign and Outstanding Contribution to the UN SDGs2022-02-18T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/in-the-news/global-youth-travel-awards-2022https://www.worldnomads.com<strong>Media release: </strong>World Nomads has taken top accolades at the WYSE Travel Confederation’s Global Youth Travel Awards, winning in two categories: Best Responsible Tourism Campaign and Outstanding SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Contribution.<br /><br />The awards, which celebrate the positive contributions of businesses to the youth, student, and educational travel industry, were named in a virtual awards ceremony earlier this week. <br /><br />“Responsible travel is the heart of what we do at World Nomads and our Footprints Network and ‘Travel Better’ campaign both spoke to our core values,” says Jon Whitby, General Manager, Marketing and Brands at World Nomads. <br /><br />“The Global Youth Travel Awards are important for spotlighting industry leaders that are influencing the next generation, and it’s a real honor to be recognized for our responsible travel initiatives,” he says.<br /><br />The Footprints Network (Footprints), which won the Outstanding SDG Contribution, is a micro-giving program that started in 2004. Travelers make a micro-donation to a community development project of their choice when they buy World Nomads travel insurance, allowing them to help change lives in the places they visit. So far, Footprints has enabled over 1.2 million travelers to donate more than $3.3 million towards 250 projects around the world. <br /><br />“Over the years, we’ve accomplished a lot, funding projects in areas such as education, clean water and sanitation, gender equality, poverty eradication, and more,” says Whitby. “It’s a great way to contribute to the SDGs and demonstrates to our travelers that a small donation can go a long way in creating a positive and lasting impact.”<br /> <br />“Travel Better,” which won the Responsible Tourism campaign, was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as an effort to get people to re-imagine travel as a force for good as the world was on reset. With an enter-and-win storytelling contest and an engaging landing page that featured responsible travel articles, the "Travel Better" campaign raised brand awareness while growing and engaging a community of like-minded travelers. <br /><br />“The ultimate goal of the campaign was to get people to make thoughtful and intentional choices about how they travel,” says Whitby. ”’ Travel Better’ was a way to get travelers to turn ethos into action and is especially important as we welcome back travel post-pandemic.” <br /><br />“With the last two years of tourism largely written off due to the pandemic, it is great to see that so many travel organizations have used the time to look at their sustainability practices, diversity policies, and marketing strategies so as to be ready for the 'new normal' of travel from now on,” says Dave Chapman, Director General, WYSE Travel Confederation. “The WYSE Travel Confederation congratulates all the Global Youth Travel Awards winners and entrants on their fortitude and resilience in re-inventing their businesses and would also like to congratulate World Nomads for its double awards of Best Responsible Tourism Campaign and Outstanding Contribution to the SDGs.”<br /><br /> <p><strong>For more information on World Nomads’ Footprints program, visit </strong><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/"><strong>WorldNomads.com</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Media contact:</strong></p> <p>Email: <a href="mailto:media@worldnomads.com">media@worldnomads.com</a><a href="mailto:%20media@worldnomads.com"><br /> </a>Phone: (510) 806-9466</p> <p><strong>About World Nomads</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">World Nomads</a> is a fast-growing online travel company that provides inspiration, advice, safety tips and specialized travel insurance for independent and adventurous travelers. Our online global travel insurance allows you to buy and claim online, 24/7, even while already traveling.</p>WYSE Travel Confederation 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/oceania/fiji/is-it-safeThis small Pacific island nation draws snorkelers, scuba divers and beach lovers. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe. 2021-11-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/oceania/fiji/is-it-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<div></div> <ul> <li><a href="#weather">Climate and weather</a></li> <li><a href="#driving"> Driving and getting around</a></li> <li><a href="#water">Water sports in Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#crime">Crime in Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#health">Staying healthy in Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#Drugs">Drugs and alcohol in Fiji</a></li> <li><a href="#LGBTQ+">LGBTQ+ and women's safety in Fiji</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="weather">Climate, weather and natural disasters</h2> <p>Fiji experiences cyclones (usually between November and April), and resulting flooding and landslides, potentially cutting power, disrupting flights and boats, and blocking roads. <br /><br />In the event of a cyclone always follow evacuation plans at your accommodation and listen to any government advice regarding use of shelters and other information.<br /><span><br />Earthquakes and tsunamis can also occur, the latter often happening because of the former.  If a tsunami warning is given, move to higher ground immediately. If you are caught up in a serious event, contact family and friends to let them know where you are, listen to local media for information, follow government advice, and carry your passport and other valuable papers in a waterproof bag.</span></p> <h2 id="driving">Driving and getting around</h2> <p>Fiji’s road system can be a bit unreliable with some roads in poor condition, and often lacking in signage and street lighting. Pedestrian crossings may not exist and animals often use the road, too. Stick to main roads, avoid driving at night, and always carry your driver’s license.</p> <p>As well as hire cars, taxis are available – always use licensed operators – and there are licensed minibusses with yellow number plates.</p> <p>If traveling by boat between islands, make sure it is a licensed operator and that there is well-maintained safety equipment on board. Never travel on an overloaded vessel.</p> <h2 id="water">Water sports in Fiji</h2> <p>This island nation offers a huge number of activities to be enjoyed off its sandy shores. It’s important, however, to be aware of rips and tides and to follow any warning signs on beaches.</p> <p>Only scuba dive with an accredited operator with well-maintained equipment and proper training. Dive within safe limits and follow all instructions. Fiji only has one decompression chamber, and it is not always available.</p> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Fiji</h2> <p>Crime in Fiji is usually petty and opportunistic, usually committed at night and in urban tourist areas.</p> <p>Credit card fraud and card skimming are not uncommon. Protect your PIN and use ATMs in banks or hotels. Check your card statement for signs of fraud. Only carry the cash you need for a night out, keep car windows up and car doors locked.</p> <h2 id="health">Staying healthy in Fiji</h2> <p>In a medical emergency, hospitals usually need to see evidence of medical insurance, and an up-front deposit.</p> <p>Avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled or treated. Don’t use ice cubes, and only eat food you know has been freshly prepared.</p> <p>Zika and dengue fever are present in Fiji – avoid these and other mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing long, loose clothing and using insect repellent.</p> <h2 id="Drugs">Drugs and alcohol in Fiji</h2> <p>Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties include prison sentences, even for possessing small amounts of drugs.</p> <p>You can be arrested for being drunk and disorderly. You can be fined and detained if you cause damage to property or assault police officers.</p> <p>It's illegal to be under the influence of alcohol while you're at an airport or on a plane.</p> <p>Kava, a traditional Pacific region drink, can be a health risk.</p> <p>It can be dangerous if it reacts with alcohol, prescription medication, including antidepressants</p> <p>If you're intoxicated, police may detain you as you arrive.</p> <h2 id="LGBTQ+">LGBTQ+ and women’s safety in Fiji</h2> <p>Same-sex relationships are legal, but some locals don't accept them. Consider limiting public displays of affection, especially in rural areas.</p> <p>Fiji is generally a safe place for women travelers. If you’re traveling alone, you may attract stares or whistles, but most Fijian men are friendly and helpful. Always be cautious traveling to remote places alone.</p>Getty Images / Didier Marti 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/central-america/panama/turtlesWith more than 1,500 miles of coast on both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, it's not surprising its turtle population loves it too.2001-01-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/central-america/panama/turtleshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h3>Explore the archipelagos</h3> <p>Once you’re ready to leave Panama City behind, head further afield to one of Panama’s many spellbinding archipelagos. Panama is warm 365 days a year and has just two seasons: the rainy season from May to</p> <p>Speaking of 365, island-hop between 365 pristine islands of perfection and simultaneously connect with an indigenous tribe at the San Blas Islands. The region (also referred to as Guna Yala) is inhabited by the Kuna Indians who control all tourism. The archipelago has around 100 nameless islands and islets to get splendidly lost off the beaten track. </p> <h3>Watch the sunrise and set in Boquete</h3> <p>For a unique experience, see the sunrise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. This magical feat is possible only in one place in the world: the dormant Barú volcano in Boquete, western Panama.</p> <p>Geisha Coffee, the “Champagne of coffees”, is grown on the mountains of Boquete and will put quite a dent in your wallet. It is, however, a must-try in Panama.</p> <p>While in Boquete, secure the services of a tour guide to accompany you on the Quetzal trail in order to spot this famed and rare bird of Mesoamerican cultures.<br /><br /></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/turtle.jpg" /> <figcaption>Turtle at play in Panama. Photo credit: Ryan Howell</figcaption></figure> <h3>Bocas del Toro</h3> <p>Paradise beaches, nature expeditions<span> </span><g class="gr_ gr_207 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="207" data-gr-id="207">and</g><span> </span>nightlife exist in perfect symmetry in the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. You’ll often hear through the grapevine, places where travelers tend to get “stuck”. Bocas del Toro is one such place, trapping travelers with its sweet nectar of party excess and incredible tropical beauty.</p> <p>In Bocas, there is an island to suit every craving. Isla Colon is where the bulk of the action happens: restaurants, bars, surf<span> </span><g class="gr_ gr_198 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="198" data-gr-id="198">and</g><span> </span>diving schools, as well as tour operators. Isla Colon also has two famed surf beaches – Paunch and Bluff. Stop off at Paki Point on the way there to cool off and rent surfboards.</p> <p>Isla Carenero conversely suits those in search of a little peace and quiet. The Zapatilla islands are the pristine untouched gems you will dream about once you return home. Isla Bastimentos, the largest of the nine islands, attracts those longing for postcard beach views with a bit of rough jungle in the background.</p> <p>Bastimentos is home to Eco Lodges including Palmar Beach Lodge, and the more upscale Casa Cayuco and Azul Paradise. There are three bat caves on the island: Nivida, Bat’s Mouth and La Gruta. Wade through waters 4-5 feet deep to discover the various vampire species that call these caves home. It’s far more enjoyable than it sounds. </p> <p>Tours between the different islands often include snorkeling stops at Coral Cay (Cayo Coral) or Dolphin Bay for the chance to see schools of dolphins getting along swimmingly. October is Bocas’ slowest month just before the high season kicks off in November, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.</p> <p>Bocas is my favorite part of Panama, and the country’s number one beach destination for a reason. I’d never heard of Bocas before a friend coerced me to book a flight there on a whim. The element of surprise when I stumbled upon this unknown nirvana honeyed the experience considerably. I have since returned to Bocas on eight occasions. The novelty never fades.<br /><br /></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/costa-rica/nicoya-bay-costa-rica-gettyimages-1144839879.jpg " /> <figcaption>Panama's stunning coast. Photo credit: Getty Images/ Eduardo Ramos Castaneda</figcaption></figure> <h3>Wildlife encounters</h3> <p>Panama is a hotbed of biodiversity. Only here can you meet the pygmy three-toed sloths that live on Isla Escudo de Veraguas. There are said to be only 79 in existence.</p> <p>Explore your boundaries by scuba diving and whale watching on the Pacific Coast at Isla de Coiba or at the Gulf of Chiriqui between July and October when Humpback Whales migrate here to give birth and build fat depositories prior to the winter. The area is also home to Hammerhead sharks.</p> <p>The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) has been working at several locations in the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama since 2003 to monitor and protect endangered sea turtle nesting populations. The region sees globally important levels of nesting by critically endangered hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles. However, intense hunting pressure dating back over a hundred years nearly wiped out these nesting colonies.</p> <p>STC’s work in the region, conducted in partnership with a local indigenous community, has reversed the decline and they have seen an increase in nesting by both species. At the same time, communities in the region are gradually moving away from the unsustainable harvesting of turtles and replacing it with sustainable ecotourism.</p> <p>Nesting activity is concentrated at several relatively undeveloped beaches spread around the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Over the last 18 years, STC gradually established conservation programs at each of the known major nesting sites in the province.</p>Rosie Bell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/finland/how-safe-is-finlandThe northern European country of Finland is known for its icy north as well as its more than 40,000 islands. Here's how to explore it safely. 2021-07-21T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/finland/how-safe-is-finlandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#climate"> Climate and weather </a></li> <li><a href="#getting"> Getting around </a></li> <li><a href="#driving"> Driving in Finland </a></li> <li><a href="#swimming"> Swimming in Finland </a></li> </ul> <p>Finland sounds like Utopia with its natural wonders, clean air and water. It’s also known for its low crime rate, ranked as the world’s safest country in 2019 by the World Economic Forum. Here’s what you need to know to get the best out of your time in Finland.</p> <h2 id="climate">Climate and weather</h2> <p>Finland’s climate is extreme with freezing winters and warm sunny summers. Winter usually begins in mid-October in Lapland in the far north, and November in the rest of Finland, and December in the southwestern archipelago. Winter is the longest season in Finland and last for about 100 days in southwestern Finland and 200 days in Lapland.</p> <p>In winter, North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not rise above the horizon for 51 days. In southern Finland, the shortest day is about 6 hours long.</p> <p>Permanent snow covers open grounds about two weeks after winter begins with the snow at its is deepest in mid-March, averaging 60 to 90 cm of snow in eastern and northern Finland and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland. The lakes freeze over in late November and early December with the ice at its thickest in early April, at about 50 to 65 cm. The coldest temperatures in winter are from -45°C to -50°C in Lapland and eastern Finland; from -35°C to -45°C elsewhere; and -25°C to -35°C in island and coastal areas. The lowest temperature recorded in Finland was -51.5°C in 1999.</p> <p>In summer, which runs from May until September, regions north of the Arctic Circle experience polar days, when the sun does not set for 73 days every year and the longest day is nearly 19 hours long. Temperatures in the Finnish interior are from 32°C to 35°C. Near the sea and over the islands, temperatures above 30°C are rare. The highest temperature recorded was 37.2°C in July 2021.</p> <div><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/finland/GettyImages-1137825111.jpg" /> <br />Island Near Helsinki, Finland. Photo credit: Getty Images / Bruev<br /> <h2 id="getting">Getting around</h2> <p>Finland's transport systems are well connected and it’s easy to get around by plane, bus, car, train, boat, bicycle, skis or sleigh.</p> <p>For bus timetables, visit <a href="http://www.matkahuolto.fi">www.matkahuolto.fi</a>, for trains go to <a href="http://www.vr.fi">www.vr.fi</a>. A good online journey planner is <a href="http://www.journey.fi">www.journey.fi</a>.</p> <p>Bus routes criss-cross the country, run on time, and rarely require bookings but are slower than trains, which are well-run and comfortable but do require bookings. Internal flights are expensive but multi-trip journeys can be better value. Some Lapland destinations are only available in winter.</p> <p>Finland is very bike-friendly with many routes and easy flat terrain. You can take bikes on most trains, buses and ferries. Helmets are the safest option but are not compulsory by law. Bikes are easy to hire in most towns and at campgrounds and hotels.</p> <p>Lake boats were once important summer transport providers. These services are now largely kept on as cruises, and make a great, leisurely way to journey between towns. The most popular routes are Tampere–Hämeenlinna, Tampere–Virrat, Savonlinna–Kuopio and Lahti–Jyväskylä.</p> <p>Coastal routes include Turku–Naantali, Helsinki–Porvoo and ferries to the Åland Archipelago.</p> <p><a href="http://lautta.net " target="_blank">This website</a> is handy for domestic lake-boat and ferry services.</p> <h2 id="driving">Driving in Finland</h2> <p>Roads in Finland are in good condition. Driving is on the right side, and drivers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license, and all passengers must wear seat belts. Headlights must be used at all times. The speed limits are 50km’h in built-up areas and 80km/h on other roads. On major highways, the limits are 100 km/h in the summer and 120 km/h on motorways. In winter the general speed limit is reduced everywhere to 80 km/h.</p> <p>Winter driving in Finland can be dangerous; daylight hours are short and icy roads are common. All vehicles must have snow tires (or M/S rated) between December and February. At night, drivers must look out for moose, elk, and reindeer wandering onto roads; a collision with a moose can right off a vehicle or result in the death of the occupants.</p> <p>Always carry your car insurance documents with you in case of an accident. Finnish laws for drink-driving are extremely strict; driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) level at or above 0.05% is illegal.</p> <p>Car hire is widely available, but you must have a credit card. Booking in advance tends to result in better deals.</p> <h2 id="swimming">Swimming in Finland</h2> <p>Finland has more than 300 public beaches, 190,000 lakes, and 2,850mi (4,600 km) of coastline so swimming is a popular pastime, particularly during the long summer days and nights. Ice swimming is also popular in winter with around 150,000 Fins enjoying taking the icy plunge on a regular basis. Always swim with other people, preferably at beaches and lakes with lifeguards, and obey safety signs.</p> <p>In any emergency, call 112.</p> </div>Getty Images/Henryk Sadura 1 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/malta/how-safe-is-maltaThis island nation is a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. Here's how to explore it safely. 2024-07-23T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/malta/how-safe-is-maltahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#crime"> Crime in Malta </a></li> <li><a href="#climate"> Climate and weather </a></li> <li><a href="#getting"> Getting around </a></li> <li><a href="#driving"> Driving in Malta </a></li> <li><a href="#swimming"> Swimming in Malta </a></li> <li><a href="#emergency"> Emergency contacts </a></li> </ul> <p>This archipelago nation, known for rich history and culture, is made up of seven small islands. Generally crime-free, here are a few tips to help you navigate Malta safely.</p> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Malta</h2> <p>Malta is generally a very safe place to visit, but like anywhere with visitors, bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crime can occur particularly in nightclubs, on the beach and at markets and transport hubs. Thieves might also target ATMs and parked cars.</p> <p>Thieves target people using ATMs. Theft from parked cars occurs. </p> <p>Pickpocketing may occur on popular bus routes including those from Sliema, St. Julian's and Paceville to Valletta. </p> <p>Use normal common sense in regard to your belongings and when withdrawing money from ATMs.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/malta/GettyImages-639435142.jpg" /> <figcaption>The clear waters of Ghar Lapsi, Malta. Photo credit: Getty Images / Paul Biris</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="climate">Climate and weather</h2> <p>Malta has a lovely Mediterranean climate with a daily average of around 12 hours of sunshine during summer which tends to be hot and dry, but with cool sea breezes. Winters are mild, with short cold spells brought by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe. </p> <p>Swimming in the sea in the sea is possible well into the winter months, and the peak beach season can last until late October.  </p> <p>The average temperature during the year is a pleasant 18°C, with January averaging a slightly lower temperature of 12°C, and the peaking to an average of 30°C in July and August.  </p> <p>Spring is the ideal time to visit the Maltese islands to avoid summer heat. </p> <h2 id="getting">Getting around</h2> <p>Malta’s islands are small and easy to get around. Public buses are a convenient and cheap way to travel around, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way. </p> <p>Visit the <a href="https://www.publictransport.com.mt/">Malta Public Transport </a>website to plan your journey.  </p> <p>There are ferries between the islands. The Gozo Channel ferry service links Cirkewwa, Malta to Gozo, and takes about 20 minutes each way. </p> <p>A ferry service from Valletta, Malta to Gozo takes around 45 minutes each way. There are also regular boat services between each island and Comino. </p> <h2 id="driving">Driving in Malta</h2> <p>Driving around Malta is a great way to explore at your own pace. In 2019, there were 16 road deaths in Malta. This equates to 3.2 road deaths per 100,000 of population (compared to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000). There are plenty of car rental options so be sure to compare prices to get the best deal and always use a reputable company. You must be at least 21 to rent a car, and drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road (like in the UK) and speed limits are usually signposted. Where there is no sign, national limits apply:</p> <ul> <li>80 km/h on the open road and</li> <li>50 km/h in built-up areas.</li> </ul> <p>For more information, you can contact Transport Malta by sending an email to <a href="mailto:info.tm@transport.gov.mt">info.tm@transport.gov.mt</a>. </p> <h2 id="swimming">Swimming in Malta</h2> <p>During the summer, most beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and operate flag safety systems. Make yourself aware of the flag system and follow any warnings; red flags mean dangerous or hazardous conditions. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/water-safety">Always swim within designated swimming zones</a> and be cautious if there are no lifeguards, flags or signs. Follow local advice if jellyfish are present. </p> <p>You can find more information and a general code of conduct for beaches in Malta on the <a href="https://www.visitmalta.com/en/a/beach-conduct">Malta Tourism Authority</a> website. </p> <h2 id="emergency">Emergency contacts</h2> <p>For police, fire service and emergency medical service dial 112. These calls can be made from any phone and are free of charge. </p> <p>For local police information <a href="https://pulizija.gov.mt/mt/Pages/Home.aspx">click here</a>.   </p>Getty Images/Barry Winiker 0 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/tomorrows-airChristina Beckmann explains her vision to speed up the removal of carbon from the atmosphere through a community of like-minded travelers.2021-05-19T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/tomorrows-airhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p class="p1">Christina Beckmann and Nim de Swardt founded <a href="https://www.tomorrowsair.com/">Tomorrow's Air</a> in 2019, after a life-changing trip to Antarctica with Sir Robert Swan OBE (the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles). While experiencing the fresh air in this remote place, they also witnessed the decay caused by climate change and saw an opportunity to instigate change for the better of everyone.</p> <p>Incubated by the <a href="https://www.adventuretravel.biz/" target="_blank" class="link-75">Adventure Travel Trade Association</a>, Tomorrow's Air partnered with direct air capture provider <a href="https://climeworks.com/">Climeworks</a>, to fulfill a vision for <span>fresh air and a stable climate for everyone. Christina Beckmann explains what Tomorrow's Air is doing and how travelers can help.</span></p> <h3 class="p1"><b>What inspired you to found Tomorrow’s Air?</b></h3> <p class="p1">For years, I'd been working in sustainable travel, recognizing all the benefits tourism can bring to conservation efforts and local communities. But in Antarctica, I viscerally grasped, as I had not in the past, the truth of the matter around carbon stored in our atmosphere. That even if we reduced emissions to zero instantly, that we had trillions of tons of CO2 stored in the atmosphere to deal with. That trip connected me with information and expertise, and creative inspiration and a new network of people – Nim de Swardt and I met on that trip, along with David Hone, Fraser Morton, people we are part of Tomorrow's Air today.</p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What is Tomorrow's Air purpose?</b></h3> <p class="p1">Tomorrow’s Air was born to consolidate the massive, distributed power of global travel to clean up the excess carbon disrupting all life in order to keep the joys of exploring our world available into the future.</p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What is the difference between carbon removal and offsetting?</b></h3> <p class="p1">Terminology has been all over the place which has confused people. Instead of presenting these two things as in opposition to each other, I would simply explain that carbon removal can be natural or technological. Carbon removal means capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and locking it away for decades or centuries in plants, soils, oceans, rocks, saline aquifers, depleted oil wells, or long-lived products such as cement. Nature absorbs carbon dioxide – think of trees, for example – and there are also technological approaches to absorbing carbon dioxide. Technological approaches are often referred to as “negative emissions technologies”.</p> <p class="p2">Commonly 'offsets' mean paying someone else to not emit, e.g. avoiding emissions, or, paying for the conservation of a natural solution for absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, such as forests because these are the most common types of offsets. Carbon removal has come to be used often as a shorthand for negative emissions technologies, but that's not really correct, as 'removal' can be nature or tech; carbon removal technologies work in combination with conventional carbon offsetting approaches. </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>Why is conventional carbon offsetting not enough?</b></h3> <p class="p1">Because, basically, we're out of time. This goes back to the lifecycle of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. CO2 lives in our atmosphere for generations, it persists longer than our natural systems can capture and store it for us. </p> <p class="p2">So, in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, we need to not only reduce emissions but also quickly scrub them from the atmosphere. Studies suggest that by 2030 as much as 6 gigatons of carbon emissions need to be captured and permanently stored each year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios show that to stay even within less ambitious limits (2 degrees warming) we will need "gigaton-scale" carbon removal. Conventional offsets alone cannot achieve this.</p> <p class="p2">We also live in a world in which some of storage – think forests – is now prone to go up in flames, releasing all the stored CO2. So, this is why no single solution alone is enough; we need natural solutions, and we need technological solutions.  </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What is direct air capture – how does it work? </b></h3> <p class="p1">Direct air capture is a <a href="https://www.tomorrowsair.com/education/learn?tab=carbon-removal"><span class="s1">carbon removal</span></a> technology. Carbon collectors capture carbon dioxide from ambient air. Air is drawn into the collector with a fan and adheres to a filter within the collector. Once the filter is saturated, the collector is closed, and the temperature is increased, releasing pure CO2 which can then be mineralized or used in other products.</p> <h3 class="p2"><b>Can travelers visit the direct air capture facility?</b></h3> <p class="p1">Climeworks, our carbon removal partner, has a demonstration plant in Hinwil, Switzerland [see main image, above], that although it is not open to the public, can be toured on occasion by special appointment. We have an <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/6fk9C81VqGHw4jxoto7oW5?domain=airbnb.com"><span class="s2">Airbnb online experience</span></a> in which travelers can tour the facility. In this online experience, visitors earn about how the carbon collectors work, and follow with Anna Ahn, my co-host, as she climbs up to the upper deck of the collectors and shows in close detail how they operate. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are not currently able to schedule new tours but anyone can join the waitlist by <a href="http://christina@tomorrowsair.com"><span class="s1">emailing me</span></a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/media.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/pristine-lake.jpg" alt="“Stand-up" paddle="" boarding="" on="" a="" pristine="" lake="" /> <figcaption>A world with clean air is what we all want. Photo credit: Getty Images / stockstudioX</figcaption></figure> <h3><b>What is our responsibility as travelers to travel responsibly as we recover from COVID-19?</b></h3> <p class="p1">Travelers can be thinking more about how and with whom they're spending their money when they travel. Try to buy locally in all aspects, recognize that when you visit a place, you're a guest, and be as respectful as you would be as a guest in someone's home. I feel there is a lot of encouragement from the travel industry for responsible travel, showcasing the ways in which travel can be damaging, which is important to recognize. At the same time, I hope people feel that they can still have fun when they travel. It turns out that following the basic principles of responsible travel makes travel more memorable and fun while delivering greater benefits to local people and environments. </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>How can travelers track their carbon footprint and be part of sustainable solutions? </b></h3> <p class="p1">Travelers can use tools such as this one from <a href="https://sustainabletravel.org/our-work/carbon-offsets/calculate-footprint/"><span class="s1">Sustainable Travel International</span></a> to calculate their carbon footprint when they travel. Travelers can also travel longer and slower, use sustainable booking tools, fly with airlines that use renewable fuels, fly like a NERD (fly <b>N</b>ewer aircraft, fly <b>E</b>conomy, choose <b>R</b>egular sized aircraft, fly <b>D</b>irect) and support businesses that share your values around climate and travel.</p> <p class="p2">Carbon removal through Tomorrow's Air is helping us move quickly to pull carbon from the atmosphere that's stored there and will keep warming our world until we pull it out. Offsetting an upcoming trip is great, AND we still have to band together to tackle the trillions of tons of stored emissions. So, tracking your carbon footprint is smart and good but I encourage people to recognize that it's not just about the footprint of your trip today and the emissions in that calculator, it’s also about helping scale up technologies that can help us address all those past emissions too. A very sustainable solution is to join Tomorrow's Air – for a flat fee of $10, $28 or $75 a month, you can help grow the global community of people supporting the scale-up of carbon removal with permanent storage.   </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What ethical issues can you envisage as the world opens up?</b></h3> <p class="p1">I think we'll see more people favoring wilderness and rural experiences, and this will put strain – it already has – on places that are not accustomed to many visitors. People will ask, "is it ethical to travel given the climate impacts?"<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>I think we will see more people also examining the sustainability aspects of travel. Travel does an incredible amount of good in the world though – think of the money for local communities, the money that funds conservation and protected areas management that is drawn from tourism. We need travel in our economy, and we can take this moment to get aggressive about how we work towards a vision of carbon-free travel. </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What’s the future for responsible travel?</b></h3> <p class="p1">We will see sustainable and responsible travel tools and practices more embedded into the travel products people buy. Right now, we're encouraging travelers to ask service providers about their sustainability practices and to push providers to evolve their operations to be more sustainable. </p> <h3 class="p2"><b>What’s next for Tomorrow’s Air?</b></h3> <p class="p2">We're continuing to build our community, bringing more travelers along with travel businesses into the collective. Our <a href="https://www.tomorrowsair.com/create/artists-for-air%22%20%5Cl%20%22:~:text=Artists%20for%20Air%20is%20a,receive%20exposure%20for%20their%20work."><span class="s1">Artists for Air</span></a> program continues to expand and we're looking at some very creative activations from this group in the coming months. I'm also really interested to add new and interesting <a href="https://www.tomorrowsair.com/act/traveler-benefits"><span class="s2">benefits provider</span>s</a> into our mix. As travel rebounds, we're talking with a number of travel companies who will be more in a position to offer benefits. </p>Climeworks/Julia Dunlop 1 Climeworks Climeworks air capture facility in Hinwil, Switzerland

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/spain/tips-for-drivingWith its rich culture, diverse landscapes and stunning coast, Spain is fantastic to explore safely by car. 2021-05-12T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/spain/tips-for-drivinghttps://www.worldnomads.com<p class="p1">Spain is a wonderful country to explore by car. Geographically diverse, the country is a mix of stunning coastline, mountains and countryside dotted with fascinating cities and world heritage landmarks. Roads are well maintained, there is an extensive freeway (<i>autovias</i>) system.<br /> <br /> Here’s how to safely get the best out of a Spanish road trip.</p> <h2 class="p2">Do I need an international driver's license for Spain?<span class="s1"> </span></h2> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">To drive any car or a motorbike over 125cc, you must be at least 18, or at least 16 to drive a motorbike up to 125cc</li> <li class="li1">You must have a valid driver’s license</li> <li class="li1">You must have proof of motor vehicle insurance (with a minimum of third-party cover) and ID</li> <li class="li1">Driving without a license is not only punishable by a prison term but will also void your motor vehicle insurance.</li> </ul> <h2 class="p2">Renting a car in Spain<span class="s1"> </span></h2> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">To rent a car in Spain you will need a valid EU or an International Drivers Licence and be at least 21</li> <li class="li1">Most rental car companies will ask for a deposit to be held on your credit card, which will be refunded once you return its undamaged car</li> <li class="li1">Always thoroughly check the car over for any damage or broken parts before you drive away, and always return the car with a full tank to avoid unnecessary charges</li> <li class="li1">Picking up and dropping off the car in the same location usually works out cheapest.</li> </ul>   <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/spain/GettyImages-958514938VillajoyosaAllard Schager.jpg" alt="Villajoyosa, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain." /> <figcaption>Villajoyosa, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain. Photo credit: Getty Images / Allard Schager</figcaption></figure>   <h2 class="p2">Road rules for driving in Spain</h2> <ul class="ul1"> <li class="li1">Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and overtake on the left</li> <li class="li1">All drivers must carry two red warning triangles to be used in the event of an accident or breakdown to be positioned 50 meters in front of and behind the vehicle</li> <li class="li1">You must also have a functioning spare tire and the tools to fit it and wear a reflective vest if you step out of the vehicle</li> <li class="li1">Even though most gas stations sell alcohol, drink driving is illegal, laws are strict and the police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include heavy fines, loss of license and even imprisonment</li> <li class="li1">The police also issue immediate fines for a number of reasons including speeding and not using seat belts which are compulsory in the front and back seats. Children under 12 must use the appropriate child restraints and sit in the back seat</li> <li class="li1">Talking on a mobile phone is not allowed unless it’s a hands-free unit, even when pulled over on the side of the road, and earpieces are not allowed</li> <li class="li1">There are rules around emissions to limit air pollution, and if levels are exceeded, car access is restricted, and speed limits are imposed</li> <li class="li1">Full-beam headlights are not allowed in built-up areas and you must use dipped lights in tunnels  </li> <li class="li1">Be wary of fake police officers. Traffic police always wear a uniform and carry official ID</li> <li class="li1">See the <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm"><span class="s3">European Commission</span></a>, <a href="http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/general_advice.html"><span class="s3">AA</span></a> and <a href="http://www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/countries/spain/"><span class="s3">RAC</span></a> guides for more information on driving in Spain</li> <li class="li1">Dial 112 in an emergency.</li> </ul> <p class="p3"></p> <p class="p4"></p>Getty Images/Artur Debat 0993669212 Getty Images

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/austria/travel-alertsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Austria? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2021-08-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/austria/travel-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Austria – updated 17 August 2021</h2> <h3>Requirements for travel to Austria</h3> <p>Travelers who have exclusively been to the United States or another “country or territory with low epidemiological risk” (listed in <a href="https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=1&Gesetzesnummer=20011574">Annex 1</a> of the COVID-19 Entry Regulation) in the past 10 days may enter Austria without quarantine or pre-travel-registration if they provide upon entry a certificate of vaccination, a certificate of recovery, or a negative COVID-19 test result (see below for specific requirements).</p> <p>If none of those certificates or test results can be provided upon entry, the person seeking entry must take a COVID-19 test at their own expense immediately (max. 24 hours) after arrival. In this case travelers are required to register in advance using the pre-travel clearance form.</p> <p>US citizens are strongly encouraged to take direct flights between the United States and Austria to avoid third-country restrictions.</p> <h3>Requirements for vaccination/recovery certificates or COVID-19 tests</h3> <p>Please note that only certificates and test results issued in English or German by a medical professional or public authority will be accepted.</p> <p><em>Vaccination Certificate (e.g. “CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card” or <a href="https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2021_II_276/COO_2026_100_2_1869013.pdfsig">Medical Certificate</a>):</em></p> <ul> <li>Inoculation with BioNtech/Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson&Johnson/Janssen, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines.</li> <li>Start of validity: at the day of full immunization = receipt of 2 doses of BioNtech/Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Sinopharm or Sinovac. The exception is Johnson & Johnson, which requires only one dose for full effect. Persons, who have only received the first dose of those vaccines will have to present either negative PCR or rapid/antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 with the sample taken no earlier than 72 hours (PCR) or 48 hours (rapid/antigen) prior to entering Austria.</li> <li>End of validity: 270 days after the second/only inoculation</li> </ul> <p><em>Certificate of Recovery (or <a href="https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2021_II_276/COO_2026_100_2_1869013.pdfsig">Medical Certificate</a>):</em></p> <ul> <li>Confirmation of the patient’s recovery from COVID-19 in the past 180 days issued by a medical professional or public authority,</li> <li>OR a positive test for COVID-19 antibodies not older than 90 days</li> </ul> <p><em>COVID-19 Test Result (or <a href="https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2021_II_276/COO_2026_100_2_1869013.pdfsig">Medical Certificate</a>):</em></p> <ul> <li>PCR or rapid/antigen test for SARS-CoV-2</li> <li>Sample taken no earlier than 72 hours (PCR test) or 48 hours (rapid/antigen test) prior to entering Austria</li> <li>Test results must include: full name and date of birth of the tested person; date and time of the sampling; test result; bar-/QR-code or stamp and signature of testing facility</li> </ul> <p><strong>Travelers who have been to an “area of variants of concern” (any country or territory listed in <a href="https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=2&Gesetzesnummer=20011574">Annex 2</a>) in the past 10 days are not allowed to enter Austria.</strong></p> <p>The entry ban does not apply for the following groups of persons or to the following travel purposes:</p> <ul> <li>Austrian citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and Swiss citizens and all persons living in the same household</li> <li>Persons with a residence in Austria, the EU/EEA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican or Switzerland, and all persons living in the same household</li> <li>Other exemptions <a href="https://www.austria.org/current-travel-information">can be found here</a></li> </ul> <p>Any person who seeks to enter Austria claiming one of the above mentioned exceptions must:</p> <ul> <li>complete the <a href="https://entry.ptc.gv.at/en.html">pre-travel registration form</a> (no earlier than 72 hours before entry),</li> <li>present upon entry a negative molecular-biological COVID-19 test (PCR test only, no rapid/antigen test) taken no earlier than 72 hours before the time of entry, AND</li> <li>observe a 10-day home-quarantine at their residence or at an appropriate accommodation at their own cost. <a href="https://www.austria.org/current-travel-information">More info here</a>.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Travelers arriving from countries of territories not listed in <a href="https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=1&Gesetzesnummer=20011574">Annex 1</a> or <a href="https://ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Anlage=2&Gesetzesnummer=20011574">Annex 2</a>, or who have been in such a country/territory within the past 10 days before entering Austria, must</strong></p> <ul> <li>complete the <a href="https://entry.ptc.gv.at/en.html">pre-travel registration form</a> (no earlier than 72 hours before entry),</li> <li>present upon entry a certificate of vaccination/recovery (see requirements above), or a negative molecular-biological COVID-19 test (taken no earlier than 72 hours (PCR test) or 48 hours (rapid/antigen test) before entry),</li> <li>AND must observe a mandatory 10-day quarantine at their residence or at an appropriate accommodation at their own cost. The residence/hotel may not be left for the quarantine period. Quarantine may be terminated upon presentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken no earlier than five days after entry.</li> </ul> <p>Fully vaccinated (14 days after the last dose) persons are exempt from mandatory registration and quarantine. <a href="https://www.austria.org/current-travel-information">Some other exemptions apply</a>.</p> <h3>Restrictions in Austria</h3> <p>There are a number of COVID-19 safety measures in place throughout Austria. <span>Masks covering the mouth and nose are required on all public transportation. </span>The provincial government of Tirol has re-introduced mask and crowd size restrictions due to spiking COVID cases, and mandatory testing for non-vaccinated persons when traveling out of high COVID areas. Violations of these measures are punishable by fines of 90 Euros per incident.</p> <br /><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong>Getty Images/Phototiger 191689818 Getty Images Austrian flag

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/croatia/latest-croatia-travel-alerts-and-warningsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Croatia? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2021-01-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/croatia/latest-croatia-travel-alerts-and-warningshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Croatia – updated 12 May 2022</h2> <p><span>Travelers are<span> </span></span><strong>no longer</strong><span><span> </span>required to complete an online entry form before arriving in Croatia</span><span>, and are<span> </span></span><strong>not</strong><span><span> </span>required to show a COVID-19 vaccine certificate, proof of a negative test, or a certificate of recovery. This also applies to those who are not vaccinated and to those who have had COVID-19.</span><br /><br /></p>Getty Images/Jorg Greuel 1694509953 Getty Images Baska Voda, Split, Croatia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/social-enterprise-restaurantsTravelers can now support seven social enterprises empowering disadvantaged young people in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar – just by eating out.2020-07-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/social-enterprise-restaurantshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ever wish you could make a positive impact when you travel to communities that need a helping hand? In this Positive Footprints film, World Nomads shares how <a href="https://friends-international.org/blog/">Friends-International</a> is making a difference in Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia with the help of travelers like you.</p> <p>For many young people in Southeast Asia, it can be challenging to gain the skills and education they need to find meaningful employment. Through its <a href="http://tree-alliance.org/">TREE restaurant</a> initiative, Friends-International is upskilling disadvantaged youths by providing vocational training in hospitality and tourism. TREE stands for Training Restaurants for Employment and Entrepreneurship.</p> <p>TREE restaurants are now open in <a href="http://tree-alliance.org/our-restaurants/our-restaurants.php?mm=or" target="_blank">seven locations</a> in<span><span> </span>Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia</span>, improving the quality of life and employability of young people in need. Travelers have the chance to support these social enterprises, and interact with locals in the communities they visit, simply by dining there. Why not <a href="http://tree-alliance.org/our-restaurants/reservation.php?mm=or">book a table</a>?<br /><br />World Nomads raised $10,000 for a <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/footprints/projects/239/build-bright-futures-for-young-people-in-laos" target="_blank">Friends-International project</a> through our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/footprints" target="_blank">Footprints</a> program, which offers travelers the chance to donate to non-profit organisations and social enterprises around the world. </p>TREE Restaurants 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/in-the-news/message-to-our-nomadsWhat we are witnessing with the coronavirus pandemic is extraordinary and requires an extraordinary response. 2020-03-19T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/in-the-news/message-to-our-nomadshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>To our fellow nomads, <br /><br />None of us could have imagined the unprecedented events that have unfolded in recent months. What we are witnessing with the coronavirus pandemic is extraordinary and requires an extraordinary response. <br /><br />We know many of you who hold our travel insurance policies have questions regarding coverage. We are endeavoring to answer each and every one of you individually, but as you can imagine there are a number of travelers seeking assistance at this time.  <br /><br />We ask that you please be patient with us. We’re working as quickly as possible to get other employees trained and authorized to answer calls and emails.  <br /><br />In the meantime, we have put together an extensive set of <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" title="Coronavirus FAQ">FAQ answers</a>. Please use this in the first instance. <br /><br />With so many of us forced into self-isolation we believe now, more than ever, is the time to show kindness, and to support the travel community. We have been inspired, for example, by the people who have taken to their balconies in China and Italy to sing and play instruments.  <br /><br />Consequently, we are changing the emphasis of the content we want to share with you. We are calling it ‘armchair travel’; stories and other content to keep your travel juices flowing and prepare you for when you can travel once again and do it better, with more insight and confidence. <br /><br />As well as a new daily <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/podcasts" title=" Coronavirus podcast">Coronavirus podcast</a>, to keep you up to date with constantly changing state of travel in the world, we will be sharing articles on ways to stay busy if you are self-isolating or working at home, ideas on keeping motivated and positive about travel, and offering inspiration and hope for the better days ahead. <br /><br />Remember, we are a community whose belief in travel as a way of life may be challenged but will never waiver. <br /><br />To you and your loved ones we say stay safe, don’t forget to wash your hands and, even when you are not traveling, remember, we are all still World Nomads. <br /><br />Stay safe, <br />The World Nomads team </p>GettyImages 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/film/interview-with-jenny-nicholsIn our interview with Travel Film Scholarship mentor Jenny Nichols, we ask how she chooses projects, what documentary she wishes she made and why conservation is so important to her. 2019-08-05T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/film/interview-with-jenny-nicholshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h3>How did you learn to be a filmmaker?</h3> <p>I have a background black and white ﬁlm photography and loved the creativity found in the darkroom. After college, I worked for a fashion photographer in New York and learned the digital work ﬂow just in time to meet conservation photographer and force of nature Cristina Mittermeier. I worked for Cristina as her ﬁeld assistant from 2007 to 2012 as well as for the organization she started, <a href="https://conservationphotographers.org/" target="_blank">The International League of Conservation Photographers</a> (iLCP). I ﬁrst picked up a video camera in 2008 – it shot on tape and was a whole different beast to my still camera. Cristina is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and it wanted footage of her using its cameras. Cristina was on the phone with them, looked at me and said that her assistant could do the cinematography! So I learned how to ﬁlm video in Madagascar on a borrowed camera – it was trial by ﬁre. I’ve been learning to be a ﬁlmmaker ever since. In 2012, I started my own production company, <a href="http://pongomediaproductions.com/" target="_blank">Pongo Media Productions</a>.</p> <h3>Why is conservation so important to you?</h3> <p>Conservation and climate change mitigation are both important and interesting because we can do something about it! We have the tools. Scientists are laying them out on a silver platter for us. Individuals are imperative in this ﬁght but we also need to have a policy that holds big industries and companies accountable. We are no longer in an era when we can claim ignorance.</p> <h3>How can filmmaking and storytelling change the world?</h3> <p>Visual storytelling can help us understand the urgency of our changing climate. Films can help translate science, can transport you to locations you might never be able to visit, and most importantly reach people on an emotional level and inspire them to act. </p> <h3>Do you have a mentor? How has she shaped you?</h3> <p>Cristina Mittermeier was and still is my mentor, an inspiration and a dear friend. She has redeﬁned the conservation communication landscape and continues to move the dial with her work. She started two very impactful conservation organizations, the iLCP in 2005 and <a href="https://www.sealegacy.org/" target="_blank">Sea Legacy</a> in 2014. Cristina not only shaped how I view the importance of storytelling but, from the beginning of my career, encouraged multidisciplinary projects and unusual partnerships encouraging people to work together to have a louder collective voice. </p> <h3>Is there any moment you have caught on film that has changed your perspective?</h3> <p>I’m not sure it was any one moment, but all of the collective moments with different cultures. I've learned that what I think is important and my value system is not necessarily the same as in other cultures. This is a very obvious statement, but when making a ﬁlm with a goal to change behavior, it is important to appeal to your audience's values, not necessarily your own. </p> <h3>What has been the greatest moment in your filmmaking career so far?</h3> <p>Being a part of projects that actually do effect change. Some of these moments happened within iLCP, some with Pongo Media Productions, but all of them were a group effort. Awards and being recognized by peers is an incredible feeling, but if those ﬁlms don’t do anything for the places, people and wildlife in the ﬁlm then I have not accomplished my goal.  </p> <h3>Is there a documentary that you wish you had made?</h3> <p>I recently saw <em>When Lambs Become Lions</em> directed by Jon Kasbe. What is so unique about this ﬁlm is that it tells a conservation story in such harsh detail that the lines between right and wrong are blurred. Conservation is complicated, there are a lot of harsh realities that make making the right decision difﬁcult for many people. I like that it wasn’t sugar-coated. It told both sides of a story and was unbiased. </p> <h3>How do you develop the story in your documentary ﬁlms? Do you know what your story will be before you go in or do you let it come to you? </h3> <p>I have this conversation with many of my colleagues and the general consensus is that you make a ﬁlm three times, once in pre-production, once in production and one in post-production. Meaning you do your research, you plan, storyboard and dream up a ﬁlm, then, when on production, you are faced with challenges or gifts that change the course of the ﬁlm. Then, once again in post you shape the most compelling story with the assets you’ve gathered, even if it means killing that initial scope of the ﬁlm - aka killing your darlings. </p> <h3>How do you choose what projects to work on?</h3> <p>When choosing a project, it has to have two of the following elements: 1. The story and/or character is unique and compelling. 2. It beneﬁts conservation.  3. It is well funded. I’d love to say I can take on all of the passion projects that I want, but even with a job I love, I have to pay the bills. Additionally, I also have a handful of colleagues that, if they call me up to work on a project, I know I’ll say yes to before even hearing about it. </p> <h3>What's the biggest misconception about what you do?</h3> <p>That all my travel is for vacation.</p> <h3>What's the biggest mistake you see novice filmmakers make?</h3> <p>This comes from personal experience. Coming from the photography sphere and moving into video I overlooked two major aspects of ﬁlmmaking. First, the importance of good audio – both in interviews and natural sound/ambient sound. Second, to hold shots longer than you think. Once I got to the edit I always wished I’d held the shot for 15 to 20 seconds longer, and let the action play through.  </p> <h3>Best piece of advice for an aspiring filmmaker?</h3> <p>Take advantage of all opportunities to grow your skills. Don’t wait for the perfect job, take all the jobs offered to you so that you are prepared when the perfect project presents itself.</p> <h4>About Jenny Nichols</h4> <p><span>Harnessing the power of visual media to tell stories, Jenny works to create films that will act as tipping points in conservation campaigns. Jenny thrives on multidisciplinary projects and continues to collaborate with a dedicated community of photojournalists, filmmakers, writers, illustrators, scientists and conservation organizations. </span>Jenny’s films have screened at HotDocs, Seattle International Film Festival, Brooklyn Film Festival, Telluride Mountainfilm, Banff Mountainfilm Festival, DC Environmental Film Festival and the Jackson Hole Science & Media Awards.</p>Allison Otto 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/empowering-entrepreneurs-in-tanzaniaChoosing to travel responsibly starts when you book your trip. Learn how OneSeed Expeditions and World Nomads, with the support of local NGO Anza, are making a difference.2019-07-09T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/empowering-entrepreneurs-in-tanzaniahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><span>We believe every traveler has the responsibility to give back to the places they travel to. That's why World Nomads partners with adventure travel companies like <a href="https://www.oneseedexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">OneSeed Expeditions</a> and works with local non-profit organizations to enable travelers to make a difference when they book. </span></p> <p><span>One such non-profit is <a href="http://anza.co.com/" target="_blank">Anza</a>, a Tanzanian organization working to improve the living conditions of local people by investing in entrepreneurs and helping start-ups and social enterprises get off the ground. With Anza's help, a potter who makes clay water filters markets his goods to villagers, giving them access to clean water, and a micro-health insurance company is able to help locals fund medical insurance to support them if they become ill when they work. Initiatives like these generate jobs in the local communities and help the wider Tanzanian economy. </span></p> <p><span>This film was made by <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/film/">World Nomads Travel Film Scholarship</a> winner <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/film/2018/marissa-chabria">Marissa Chabria</a> and scholarship mentor <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/film/behind-the-lens-interview-with-filmmaker-brian-rapsey">Brian Rapsey</a>. This annual scholarship makes it possible for an aspiring filmmaker to go on an all-expenses-paid trip overseas, to complete their own short film and be mentored by a professional filmmaker during the trip. </span></p>Brian Rapsey 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/turtle-conservation-in-costa-ricaSee how conservationists and volunteers from The Sea Turtle Conservancy are working to save generations of sea turtles.2019-04-05T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/turtle-conservation-in-costa-ricahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><br />There are few sights cuter than that of a baby turtle making its way across a beach to the ocean. Founded in 1959, The Sea Turtle Conservancy educates travelers about the importance of saving turtles, and the income generated by their interest has created a tourism industry which proves to locals that sea turtles have more value alive than dead. The work of <span>Sea Turtle Conservancy </span>will ensure there are plenty more sea turtles for future generations of visitors to learn about.<br /><br /></p> <p><br /><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/responsibletravel/shortyfinalist.png" alt="" width="786" height="216" /></p> This video was selected as a Finalist for the <a href="https://shortyawards.com/4th-socialgood/turtle-conservation-in-costa-rica">2019 Shorty Social Good Awards</a>. The award recognizes initiatives executed to promote, protect, and defend wild and domestic animals.World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/penguin-conservation-in-patagoniaWatch what successful wildlife conservation looks like in Argentina with Dr Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, the award-winning founder of the Global Penguin Society.2018-04-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/penguin-conservation-in-patagoniahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>In the untouched expanses of Patagonia, you can drive for hours and not see another soul. There’s no place to hide, no trees, just emptiness.</p> <p>It’s here that conservationist, <g class="gr_ gr_27 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="27" data-gr-id="27">Dr</g> Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, <g class="gr_ gr_56 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="56" data-gr-id="56">also known</g> as “Popi”, found his mission in life. Through his research, he discovered that the once-thriving colony of Magellanic penguins, in the small beach town of Puerto Madryn, was critically endangered and sought to change its fate.</p> <p>He went on to found the <a href="http://www.globalpenguinsociety.org/" target="_blank">Global Penguin Society</a> (GPS), whose projects have been supported by World Nomads' customers through their donations to <a href="https://www.footprintsnetwork.org/" target="_blank">The Footprints Network</a>. The GPS works closely with Hotel El Pedral to provide a model where ecotourism and conservation coexist. Through the development of tourism in the area, the locals, who once threatened the penguins’ survival through poaching and pollution, became invested in the success of the wildlife conservation efforts, and ultimately helped the penguin population's recovery in Puerto Madryn.</p> <p>World Nomads traveled there to speak to Popi, who's recently been named the winner of the 2018 Gold Award by the Whitley Fund for Nature, an award so prestigious among conservationists it’s often called the 'Green Oscar.'</p>World Nomads 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/boycott-or-not-when-is-it-unethical-to-travelWhen an ethical dilemma occurs in a destination that heavily relies on tourism, should travelers boycott it? Here’s what our community has to say.2017-09-06T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/boycott-or-not-when-is-it-unethical-to-travelhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#boycott"> Boycott or Not? </a></li> <li><a href="#yes"> Boycott! Boycott! </a></li> <li><a href="#money"> What Happens When Tourism Money Goes Away </a></li> <li><a href="#not-best-practice"> Is Boycotting Always the Best Practice? Perhaps Not </a></li> <li><a href="#thoughts"> What Other Travel Brands Have to Say </a></li> <li><a href="#wn"> Where We Stand </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="boycott">Boycott or not?</h2> <p>What do you do when you discover a destination on your list is an ethical nightmare?</p> <p>If there are human rights abuses, oppression, dictatorship, denial of democracy, corruption, unethical practices (animal welfare, environmental issues) or enforcement of manifestly unjust laws, what should you do?</p> <h2 id="yes">Boycott! boycott!</h2> <p>The obvious answer is to take the destination off your list. Why support an unethical regime or practice by traveling there?</p> <p>Tourism is vital to the economy of many countries, contributing 10.2 percent of global GDP in 2016. That makes travelers very powerful people in economic terms.</p> <h2 id="money">What happens when tourism money goes away?</h2> <p>In the case of Egypt, prior to the 2011 uprising, tourism contributed $13 billion to the Egyptian economy. In 2015, it was down to just $8 billion. While that is due to fears about safety and terrorism, it shows the power of the tourist dollar when they decide to stop visiting a place.</p> <p>There are instances where a boycott based on ethical reasons has worked for the better. Take South Africa for example; the worldwide boycott of its products, because of apartheid, became a popular movement that was backed by the political clout of the UN and foreign governments imposing sanctions, but it worked – eventually.</p> <p>Then there’s your own internal moral compass. If you don’t have the courage of your convictions, then you’re lost. If you visit a country that conducts atrocities or condones them, does that make you complicit?</p> <h2 id="not-best-practice">Is boycotting always the best practice? </h2> <p>There’s another school of thought – those who say you should go anyway. They’re not advocating ignorance or blindly venturing into countries that condone atrocities but instead believe travelers should make an informed decision to go and make a difference.</p> <p>Travel changes lives – not only those of the travelers but of the people they visit.</p> <p>Oppressors need secrecy and compliance to conduct their oppression. By turning the spotlight on them, by exposing their actions to the eyes of visitors, they are less likely to do bad things (this is also why media attention works). The oppressed desperately need someone to hear their stories. They need their plight to be known.</p> <p>Even if the unethical behavior is supported by the majority of citizens, engaging with the wider populace, and exposing them to the thoughts, ideas, and beliefs of a wider audience, may cause a change.</p> <p>Not visiting punishes the most vulnerable. Oppression, and abuse, by its nature, denies the victims the ability to fight back. It robs them of their wealth and the power that allows them. They are always among the poorest people on earth. If you stay away, you condemn them to that existence. If you visit and spend wisely to encourage local businesses, you empower the powerless.</p> <h2 id="thoughts">What do the world’s leading travel brands say?</h2> <p>We contacted travel businesses and asked them whether travelers should boycott or not. Here are some of their answers.</p> <p><em>“As the former President of Geographic Expeditions, I can weigh in. </em></p> <p><em>“We're not in the business of sheltering our travelers from reality, good or bad. (When they return), they know that they've had the paradoxical, and all too common, experience of traveling to magnificent destinations, seeing magnificent sights, and meeting magnificent people, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">who are in trouble</span>. And, they almost invariably come home eager to help, not forget, those people.” – </em>Jim Sano, <a href="http://www.geoex.com/" target="_blank">Geographic Expeditions</a>.</p> <p>"<em>Traveling and immersing yourself in a culture is a far more impactful way to affect change in the world when compared to boycotting travel to a particular country in an effort to encourage it to change its ways. </em></p> <p><em>"Travel enables greater awareness of important issues such as human rights, species vulnerability or environmental degradation, and expands our understanding of the diverse perspectives that exist around a wide range of issues and challenges. Through visiting a country, and engaging in immersive types of experiences such as volunteering, travelers are able to make a valuable hands-on contribution towards tackling important local challenges, while at the same time heightening global understanding and empathy, both in themselves and in the people they interact with. Abroad experiences influence the decisions that people make in life for the better and encourage us all to think more globally.</em></p> <p><em>"International Volunteer HQ research shows that 91% of volunteer travelers believe their experience challenged them to think differently about how they understand the world and other cultures, customs and norms.</em>" – Ben Brown, Head of Risk, Impact and People at <a href="https://www.volunteerhq.org/" target="_blank">International Volunteer HQ</a>.</p> <p><em>“The ethics of visiting places like North Korea have previously been the subject of passionate company-wide debates at Intrepid. The majority decision has been that we don’t boycott, but that our trips include as much genuine real-life local interaction as we can because it exposes both our travelers and locals to the reality that we are all human. We genuinely believe that travel connects people, it builds understanding, it makes us less prejudiced and more empathetic. We need more of that in the world right now.” – </em>James Thornton, CEO of <a href="http://www.intrepidtravel.com/" target="_blank">Intrepid Travel</a>.</p> <p><em>“Instead of boycotting a place outright, I make micro, person-to-person decisions in the moment that fall in line with my values. I’ll go to China but I won’t pay to pose for a picture (or pose at all) with a mistreated panda. I’ll get out of your taxi in Port of Spain if you talk smack about your minorities. I won’t even stay in your inn in Krakow if you’re mean to me. But we travelers have a unique chance to be something like the rivers of the world. We can gather little pieces of the lands we touch, carry them great distances and let them settle into something rich from which a higher perspective might arise. Cutting off that flow does more harm than good.” </em>– <a href="https://timneville.net/" target="_blank">Tim Neville</a>, travel writer and World Nomads travel writing scholarship mentor.</p> <p><em>“The arguments work both ways, for just as it is true that withdrawing and boycotting has an effect, so it is also true that striving to remain in contact may also have beneficial results, and certainly help to limit the suffering of broader communities in the countries concerned. It may be that only by maintaining some kind of contact that we can hope to have influence for the good.” –  </em>Helen Jennings, <a href="https://ethical.travel/ivisit-countries-human-rights-violated/" target="_blank">The Ethical Travel Guide</a>.</p> <p><em>“In the face of an ethical dilemma, it is better to contribute to the solution rather than turn your back on the problem. All cases need to be considered for their individual set of circumstances, but at World Expeditions we will always think of how we can assist in finding a solution.  While we do choose to boycott businesses whose practices do not adhere to our Responsible Travel code of conduct, we would look to find ways to support those individuals trying to do the right thing.</em></p> <p><em>"<span>In short, we believe that travel and tourism can make the world a better place. Our goal is to support ethical operators and practices across our entire product range to ensure our travelers are doing just that.</span>” </em>– Sarah Hunt, marketing manager for <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">World Expeditions</a>.</p> <h2 id="wn">Where does World Nomads stand?</h2> <p>We believe travel has the power to change lives and challenge mindsets. Making local connections and sharing experiences and ideologies not only breeds understanding but also broadens perspectives and breaks down barriers. We see this as the ultimate purpose of travel.</p> <p>As World Nomads, we feel that there is a greater positive impact to be made by traveling, than staying at home and avoiding the world’s problems. By going, spending travel dollars locally, choosing experiences responsibly and engaging in meaningful dialogue with others, we believe that travelers can be incredible ambassadors for change.</p> <p>That is not to say that we condone putting yourself at risk (obviously, we’re a travel insurance company). We do not encourage you to travel if the circumstances are unsafe – or to take part in activities that will land you in trouble. Always make sure you are informed and up-to-date on the latest developments and heed “do not travel” warnings.</p> <p>In the end, the choice is yours – you are the only one who can set your own moral compass. We only ask that when you decide, you do so from a position of knowledge, awareness and sensitivity.</p> <h3>What’s your stance, do you boycott or not? We’d love to know your thoughts.</h3>Brian Rapsey 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/trailblazing-education-through-tourism-in-sapa-vietnamTravel to Sapa, Vietnam to meet Shu Tan, the founder of Sapa O’Chau, a local enterprise that organizes authentic and responsible treks and homestays. 2019-04-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/people/trailblazing-education-through-tourism-in-sapa-vietnamhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><em>“Sapa is a very special place, It kind of feels like a gateway into a different World.”</em> – Tom, Volunteer Teacher for <a href="http://sapaochau.org/">Sapa O'Chau</a></p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/vietnam/sapa-vietnam-brian-rapsey.jpg" /> <figcaption>Trekking through the hills of Sapa. Photo credit: Brian Rapsey</figcaption></figure> <p>The hills of Sapa, in the far north of Vietnam, are spectacular, and draw travelers from around the world. They are also the home of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho people. They are known for having maintained a large part of their traditional, agriculture-based lifestyle, their distinctive clothing, marriage and funerary practises, and for making exquisite handicrafts.</p> <p>Their hand embroidered clothing – distinctive for each group – can best be appreciated by visiting one of their <a href="/make-a-difference/responsible-travel/people/living-with-the-locals-through-community-based-tourism">homestays</a>, where you can eat, joke, and sit with the women as they stitch by the lights of their headlamps.</p> <p>There has been an explosion of tourism in Sapa over recent years. When you arrive in Sapa Town, the staging post for treks and adventures into the surrounding countryside, you'll notice the construction going on. The skyline of mountains and hills is punctuated by luxury hotels and half-built accommodation. The sheer scale of development and the influx of tourists has made many of the local communities feel exposed and vulnerable.</p> <p>For the <a href="/create/scholarships/film/" target="_blank">2016 Travel Film Scholarship</a>, World Nomads made a film with Sapa O’Chau, the first international and not-for-profit tour operator, founded and run by a woman (Shu Tan) from the Black Hmong minority.</p> <p>Shu Tan has created an exemplary social enterprise, that brings travelers into these wonderful communities on terms that benefit local people. This includes an education program for their young people to train them as tour guides, with excellent social skills and English speaking ability.</p> <p>Many of the Sapa O’Chau’s volunteer teachers are travelers – from overseas as well as Vietnam – who return out of love, and the opportunity to be part of the generous community.</p> <p>Watch Josh Brown’s scholarship film (and read more about <a href="/create/scholarships/film/2016/joshua-brown">his experience</a>) to see how the dream of Shu Tan came together, bringing travelers into the spectacular landscape to participate with locals, and communities – <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/sustainable-travel-tips-for-vietnam">in a sustainable way</a>.</p>Brian Rapsey 0