ethical travel.

I choose places to visit where our visit benefits the local communities, and where tourists are welcomed with open arms. And I travel with vendors who abide by ethical values and sustainable travel practices.

Period. 

My vendors' tours are built on mutually respectful and meaningful relationships with local communities around the world. Here is just a sampling of some of what they are/do:

• They have certification in and comply with the Friends' International ChildSafe policy; global child welfare must be protected.

• They work with experts from World Animal Protection, The Jane Goodall Institute and the World Cetacean Alliance to draw up a robust policy that builds on the ABTA Global Welfare Guidelines for Animals in Tourism; animals featured on tours are treated humanely.

• For every traveler, they re-wild 100 square meters in Europe.

• They offer disaster relief in times of crisis.

• They visit, contribute to and support community-owned cooperatives and local enterprises.

• They actively protect human rights, and have the highest standards of welfare for their local guides and porters, which includes paying them a living wage.

• They avoid contrived cultural experiences that are disrespectful; actively preserving the cultural and traditional heritage, while ensuring that tourism supports the rights and well-being of the people they visit.

• They work with local communities in protecting the environment.

• They've established and support a range of grassroots initiatives in most of the places they visit.

When you travel thoughtfully with ethical tour companies, the world becomes a better place.