Moldova short break

Planet

We work with a small local agent in Chisinau to ensure we have the best local knowledge and are supporting small businesses. During our walks we ensure that we leave no trace as we take all rubbish away with us and follow set walking paths. When we stop for a bite to eat we dine in locally owned restaurants where local produce is used, this also ensures money is kept in the local communities we visit.

We travel on a small minibus during this trip, and minimise journeys by exploring the cities on foot.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

On this trip we take the opportunity to spend time in Trans Dneister, a breakaway state formed when the USSR broke up yet the residents remained loyal to the Soviet Union. The residents speak Russian, have their own currency and military but are not officially recognised as a country. During our visit we have dinner with a local family and get to learn more about their lives in this unique state. As well as chatting to this wonderful family we are treated to delicious homemade food, much of it grown in their garden and everything is sourced locally at the village market.

Few tourist visit this region so each time we stop for a coffee, or buy a postcard from Tiraspol's post office we are helping the economy of this little known destination.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.