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Environment
Through all the debate over the relative environmental merits of different forms of transport, it is generally accepted that rail travel is a lower carbon option than flying. Conscious of our impact on the environment, this rail tour only uses one internal flight on its extensive journey. Furthermore, by opting to travel on public trains we are drastically reducing the reliance on privately chartered transport within our tour. All travel has impacts. We are confident this tour keeps those to a minimum.
Rail travel is also a great way to mix with local people and get up close with the local way of life. You could even try a few words of the local lingo!
Community
By using local guides at most locations we get a great insight into local history, customs and culture; anything from learning about the education system, to making sure we don’t fall foul of any taboos! Employing local people is consistent with our policy of generating economic benefits in the areas we travel to. This we also do by shopping in local markets, not just the government emporia, and using a variety of local restaurants, and it is a pleasure to support these small businesses.
Throughout the tour we try to get a feel for traditional life in the region in we are travelling in. In Beijing we catch a glimpse of life in the old city on a tour of the ‘hutongs’ by rickshaw, whilst in Xian we can explore the quaint Muslim Quarter on foot. In Xiahe we make an excursion to the village of Sangke to experience village life and explore the fabulous Labrang Monastery where we can learn about the Buddhist traditions which colour all of life in this area. We always aim to foster positive interaction with local people and our tour leaders and local guides are great facilitators in this regard.
As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost.
This small group operator is just celebrating its 30th year and was originally set up to enrich people’s lives through adventure travel. The directors have roots in overland trucking and are determined to keep a pioneering spirit alive. They believe what sets them apart is the strong relationships they’ve developed with local suppliers and tour guides over the years. A tour leader who thinks creatively can turn a good experience into a fantastic one and open up a place so that travellers gain insight into a completely different way of life. They operate in many different countries and try to avoid a blanket approach – their aim is to get customers involved in the projects they visit and to forge lifelong friendships.
Listen to the podcast below:
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
