Global Citizenship: Social Responsibility
“Learn to do common things uncommonly well; we must always keep in mind that anything that helps full the dinner pail is valuable.”
― George Washington Carver
What does it mean to be a responsible traveler? It means much more than just traveling light, recycling plastic bottles or even reusing your hotel bath towels. Those things are great first steps but being a responsible traveler is a “heart action”.
Social responsibility has given a new dimension to tourism and people are indeed acting responsibly & changing the way they travel . A social responsible traveler has a heart for people. He/she ensures that negative social, economic and environmental impacts are minimized and that positive footprints that enhance economic benefits for local people and host communities are the only thing left behind.
Bottom line, a social responsible traveler is a global citizen and ambassador for humanity. Whenever you visit any new place be aware of the impact of your actions and reactions, choose social responsibility and contribute in a positive way.
How to Spot Ethical Animal Tourism in Southeast Asia
By Lola MéndezHelp stop animal cruelty in Southeast Asia by avoiding inhumane experiences with captive animals—we’ve got the details on ethical animal tourism in Southeast Asia. Read more
Asia Social Responsibility
Let Your Children Soar: Teach Your Kids Responsible Travel
By Ann-Marie CahillTravel is the greatest educator. It provides the greatest opportunity to open our minds and give practical application beyond anything we could ever learn in a classroom. However, it is a complete package. With great travel comes great responsibility… or something like that. As travel-loving parents, that responsibility includes teaching … Read more Read more
The World Family Travel Social Responsibility
Why I advocate for slow travel—and why you should, too
By Jessica BarrettTravel used to be slow. Granted, it was slow because there was no other way…Somewhere along the way, we got (very) lost. Read more
The World Insights Social Responsibility
Experiencing the Power of Children at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Experience the extraordinary stories of children who have made and are making a difference in this world at the Power of Children exhibit in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Read more
United States Family Travel Social Responsibility
Patagonia’s Indigenous Communities: 5 Cultural Experiences to Discover on an Expedition
In Patagonia, a sub-region of Chile and Argentina, there are many exciting cultural experiences to discover. However, wherever you go, responsible travel is what you should strive for. It is important to understand how your actions impact your destination. Let’s dive into a list of the indigenous communities you can … Read more Read more
Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility
The Women Making Tourism Powerful
By Lola MéndezCelebrate International Women’s Day by supporting women around the globe through unique tourism experiences that benefit women’s empowerment and travel with female-led groups. International Women’s Day is honored annually on March 8th to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and serves as a call to action … Read more Read more
The World Events & Festivals Social Responsibility
How Your Next Central Florida Burger or Latte Can Change the World
By Kirsten HarringtonIf you’re heading to the Orlando area, I’m sure you’ve given a lot of thought to your itinerary. You’ve probably booked a hotel, made theme park reservations, and maybe even though about which restaurants to visits. But did you know there are coffee shops and bistros in Central Florida where … Read more Read more
United States Food & Drink Social Responsibility
Meaningful Travel: When Your Trip Isn’t Just a Vacation
By Cara SieraOur trip could be labeled volunteering since the primary purpose of the trip was to serve. “Voluntourism” – tourist travel with a volunteering component – has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to make travel more meaningful and give back to the places visited. Read more
The World Volunteer Travel Social Responsibility
How to Make Your Trip More Eco-Friendly
By Ali JenningsMore and more of us are becoming aware of the impact our carbon footprint has on the globe and are already taking steps to limit this. Read more
The World Social Responsibility Sustainability
Discovering Traditional Arts in Thailand’s Golden Triangle
By Katie DundasThe Golden Triangle region of Northern Thailand sits at the intersection of three Southeast Asian countries along the Mekong and Ruak Rivers: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. A visit to this area is an incredible way to learn about the culture, history, and traditional arts of the region, which have been … Read more Read more
Asia History The Arts Social Responsibility
How Budapest’s Cafe Culture is Lifting Social Stigmas
By Tara TadlockHungary, and Budapest more specifically, was once known for its mistreatment of those with physical and intellectual disabilities. Read more
Europe Accessible Food & Drink Social Responsibility
Ayahuasca Tourism: The Commercialization of Culture
By Jessica BarrettUsed by Indigenous tribes in the Amazon for medicinal purposes for centuries, it’s only in the last 50 years or so that Westerners have come to learn about ayahuasca Read more
Central and South America Off the Beaten Path Events & Festivals Social Responsibility
Meet the Manatees of Crystal River, Florida
By Cara SieraThe Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge shelters solitary manatees year-round, but their numbers increase to around 600 individuals from mid-November through March, when they retreat to the Three Sisters and other natural hot springs as ocean temperatures drop. Read more
United States Experiences Social Responsibility
What to do about Racism and Bigotry as Travelers of Conscience and Culture
By Ian FitzpatrickWith everything taking place in the world from the coronavirus pandemic, global recession, and America’s racial reckoning, even a brief escape from these problems can be an elixir for the body, mind, spirit, and soul. Read more
United States Backpacking & Camping Insights Social Responsibility
Glacier National Park: A beautiful place with an ugly history
By Ali WundermanIt’s been a tough summer living right next to Glacier National Park. With international borders closed to U.S. travelers, Americans have set their sights on road tripping the national parks, especially in places of low population density, and by extension low COVID-19 cases. Read more
United States History Social Responsibility