Burma cultural holiday, Yangon to Mrauk U
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures.
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
1% of our trip revenue across all bookings per year is allocated to our 'Sustainable Projects Fund'. We allocate funds from this to a variety of projects. We are currently researching worthwhile beneficiaries in Burma for 2012, to reflect our approach already in place in Mongolia where we support a kindergarten in Bayan-Ulgii, an organic vegetable garden in Bulgan, the Itgel Foundation in Northern Mongolia, and Gobi oasis Tree Planting Project, among others.
In terms of the National Parks, we always ensure we visit research project headquarters and info centres at entrances to national parks to a) ensure our clients gain understanding of local environment and b) maximise possibility of guests interest and involvement (perhaps financially through donations, purchase of local crafts etc.) in supporting the work carried out by these organisations.
Waste is handled by ensuring minimal packaging/plastics on board, and that any recyclable waste is disposed of at recycle points en route.
In our office we use recycled paper for printing, double-side print for multiple sheets, and we re-use scrap paper for non-official day-to-day internal printing. We also recycle all paper at the end of it's office use. Other environmental considerations include using bio-degradable washing liquid in the kitchen, not leaving electronic office equipment on/on standby overnight, avoid printing/sending documents and itineraries to clients and instead use e-mail or have things accessible on website.
Community
This trip, and all trips, benefit local communities in the following ways: wherever possible we source local drivers and guides (ahead of considering staff from abroad - which we only consider on specialised trips); we would try and give business to locals, whether this is purchasing drinks and food, arts and crafts or rental of horsess etc. from them instead of from larger centralised organisations and hotels which may have links to the miltary regime. We also ensure that we give business to local shops, cafes and markets on any itinerary. We also include visits to local families, schools, and orphanages - to enable visitors and locals to interact together, and to facilitate much-needed understanding, education and support - emotionally and financially through our guests' much appreciated donations.
We avoid, where possible, hotels and organisations with links to the military regime.
All our staff receive valuable training to educate them in responsible tourism practices. We also carry an ‘Onboard Manual’ on all trips which gives valuable information to staff and guests about our responsibilities as travellers and provides useful insights on integrating positively with local community life.
1of4
