Ethical Travel Tips
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There are lots of things we can do to make our trips abroad meet ethical codes of travel.
Real Gap offers some ethical travel tips on how to do this.
 Take in-land journeys by train if it is safe and practical. You will see more of the country you are visiting and also reduce your carbon emissions to an eighth of that created by flying.
- Take fewer trips abroad but make them longer. Real Gap has numerous conservation and community projects where a long-term commitment makes a substantial difference. By taking fewer trips for longer periods you generate less pollution. It is the take off and landing part of a flight that creates the most carbon emissions.
- If you want to offset carbon emissions of a flight, support companies like Climate Care who calculate your emissions for you and can use the donation to fund community programmes such as cleaner burning stoves - see our Climate Care page.
- Find out about the history, politics and social issues of the country you are visiting: it will make your stay a richer experience and create dialogue with the people you are staying with.
- Develop a cultural awareness by learning basic hospitality words of the country which will be appreciated by your hosts; and always dress with sensitivity to the customs and traditions of the country you visit, particularly holy places.
- Respect the human rights of the people who may be working for you or with you during your stay and be aware of how they are being treated.
- Be aware of where the meat that you are eating may have come from. Don't encourage the illicit industry of poaching of endangered animals by eating their meat. Equally don't buy local products made from endangered animals, coral or plant.
- Conserve your water and energy intakes. These are very precious commodities in developing countries and tourists and travellers use far too much of them.
- Whenever you can, use public transport or go by bike. It will cut down on carbon emissions and pollution…and you will meet the real people of the country you are visiting by doing so.
- Go with a relaxed attitude to your host country's concept of time and pace. Learn to slip into their national frame of mind and to adopt a humble attitude, rather than a Western one of “calling the shots” to tasks and activities.
- Buy local products: always pay a fair price for the goods and seek out products and merchandise that support local community businesses.
Our range of ethical travel projects span the world.
 Ethical Travel in Africa
Ethical Travel in Asia
Ethical Travel in South America
Ethical Travel in Australia
Ethical Travel in Eastern Europe
Find out more about ethical travel
Ethical travel
What is ethical travel ?
How to travel ethically
Ethical travel advice
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