Below are some of our travel articles covering-
our campaigns
responsibletravel.com
issues in responsible tourism
general travel
volunteering
family travel
reviews
accommodation
community
wildlife
How responsible are cruise liners?
The cruise industry has been ignoring its responsibilities in local destinations for too long. Here, we examine the evidence clearly showing cruising as the bad boys of travel.
Is it ethical to travel to Burma?
Tourism to Burma (or Myanmar) has however been widely linked to human rights abuse, and the country's pro-democracy leader and Nobel prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi has asked tourists to stay away - a boycott that has been supported by the international community.
Responsible travel and responsible tourism
Responsible travel is a new way of travelling for those who've had enough of mass tourism. It's about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment – but it's about far more than that.
What makes our holidays better?
We are often asked how ‘responsible’ holidays stand apart from normal holidays. Well, in a nutshell, these are more authentic holidays that offer experiences that - contrary to the sometimes artificial confinements of mass tourism - respectfully explore the natural environment and local culture of a destination.
Q & A with co-founder of responsibletravel.com, Justin Francis
Every day we're delighted to get phone calls and emails from newspapers and magazines keen to find out more about responsibletravel.com. We find that some questions come up a lot more frequently than others so we thought we'd publish the answers here for everyone to read our responses in a Q & A with Justin Francis.
Supporting local businesses: How your holidays help
Here’s a chance to see the other side of responsible holidays. We have asked some of our operators what responsibletravel.com membership has meant to their business.
An unusual Wednesday for the responsibletravel.com team
It’s not everyday that you find a group of account managers, customer service advisors, project managers, web editors and company directors out of the office, covered in mud and digging holes in the Sussex countryside.
A day at Lewes Local Nature Reserve in the rain
We at responsibletravel.com tend to talk a lot about what travellers can do to benefit their travel destination and we like to offer advice on the best way to minimise impacts and how to support conservation projects. But we’re not all talk and last week we braved the rain to stop talking and take some action...
Making Waves
Each week the the Daily Telegraph choose a company they feel is making serious waves in the business world for their Disrupter’s column. Last week it was our turn, and here is what they had to say...
Green or Greenwash?
We've always tried to be open and transparent about the way we work at responsibletravel.com, welcoming and encouraging your comments and reviews to help us improve, provide you with a better service and promote responsible tourism throughout the travel industry. Last week, however, we had a call from The Observer newspaper - not looking for last minute responsibletravel.com holidays for their travel pages or for our comment on the latest carbon offset scheme but to defend ourselves against accusations of greenwashing...
Look behind the brochure
Here at responsibletravel.com we pride ourselves on being a bit different and not just because we have worms living in our office (we have a wormery to compost our tea bags and apple cores). We also think our trips are a bit different too and to make sure that everyone knows about it, each trip has a making a difference section on the page.
Reasons not to have a global sustainable tourism accreditation scheme
At first thought a global scheme might seem like a good idea but such a scheme could actually be detrimental. What are your thoughts? Have your say!
Ultimate ice-breakers – the future of tourism in the polar regions
We ask if we should be travelling to the polar regions, or if these fragile areas should be left pristine.
Road to Everestland: a road to disaster?
China’s plans to build a road to the Everest slopes to open the area up to tourism, despite fears that Everest is already overcrowded, has caused controversy around the world.
Pro-poor tourism: supporting the Masai Mara
Tourism can be a force for positive change in the developing world, but all too often the negative impacts on communities far outweigh the positive. Yet if community tourism enterprises can be linked into the formal supply chain in a responsible way, the benefits can be truly life transforming.
Should all inclusive holidays be banned?
Saint or sinner? Do all inclusive holidays provide a much needed break for millions of families on a tight budget and employment for local people - or deny local communities a fair share of tourism revenues? Was the Gambia right to attempt to ban all inclusive holidays?
The responsible tourism movement
With the increased awareness of the (good and bad) effects tourism can have on our planet, the ‘responsible travel’ movement is gathering pace around the world too. Since our launch 6 years ago, those of us have argued that tourism needs to be re-invented for the long term benefit of everyone; local people, the environment, tourists, and not least the tourism industry itself have gathered momentum.
Think all you leave is tracks on the snow?
What could be more sustainable than skiing? All you leave behind is tracks in the snow - right? At first glance skiing might appear highly sustainable, but in fact there are some very significant environmental and cultural impacts.
Saving the Snow
Mark Lynas suggests how you can do your bit to ensure that you can have your snow and ski on it too.
Melting Away
With ski season becoming shorter and less predictable and glaciers in retreat, it seems that global warming has already begun to affect winter tourism. Mark Lynas reports on a shrinking industry.
Kilimanjaro porters need better care
Those who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro know that the porters are the heart and soul of your trek. Without their hard work and strength we would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of Kili. But the truth is porters are often impoverished Tanzanians who depend on this labor-intensive employment in order to feed themselves and their families.
Mountain porters and guides
Its tempting to think of your porters or guides as heroic individuals who trek up Kilimanjaro or to Everest Base Camp carrying two packs, while wearing flip flops and cast off sweaters with no discomfort. Whilst many porters and guides do have indeed have incredible strength and stamina, it is fair or responsible for tourists and tour companies to take advantage of often impoverished local people in this way?
What price authenticity?
Authenticity is the latest buzzword in tourism. Fed up with mock European resorts; increasingly embarrassed by theatrical performances staged especially for tourists; and curious about different cultures and ways of life tourists want 'real' and authentic experiences – and they are prepared to pay for it.
When cultures collide
Few of us enjoy the feeling of sticking out like a sore thumb when we are on holiday. We giggle about the strange habits of overseas tourists here in the UK, but maybe it’s them laughing at us when we are away on holiday?
Leave only bubbles
It’s a privilege to be able to enter and experience the magical underwater world. However coral reefs around the world are under extreme threat, and if we want to ensure that our kids can enjoy the same wonderful experiences then we need to dive responsibly.
Can tourism save the Great Barrier Reef?
This year coral bleaching has once again returned to the Great Barrier Reef and scientists are concerned that this is the warning that signals the demise of our glorious natural wonder.
The Future for Responsible Tourism in the Galapagos Islands
Tourism in the Galapagos must continue as it is an educational and inspiring place to visit. The important thing will be to manage tourism in order to ensure that the environment is not damaged and that local people benefit from the income that is generated.
Why is it only bad news that makes the headlines?
We are all aware of the influence the media can have in shaping our views of the world, and we ask do the media have a responsibility to the local people as well as their readers?
The 10 myths about responsible travelling
Many people perceive responsible travel to be about paying a lot of money to stay in a mud hut on a deserted island somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Here we take some of the common myths about responsible travel and expose the truth!
Binoculars or beer: a tale of two tourists
Justin Francis argues for authentic experiences while Jeremy Skidmore defends package tours.
Respecting cultures: When to protest & when to keep quiet
Many people always cite ‘respecting local cultures and traditions’ as part of the responsible tourism mantra but when these cultures and traditions vastly contrast with your beliefs and even infringe on human rights should you still respect them?
Help right tourism wrongs in Kenya
...The Endorois are indigenous pastoralists, people who earn their livelihood through the rearing of livestock. They were evicted from their ancestral lands to make way for the Reserve...Minority Rights Group’s Trouble in Paradise Campaign is aimed at helping the Endorois get redress for the loss of their lands.
How green is your spa?
Going 'green' is one of the latest buzzwords in the tourism industry and is just as often heard when visiting a spa. Keen to jump on the green band wagon, many spas claim to not only promote health and wellbeing but also to be 'sustainable' and 'natural'.
How to check your sports holiday is responsible
When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments, and this is no different when going on a sports holiday.
The Coral Code: Guidelines for responsible diving & snorkelling
Our friends at Coral Cay Conservation have put together the following tips and guidelines to help travellers be more responsible divers. By taking these simple steps when visiting areas with coral reefs, you are helping protect the health of coral reefs and the marine life that depend on them for survival.
Responsible surfing
In a recent article in The Times ‘Green and Confused’ section, surfers have been accused of being ‘a restless bunch’ that fly all over the world emitting huge amounts of greenhouse gases. Here are some hints and pointers about what you can do as an eco-surfer to put your mind at ease.
Stay with Count in Transylvania
It was 1987. Ceausescu and his Securitate still had Romania in their clutches; in fact most Romanians at that time probably could not remember life to ever have been different from what it was then.
Deeper Travel
There is something romantic about the traveller. Whether it's the bleached blond surfer or the retired couple travelling in France, the traveller belongs, and ebbs and flows with the rhythm of a place. They are enriched by a journey of discovery.
Visiting tribal cultures
Visiting tribal people has never been more popular. Proud and extravagantly decorated men and women that once only stared out at us from coffee table books, glossy magazines and TV documentaries and now accessible to intrepid travellers and tour companies.
Why wilderness is the new luxury
Tourists seeking to experience some of the world's last wilderness areas are prepared to pay for the privilege of eco-chic lodges and resorts - but wilderness conservation also comes at a price.
Is it time to find your Shangri-La?
Perched on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, the landlocked Kingdom of Nepal is as ethnically diverse as it is naturally. With its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and the highest mountain peaks in the world, Nepal has long exerted a pull on travellers’ imaginations.
Planning a trip but don’t know where to start?
Do you feel daunted by the prospect of planning your next holiday - overloaded with information, destinations and glossy images? We have compiled a few simple steps to guide you and help you find out what is the right trip for you.
The rise of specialist tour operators
As the ‘Big 4’ of tour operators are now down to 3, are we witnessing a further decline of mass tourism and the rise of specialist tour operators?
Disabled travelling
Holidays From a Chair - A Different Perspective by Trevor Herdman.
Child sex tourism
The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (the Code) is a project joining the tourism private sector and the children's rights non-governmental organization ECPAT, aiming to prevent sexual exploitation of children at tourism destinations.
Independent travel in Australia
Australia is the independent traveller’s playground, and to highlight our new independent travel section on responsibletravel.com, we have put together a Queensland itinerary as an example of the sort of thing you can do when travelling independently in Australia...
Honeymoons with a heart
If you're thinking about weddings you're probably also dreaming about honeymoons, in which case responsibletravel.com can help you out.
See Wolves, Bison and Lynx in Poland
Pass through the heavy oaken gate into the Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) in Poland's Bialowieza Forest National Park and you step back in time. This is a forest such as you have never seen before, a true fairy tale forest, the Wildwood of 7,000 years ago.
At Home in the Antarctic
Deep in the Southern Ocean, windswept and craggy, lie the Sub Antarctic Islands. A grouping of tiny outcrops doing little to stop the howling gales and tempestuous seas which characterise this part of the globe, the islands are one of the least visited and most under-rated destinations in the world.
Alternatives to the big icons
You may have always dreamt of, or are planning visiting one of the world’s major icons, but chances are you won’t be the only person there admiring it. However there is no need to beat or brave the crowds if you choose an alternative approach.
Why not think about holidaying in the UK?
With the increased concern about flying, UK holidays are enjoying somewhat of a comeback. Having come a long way since the Victorian era when people first started holidaying, there is now a lot more to a holiday in the British Isles than Butlins and building sand castles at Skegness.
Responsible Tourism in Finnish Lapland
“So what's your stance on the environmental impact of tourists driving snowmobiles Timmo?” The question was asked by a British journalist at midnight whilst sitting in a traditional Lappish kota or teepee on top of Olos Fell in North West Finnish Lapland. I've always felt quite privileged to have been there to hear the answer because it highlighted just how important tourism has become in remote corners of the globe.
Amazing experiences that do not cost the earth
One of the greatest misconceptions we face is that responsible travel is expensive, but it truly doesn’t have to be. The key to responsible tourism is in providing authentic holiday experiences that bring you closer to the local people and environment of your chosen destination.
Around the world in 18 beaches
Despite the ever increasing range and accessibility of holidays and experiences on offer the beach holiday is still a classic and one of our most popular choices for getting away from it all.
Come walkabout in Australia
Say the word "Australia" and the mind conjures up images of a distant paradise with vibrant cities, vast gleaming coastlines and the rich red earth of the mythical outback. You won’t find any run-of-the-mill holidays here. We’ve picked out some of our favourite responsible holidays to show you what we mean...
Break your Fall!
Are you already balking at the idea of soggy socks and cold, dark evenings? There’s nothing like a good festival to lift your spirits. Here’s a selection of our favourite celebrations coming up this season, and some tantalising trips to complement them...
Destinations away from the crowds
Have you ever gone abroad on holiday to escape the same four walls of your office to find that despite being on the other side of the world all you hear are English accents? Here at responsibletravel.com we believe that holidays should be about getting away from it all, seeing the sites, enjoying the peace and quiet and certainly not being surrounded by English tourists and ex pats running chip shops.
Follow in the footsteps of Bruce Parry, Amazon adventure
Bruce Parry continued his adventure travelling the length of the Amazon on BBC2 last night providing a fascinating and hair-raising insight into the diverse array of peoples and cultures living on the banks of the world’s largest river. For those itching to follow in Parry's footsteps and see the wonders of the Amazon without harming its fragile environment, we have some unforgettable Amazon holidays to suit all tastes and budgets.
Celebrating the Christmas season around the world
We all know that Christmas is a time for family, for good food, and most of all for traditions, whether they be decorating a Christmas tree or listening to your great Aunt snoring through the Queen’s Speech! But traditions and festivities are as varied as the places and people who celebrate them.
Credit crunch beating top holiday tips
We all know we should be a little more careful with the pennies at the moment, but the good news is you won’t need to sacrifice your holiday! Here are our top tips for booking your holiday next year...
Crunch busting European deals!
Despite the fluctuating exchange rate and tightening of purse-strings all round, Europe still may not be as expensive as you think this year. With more operators than ever putting on great offers to entice customers back to some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations there is plenty of reason to shop around and take advantage of some truly crunch-busting deals.
Fiji... Paradise found
The island nation of Fiji is a stunning archipelago of 333 islands scattered across the south pacific like green jewels in a crystal blue sea. Fiji's islands are made up of volcanic mountains covered with tropical jungle, pearly white palm-fringed beaches and soft coral waters making it an ideal setting for all kinds of holidays, form the purely relaxing to activity-filled discovery.
Finland Summer holidays
If escaping the July hordes and reconnecting with the last true wilderness in a land of magical landscapes sounds like your cup of tea, Finland can offer all that and more.
Holidays by train
Why travel by train? Going on a railway journey can be one of the best ways to travel across a vast area on holiday. Railway journeys are not only an environmentally responsible way of travelling, but the Great rail journeys also allow you to travel across several countries and experience many cultures.
Holistic holidays hit a high in hard times
If you're seeking a little serenity and calm then a holistic holiday could be just what the doctor ordered.
Celebrating inspirational women: How travel can empower and liberate us all
In today’s modern society, feminism is rather passé. We’re still striving for equal pay in this country and many charities and NGO’s are working towards equal rights (and basic human rights) abroad. At responsibletravel.com we continue to remember Anita Roddick - not only as a great business woman and humanitarian but as a great female role model.
Tips on summitting Kili from our travellers
Climbing Kili is a once-in-a-lifetime challenge and the best way to find out what it's really like is to talk to those who've been. Here we've gathered our favourite quotes from all the Kilimanjaro reviews we've received...
Our advice on beating the credit crunch
With all this doom and gloom about credit crunches and market meltdowns, a relaxing get-away may feel like it’s become more appealing and less accessible all in one go. But tightening the purse strings doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your holiday.
Our romantic holiday choices
Want to book a romantic weekend away or journey round the world with your partner but don't know where to go? Aparently we at responsibletravel.com are a romantic lot so we've put together a collection of our favourite romantic hideaways and adventures to inspire you...
Paradise islands off the beaten track
Finding your paradise island off the beaten track… There are many well-known islands which have been luring travellers for a long time, however, the vast majority of the world’s islands remains relatively unexplored. Some of these undiscovered paradise islands could be beckoning for your next holiday to an island retreat…
Pedal power - the rise of the cycling holiday
This year it seems that more people than ever are thinking ‘green’ about their holidays and opting to travel by bike in their chosen destination. At responsibletravel.com we’ve seen an incredible 86% increase in the number of people looking for cycling holidays this year. And with over 200 fantastic cycling holidays to choose from it’s easy to see why.
Responsibletravel.com tours the Caribbean
The Caribbean is famous the world over for its picture perfect white sand beaches and the laid back lifestyles of its people. Made up of more than 7000 islands, islets, reefs and cays and with spectacular diving, mouth-watering cuisine and a truly tropical climate, it is one of the planet’s most popular tourist destinations.
Be inspired by these reviews from our travellers
Your voices have been heard! With 3600 reviews so far and counting, it’s your views that have helped thousands of other travellers to choose their next trip. Here are some of our top reviewed holidays and what other responsible travellers have had to say about them…
Romance, weddings & honeymoons with a heart
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner surely there’s no better time for us to launch our new wedding gift list service.
Sailing the high seas
Stepping off the mainland onto a boat and putting yourself in the hands of the wind and the waves is the very essence of adventure and freedom. The high seas have carried their fair share of great explorers, traders, pirates and romancing lovers, all with magical tales to tell and just as exciting are the voyages open to responsible travellers!
Small group holidays
For solo travellers or family adventurers, small group holidays are an excellent way to see any country. We sent Jerrine, one of our helpdesk experts, on a group adventure in India to see first hand what a group holiday is all about.
Romance in paradise
Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or think that romance in paradise shouldn’t just be the reserve of newly weds you’ll be spoilt for choice with our pick of dreamy destinations.
The great summer outdoors
With midsummer passing by and the unpredictable British weather looming over us, there is no better time to be planning how best to spend the remaining summer months.
The new age of the train
Unless it’s a trip to Paris on the Eurostar, most people don’t give train travel much of a thought when planning their holiday, but it’s definitely worth looking into...
Escape the 9 to 5 and try something new
Everywhere you look there is a list of things to do before you die; all the books and magazines tell you that these are things that you must do and experience to make your life complete. But here at responsibletravel.com we appreciate that everyone is different, everyone has a different budget and everyone has a different idea of what an adventure is. So instead of boring you with another list of things we think you should do, we’ve selected a few of our favourite adventures from the extreme to the serine to share with you.
Searching for love on distant shores - our survey results
You heard it here first – going on holiday could be better than any dating site when it comes to finding your long term partner. According to a straw poll conducted in our latest newsletter, 17% of you met your current partner whilst on holiday (and 6% hope to in the future)! We agree that there’s definitely something romantic about travelling...
Walking - the best form of responsible holiday
Walking holidays by their very nature are low impact and allow you to experience the area at a pace not afforded by other types of holiday.
What to pack in your rucksack
Knowing what to take with you on holiday can be a little tricky. Aiming to travel light is a great plan but it’s very easy to get carried away and take everything but the kitchen sink. So we’ve had a think and come up with a selection of some of what we consider travel essentials to make it easier for you to pack for your next holiday.
Why wilderness is the new luxury
Luxury holidays are all the rage. Most people expect to stay in far better standard accommodation than that in which they live at home. On holiday we feel that we deserve the very best, and a special treat. However with 'luxury' being one of the most overused terms in marketing its getting harder to understand what luxury actually means.
A taste of volunteering, by Justin Francis
If you are interested in volunteering to work with communities in need, or in wildlife conservation, but are unable to take very long periods off work then there is a new type of trip – a taste of volunteering – that might be of interest for you.
Find the Gap: Great ideas for a responsible gap year
The 'gap year' has always been a fantastic opportunity for travel, discovery and making a difference and the chance to take time off and see the world is becoming increasingly popular for all age groups. So whether you're picking up your A-level results this week, looking for that big career break or simply want to get the most out of your two week's off there's bound to be a volunteering placement thats perfect for you.
What to look for in a responsible volunteering organisation
If you’re planning a volunteering trip, whether it’s a 3 month volunteer placement in a remote corner of the world or a weekend somewhere closer to home, it’s always good to know what to expect and the best way to do things. Our friends at people & places have helped us to write this guide on responsible volunteering.
Using your holiday to make a difference
Edward Abbey once said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul' but there is no longer any reason to look at the world's problems and feel helpless. If you like the idea of travelling with a purpose then the amazing range of volunteering holidays now available means that we’re confident that you’ll find a volunteering trip to suit you.
Baby on board
The thing that worried me most about becoming a dad (bulging nappies aside), was the thought of kissing those exotic long-haul holidays goodbye in favour of a nice day out at the local country park and visiting the grandparents – “yours or mine this weekend?”.
Adventuring with kids…You can do it
You've done a lot in your young life. You've backpacked through Europe, trekked in the Peruvian Andes, explored the Yucatán, and much more. Understandably, when you decide that it's time to have a family, fear and indecision strike intermittently as you wonder, "will I ever travel again?"
Booking a family resort
As the parents of young children planning your holiday inevitably means putting the kid's needs first and your own desires second. Increasingly nowadays, though, you'll find it needn't be that way. There are a swarm of hotels and resorts that offer something for every member of the family.
Camping with kids
It is a shame that once children arrive on the scene, plenty of once intrepid campers seem reluctant to venture far from home. Parents face a common dilemma. Whilst there is no doubt getting the kids outdoors can make for lifelong memories - the question is, will they be good memories?
Read the real experiences of trail blazing families
Are you worried about taking the family to distant continents for a really amazing adventure? Taking your family to far-flung destinations can be a daunting prospect, but whatever the make up of your family there are many who have blazed a trail before you.
Our guide to family holidays
Don’t stay at home just because you’ve got youngsters! Travelling with kids can be stressful, let alone ensuring they (and you!) enjoy themselves while on holiday, but don’t let this put you off planning a holiday for the entire family.
Top tips for family holidays
We have compiled our top ten tips on travelling with children, as well as helpful advice from other parents, to help you plan your family trip and make the most of travelling with your little ones.
Crunch busting European deals for families
Despite the fluctuating exchange rate and tightening of purse-strings all round, Europe may still be the perfect choice for your family holiday this year. With more operators than ever putting on great offers to entice families back to some of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations there is plenty of reason to shop around and take advantage of some truly crunch-busting deals.
Off the wall family holidays
Although a sand, sea and sun package might be just what you're after for this year's holiday, don't let having a family in tow deter you from going on a holiday with a difference.
Read the real experiences of trail blazing families
Are you worried about taking the family to distant continents for a really amazing adventure? Taking your family to far-flung destinations can be a daunting prospect, but whatever the make up of your family there are many who have blazed a trail before you.
Why is travel good for children?
A family holiday can be a great opportunity as a parent to kick back or rekindle your own sense of adventure, but there are several ways in which our kids can really benefit from a great family holiday too which shouldn't be overlooked.
The not so great white hunter
Laurens Van der Post, Willard Price and Wilbur Smith have a lot to answer for. As a small boy I read with great excitement about African adventures, and most of all about how tribal Africans - particularly the San (or bushmen) - could live at one with nature moving effortlessly through the bush only what they needed.
Walking with the Maasai
Removed from their land in 1974 to create the famous Masai Mara National Game Reserve the Maasai community are fighting back with innovative tourism ventures developed in partnership with responsible tourism businesses.
Sea kayaking in Scotland
My holiday was in the Outer Hebrides – a wonderful, awe inspiring and educational 7 days. The scenery was magnificent but one the most memorable experience for me was sharing it with five others that were just as impressed with both the location and history of the area as I was.
Iceland weekend adventure holiday
Last February I wanted a weekend with a difference. I wanted to experience a country I hadn't visited before, I wanted a new challenge, experience a new culture, and have fun! After reading about the Iceland weekend adventure holiday on the site I was sold.
Exploring Mercantour
Escape the hustle and bustle and take some time out in the Mercantour National Park, a delightfully secluded corner of France.
The Maldives by Electra Gillies
The first time I visited these enigmatic islands that stretch over the Indian Ocean I was nine years old.
Adrenaline bride
Where in the world does an adventure travel addict take his bride on honeymoon?
Trans-Siberian Railway
The Tran-Siberian Railway is the ultimate rail journey, the longest in the world, possibly the coldest if you go at the wrong time of year and the only journey that travels in two continents in a single journey, while staying in the same country.
Fragile mountains, by Tessa McGregor
Tessa McGregor joins an expedition to survey snow leopards and other animals in the mountains of the Altai Republic, Central Asia.
Winter sun in the Gambia
I had always wanted to visit the tropics and when we decided to catch some winter sun, the Gambia - being only a 6 hour flight from the UK - seemed the perfect choice.
Learning to dive in the red sea
My brother is a keen scuba diver, and has been urging me to learn for years, but as a nervous snorkeller (I hate the water flooding down and the feeling of claustrophobia!), it was never high on my priority list.
Dahab dive sites
Whether novice or pro, the Red Sea offers diving for all, and this, the second of my reports, gives you an idea of the dive sites around Dahab.
The human rights trail by Laureen Gillam
Saigon to Phnom Pemh: The human rights trail.
A Mercantour adventure
By Catherine Farrell, responsibletravel.com holiday winner.Responsibletravel.com offers every traveller who makes a booking through us the opportunity to enter our draw to win a holiday.
Flying colours in the rainforests of Trinidad and Tobago
Darlington Chance saunters towards us just before 7am. We are caught without time for breakfast as we hoped he would follow Tobagonian custom by arriving at least half an hour late. Darlington is Tobago's only Rastafarian guide.
Expedition to Expedition
Despite badly made tea and an un-useable gas stove, Shaun O'Dowd revels in a camping expedition to a remote Queensland national park.
Sailing the Labrador
We’re aboard the good ship, anchored snugly in in Shoal Bay on the south central coast of Labrador. The wind is blasting over the vessel at 50-55 knots and, much to my relief, the anchor is securely set. It is 4 pm and the clouds are speeding by close overhead.
Cowboy in training
My boyfriend’s experience of riding rested on a single hair-raising hour with a pair of feisty Arabs (horses) on a windswept Moroccan beach. So I was stunned when he volunteered for a 90km, 3-day trek in France – the annual transhumance from the mountains of the Mercantour National Park down to the coast.
Tanzania volunteering
My project was a renovation of Sinai Primary School, serving roughly 600 students in only 5 classrooms. The school was about 2 miles from town, so every morning my guide and I rode our bicycles down to the job site.
My tour to the Amazing Kingdom of Thailand
I had the best experience and most exciting tour in Thailand, which I will always live to remember, and greatly treasure. My first visit was to Bangkok – Capital City of Thailand.
Selenkay Conservancy, Amboseli, Kenya
Dan Stiles visits and evaluates the fortunes of a private wildlife conservation area in Kenya - Selenkay
Fitness holidays
My wild quest for super-fitness By Ian Belcher. A two-week work out in Kenya, can leave you sweating like John Prescott in a sauna.
Sri Lanka from the Inside
Our attention turned to Sri Lanka which seemed to offer an extraordinary variety of natural and manmade attractions in a small island.
Where shall we travel now? Adventures in Thailand and Laos
This was the dilemma that faced my boyfriend and me as we stood at the Bangkok Airways check in desk at the start of our two-week holiday in Thailand and Laos. Our flight to Luang Prabang had been cancelled due to heavy monsoonal rains and there were to be no more departures for at least the next two or three days.
Exploring Vietnam
The gentle rocking of our carriage came to a gradual stop as the long whistle of the train announced our arrival into Lao Cai. Peering out the window of our cozy berth, my traveling partner, Ramona, and I witnessed the deep pink of a dawning sky as the sun rose to burn off the morning mist.
Northern Exposure trip to India
My introduction to a nine day tour of North India felt like having my face held at the mouth of an exhaust pipe. Everything about Delhi is a shock to the system. The dirt, the noise the traffic – combined they make London seem a Suffolk village in comparison.
Tree climbing on the Isle of Wight
Watching as your parents dangle from a tree may not be everyone’s idea of fun for a Sunday afternoon but it is definitely one of the best things you can do on the Isle of Wight. We were, of course, tree climbing.
Surprising Morocco: holiday winners tell us about their trip
Claire & Sarah tell us about their holiday to Morocco that they won in our competition.
My magical Olkimitare school visit
It was a hot, still Kenyan afternoon and I was nearing the end of my trip on Exodus’ Classic Kenya Safari. The Kicheche Camp Manager Williams had arranged a driver to take us across the plains on the thirty minute journey to Aitong Village.
Top tips from fellow travellers
Every day we receive some extraordinary comments from people who have been on one of our holidays. It’s impossible to show them all, but we have decided to share some of the best tips with you.
India holiday competition winner, their story
Every month someone who has booked their holiday through responsibletravel.com is chosen as a winner of our Win a holiday competition. This month one of our lucky winners reports back from India , where they travelled with Intrepid travel, one of our members.
Restoration accommodation...the rest is history
One of the greenest ways to create a new hotel can be not to build one at all. Staying in a restored building can be a unique experience and in the process you will be helping to preserve the character and distinct culture associated with such buildings.
Cool Kenyan lodges
It has been said that Kenya is the Mzee, or respected old man, of ecotourism. However, too often local communities face the costs associated with preserving Kenya's majestic wildlife without seeing any of the benefits from the so called ecotourism on which it largely depends.
10 ways to tell if your eco-lodge is really an eco-lodge
'Eco' and 'eco-lodges' have become buzzwords used by both terrific organisations dedicated to conservation and benefitting local people, and those seeking to exploit its marketing potential for economic gain with little or no regard for destinations.
Agro tourism - a growing trend in the UK
At responsibletravel.com we’ve seen interest in UK farmstay holidays more than double in the past year which is great news for the carbon footprint as well as a sign that getting out and about in the beautiful British countryside is still one of our favourite pastimes.
What is community based tourism?
Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and economically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation.
Go on safari in Zambia & help support a communityy
Justin Francis from responsibletravel.com sets out to discover if it possible to enjoy one of the most authentic luxury bush camp safaris in Africa and to help reduce poverty at the same time.
Getting behind Community Based Tourism
responsibletravel.com and Conservation International have joined forces to promote a new type of tourism that is changing the way we travel.
Village India, a new concept in Indian tourism
A herd of buffalo wandered back from the fields, followed by women in brightly coloured saris, water gourds balanced on their elegant heads. Blue jays darted overhead as smoke rose from the cooking fires and aromatic smells filled the air.
Gaia Women
A group of local women formed a cooperative "Gaia" to prepare and sell traditional culinary specialties unique to this area. Today, their membership has increased to 40 women and their services have expanded throughout the region.
Community based tourism and Fair trade fashion
Justin Francis talks about what makes community based tourism so special and the parallels with the fair trade fashion world.
Watching wildlife the responsible way
The thrill of watching animals in the wild has gained widespread popularity, especially in the tourism industry. Our resident Zoologist Holly Foat looks at the impact this may have on wildlife and provides tips on how to watch wildlife the responsible way.
Can wildlife tourism help conserve our endangered species?
Wildlife watching holidays often focus on the iconic species such as whales, tigers and polar bears, many of which are often the most threatened. So can wildlife tourism help conserve our endangered species?
Animal welfare issues in tourism
Animal welfare is often overlooked, so here we’re going to take a look at how animal welfare should be considered by travellers and what Born Free, a UK based animal welfare charity, are doing to raise awareness of these issues.
Travellers tips for animal friendly holidays
When on holiday it’s important to consider the welfare of the animals and wildlife in the host country. Our friends at Born Free, an international wildlife charity working to prevent animal suffering and protect wildlife in the wild, have helped us to compile this list of tips to help you have an animal friendly holiday.
Which is the biggest killer, climate change or the hunters?
Polar bears are commonly used by the media to illustrate the effect of climate change in polar regions but we ask is the biggest threat to polar bears really climate change or the hunters?
Wildlife tourism in Kenya
The civil unrest in Kenya at the beginning of 2008 will undoubtedly have had a severe impact on tourism to the country. This will have been a major blow for the countries economy but also for the countries wildlife. Our friends at the Born Free Foundation tell us why…
About to go on holiday? Think twice about your souvenirs
If you’re about to go away for your holidays soon and you think you will probably come home with a few souvenirs then read on. Our friends at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have told us why it’s so important that you should think twice about what you bring home with you.
Risks in animal interaction
Our friends at the Born Free foundation are concerned with the welfare of these animals and also with the welfare of the tourists which is why they have helped us give you this information about the risks involved with interacting with animals and what you can do to help.
Animal welfare issues at rodeos and stampedes
Rodeos and stampedes are often major tourist attractions but the welfare of the animals involved can often be at risk. Our friends at the Vancouver Humane Society have helped us put together some information about rodeo events.
Turtles and tourism
They may have outlived the mass-extinction of dinosaurs, but sea turtles face a new threat: tourism.
The beaches of Crete – a Greek tragedy
Few tourists to Crete realise that when they book their package to a beach resort, they may be supporting one of the major contributing factors to the demise of the Mediterranean Loggerhead sea turtle, which has its major nesting areas in the world on Greece’s beaches.
Our monthly guide to watching wildlife
From watching penguins to tracking bears, the wonderful world of wildlife offers something to inspire us all year round. You don’t need to be an enthusiast to be able to enjoy a wildlife holiday, and there are often plenty of opportunities for exploring the local culture, relaxing and meeting new friends.
Swimming with dolphins – the experience of a lifetime?
For many people swimming with dolphins is a lifelong ambition and dream, but does fulfilling this dream come at too high a price?
Swimming with Sharks
There is an increasing trend among adrenaline junkies and wildlife enthusiasts to swim with the ultimate predator. But is cage diving with sharks an ethical way to see one of the world’s protected species?
Breakfast With The Birds
Andy struts arrogantly across the restaurant floor, eyeballing numerous diners who have entered his domain before selecting a German couple in the corner.
Think Twice: If the buying stops, the killing will too!
Millions of people fly out of the UK each summer in search of sun and relaxation. And many thousands come home with illegal souvenirs made from animal parts - often with no idea that they have done anything wrong.
White Lions - Guardians of Africa’s Gold
The White Lions are South Africa's pride and joy, our living national treasure. Or so they should be. All over the African continent, from Egypt in the North to Bushmanland in the South, legends of the White Lions existence grace ancient oral traditions and cave paintings.
Bird watching in Sri Lanka
I had never previously given any thought to visiting this tropical island just off the south east coast of India. A quick look on the ‘net told me that there are over 400 bird species (26 endemic species, and over 70 endemic sub-species), (endemic meaning found nowhere else), a large range of mammals from elephants to leopard to mongoose and it is also described as a “global hot spot” for reptiles.
Top 10 wildlife experiences
We have hundreds of wildlife holidays for you to chose from whether you want to go on a bear watching holiday or a snow leopard tracking trip. But to help you find the perfect holiday for you we have picked our top ten wildlife watching experiences from around the world.
Whale watching & swimming with the amazing humpback whale
Whale watching is becoming increasingly popular and we believe it’s a great way to show that whales are a valuable asset to the tourism industry and should be protected. In this article, our friends at WhaleSwim Adventures share their thoughts and discuss the threats to humpback whales.
Looking for big cats in the Masai Mara, without Simon King
It was nearly six years ago that when I was asked what my ideal job would be and I replied ‘I’d love to work for the BBC on Big Cat Diary’. It wasn’t the best response considering I was in an interview for a telemarketing job, but last week, there I was, six years later in the Masai Mara watching a cheetah stalking a Thompson’s gazelle.
Animals to see before they die
Forget the credit crunch, its endangered animals that have received the most airtime this week in the responsibletravel.com office, thanks to the arrival of a copy of Bradt's '100 animals to see before they die'.
10 of the best wildlife experiences on the planet
Not much can come close to that feeling when you spot an animal in the wild, especially when you’re not expecting it: awe-inspiring, breathtaking and wonderful and always a moment you will never forget. So we’ve put together our top ten favourite wildlife watching holidays in various locations around the world, some in the very remote wilderness and some closer to home.
Ancient sea turtles threatened by development in Mexico
The Los Cabos area in Mexico is well known for its pristine shoreline and clear blue seas. It is also home to the last private preserve for the nesting beaches of endangered sea turtles, the San Cristobal Nature Preserve. However, since July last year the preserve has been under threat from a Sinaloa-based company...
Animal Olympics
With the Olympic Games just around the corner, we thought we’d join in with the Olympic spirit and acknowledge some of the top athletes of the animal kingdom.
Tiger spotting in India
Earlier in the year we sent Jerrine, one of our helpdesk experts, to India to soak up some of the sights, sounds and smells that this vast country has to offer. Here she recalls more about her Tiger spotting experiences and how tourism is aiding the conservation of this iconic creature.
