Tourism is one of the most important industries in the world for providing employment to people. In fact, almost one in ten jobs globally are linked to tourism and in some countries, this is much higher.
Here are some ways you can ensure that the host communities that you visit benefit from your trip and share a stake in ensuring the longevity of the destination.
Honeypot locations are those that attract huge numbers of tourists each year, who subsequently place excessive pressure on the local environment and people. While honeypot sites can generate revenue for a country, they are sometimes associated with problems such as overcrowding and diluting of local culture.
Next time you travel, ask your Travel Counsellor for their recommendation on an alternative to a popular favourite so that you can enjoy the type of holiday you want while experiencing something different.
Food is one of the principal reasons for many people to travel abroad. The chance to try new dishes that open our eyes to fresh flavours is an enticing prospect and one that shouldn’t be missed.
The best way to ensure you get an authentic flavour of your destination is to eat at locally owned restaurants, using recipes that have been passed down through generations.
By using a local tour guide you’ll get the opportunity to see your destination through the eyes of a local, seeing off-the-beaten-track spots that the average tourist doesn’t get to see. You’re also likely to get an insight into local culture as guides happily share stories and customs from their homeland.
Pack for a Purpose helps travellers to make a meaningful contribution to the places they visit by packing items that are most in need there.
They provide supply lists to travellers that have been created by community-based projects, in the host destination, that ultimately receive and use the supplies enabling travellers to make informed decisions and to take items that meet the needs of those who will be using them.
Asides from being a great way to support the host economy, choosing locally produced goods makes for the best souvenirs as it allows you to take away an authentic piece of the places you visit and also makes for an interesting gift for friends and family.
Whether that’s Aboriginal dot paintings from Australia, classic Vietnamese lanterns from Hoi An, or intricate shawls from India, you can get some amazing gifts by shopping local.
For more advice on how you can travel more responsibly, get in touch today.
Winter sun doesn't have to mean the same destinations year after year. Whether you're dreaming of tropical islands, unforgettable wildlife encounters, bustling cities, or beaches that stretch for miles, there are plenty of destinations that come into their own during winter. If you're already thinking about your next escape, here are five winter sun destinations worth adding to your travel wish list.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
