Sustainable travel is an essential concept that encourages conscientious tourism that minimizes its impact on local communities and the environment, preserves the culture and heritage of a place, and maximizes the benefits for everyone involved. If you are a traveler, you can help promote sustainable travel by following some simple tips.

Our practice is to choose a responsible tour operator or lodging that values sustainability and environmental responsibility. Support local businesses and economies by buying local products and services and utilizing public transportation or walking.

Reduce your carbon footprint by packing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag, and limiting your use of plastic. You can also reduce waste by selecting eco-lodging that recycles and composts.

Support conservation efforts by visiting national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Ensure that your experience does not interfere with the animals’ natural behavior and habitats, such as not disturbing coral reefs or disturbing endangered species.

Sustainable travel requires a conscious effort, but its long-term benefits make it a worthwhile and rewarding way to explore our world.

WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

For Thorne Travel, it’s about caring for the world we live in and respecting the people, places and animals we may encounter during our travels.

• Comply with all applicable international and local laws and regulations.
• Minimise the negative impact on the environment.
• Comply with animal welfare standards outlined in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and in ABTA’s Animal Welfare Minimum Requirement.
• Do not discriminate against employees.
• There should be no form of forced labour or violation of human rights.
• Wages must meet or exceed legal minimum and/or industry standards, with no illegal or unauthorised deductions from wages.
• Working hours of employees must be in line with the legal requirements and/or industry requirements.
• Do not allow or tolerate any child prostitution at premises and facilities.
• Actively purchase locally-produced goods in preference to imported ones wherever reasonably possible.

THORNE TRAVEL RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL TIPS

Here are a few easy, simple tips to help become a responsible traveller.

• Book the most direct route possible. Most flight carbon emissions are emitted during take-off and landing. We will offer this to you as our first option.
• Take a reusable cotton bag with you, which you can take to local markets. This will help tackle plastic waste – and you can use it for the beach, too. We also recommend taking a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Avoid straws as these destroy wildlife and have a most impact on turtles.
• Dress appropriately in places of worship and remove your sunglasses when talking to people, as this is often considered bad karma around the world . A sarong should be packed as an essential as it can be used in various ways to ensure you do not offend.
• Learn about local customs, traditions and a few words of the local language before you travel. This can also save you some money as locals respect you for taking the time and will help in your bartering.
• Always ask before taking photos of others and avoid having your photo taken with any animals used as photo props, as this encourages captivity.
• Remove and recycle excess packaging before you pack your suitcase to avoid simply throwing it in the bin while on holiday. This will allow you to use your local recycling facilities.
• Support eco-friendly initiatives during your stay, such as reusing towels and turning off the air-conditioning and lights when you’re not in the room.
• Make sure you’re buying locally-made souvenirs rather than mass-produced items that have been imported. Avoid items made from endangered animals or ivory and never take away ‘natural’ souvenirs you find, such as shells from the beach.
• Eat in local restaurants and choose locally-branded drinks rather than imported big named brands.
• It often feels tough, but try to avoid giving money to beggars. If a beggar earns more than someone who works for a living, this can boost the practice and cause economic problems. We would also discourage giving money to children, as this may encourage parents to stop sending their children to school.

There are a thousand things you can do to be a responsible traveller, why not ask us at Thorne Travel.