Colombian Basket Weaver

“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.


Tiger in wild

How to Spot Ethical Animal Tourism in Southeast Asia

By Lola Méndez

Help 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
blue mountains responsible travel

Let Your Children Soar: Teach Your Kids Responsible Travel

By Ann-Marie Cahill

Travel 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
people digital nomad reflections

Why I advocate for slow travel—and why you should, too

By Jessica Barrett

Travel 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
Power of Children entrance. Photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick scaled

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
paine national park Patagonia

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
woman on the world

The Women Making Tourism Powerful

By Lola Méndez

Celebrate 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
Axum Exterior scaled

How Your Next Central Florida Burger or Latte Can Change the World

By Kirsten Harrington

If 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
key west during hurrican

Meaningful Travel: When Your Trip Isn’t Just a Vacation

By Cara Siera

Our 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
Eco planet on sunflower

How to Make Your Trip More Eco-Friendly

By Ali Jennings

More 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
chiang mai temple

Discovering Traditional Arts in Thailand’s Golden Triangle

By Katie Dundas

The 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
budapest cover

How Budapest’s Cafe Culture is Lifting Social Stigmas

By Tara Tadlock

Hungary, 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
shaman

Ayahuasca Tourism: The Commercialization of Culture

By Jessica Barrett

Used 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
Manatee

Meet the Manatees of Crystal River, Florida

By Cara Siera

The 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
KOA Campsite scaled

What to do about Racism and Bigotry as Travelers of Conscience and Culture

By Ian Fitzpatrick

With 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
GrinnellPano scaled

Glacier National Park: A beautiful place with an ugly history

By Ali Wunderman

It’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