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.
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
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
Exploring the Depths of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park
By Michael FilLush rainforest and land transformed for millions of years by volcanic activity, all spread across 520 square miles of protected space. Welcome to Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park! Read more
United States Adventure History Social Responsibility
A South Carolina Plantation Shows Us the Way Forward
By Erica ChatmanIt is no secret to anyone that tourism is a major industry and draw for Charleston, South Carolina. However, on my most recent visit, I became a fan of their county parks because of one particular experience. I visited MacLeod Plantation Historic Site. Read more
United States History Social Responsibility
A Walking Tour Highlighting a Mumbai Slum’s Innovative Industry
By Bianca CaruanaDharavi, in central Mumbai, is considered one of the largest slums in Asia, but deep within this neighborhood, below the shanty grey roofs, loosely comprised of scavenged, upcycled metal, lives a resourceful and innovative community that plays an imperative role in Mumbai’s city-wide waste management. Read more
India Off the Beaten Path Social Responsibility
An Indonesian Village that Changed its Fate with the Internet
By Rose MundayWhen it comes to Indonesia, you might wonder how islands like Java can compete with the likes of Bali. Read more
Asia Technology Social Responsibility
Volungearing: A New Way to Do Good
By Bianca CaruanaA new kind of volunteer tourism has entered the travel industry with an innovative approach; Volungearing, conceived by TribesForGOOD, taps an individual’s skills to pair him or her successfully in the social impact sector. Read more
Asia Volunteer Travel Social Responsibility
Chilean Tourism and the Indigenous Mapuche
By Leijia HanrahanThe regions of Biobío and Araucanía, which lie somewhere in the middle of the 2,653 miles that stretch from Chile’s top to bottom, are nevertheless known as “the south.” Read more
Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility