Responsible travel policy
Travelling Whale is a travel agency that focuses on responsible and sustainable adventures. Created on the philosophy that small ripples make big waves, we aim to inspire and create positive, sustainable travel. We all know travel isn’t perfect, but if we can make small changes to become responsible travellers, countries benefit from your stay. Once you start to break down what it means to travel responsibly and sustainably, you soon realise that there are so many simple things you can do to enrich the lives of others and enhance your own travel experiences at the same time.
“We want to use the power of travel to make a positive change.”
Here’s how Travelling Whale is helping make sustainable travel a reality:
SUPPORTING LOCAL SUPPLIERS, CULTURES & TOURISM
PROTECTING THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE
REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS WHILST TRAVELLING
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AS WE TRAVEL
DONATING 1% OF PROFITS TO WHALE CONSERVATION
SUPPORT LOCAL SUPPLIERS, CULTURES & TOURISM
- We are using local guesthouses, homestays and hotels, making sure that the money reaches local communities rather than big international chains.
- We are providing sustainable hotel options that have positive impacts such as social, economic programmes for local communities, locally sourced food, sustainably sourced building materials, sustainable energy resources and supporting animal welfare in the area.
- We are working with local guides and drivers – boosting employment opportunities for locals and the opportunity to earn a fair wage.
- We are providing opportunities to meet locals and understand their way of life while also giving back directly to the community during your stay. We recommend also trying to learn a few easy phrases before travelling. People appreciate the effort, and a little goes a long way.
- Encouraging travellers to travel in low season and off the beaten track – some of our best experiences have been the lesser-known destinations with minimal tourists.
- Encourage travellers to eat locally – some of the best restaurants are the ones where you’ll find all the locals eat. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- Encouraging respect – our guides and local experts will advise you of any excursions that may require you to dress appropriately but also be mindful when exploring on your own that individual behaviour can be extremely disrespectful in other countries.
- Communicating regularly about up to date sustainable and responsible travel information for both clients and suppliers.
- Tipping Guides – encouraging clients to give a reasonable and fair tip to the local guides, drivers and local owners with guidance on why it’s essential
PROTECTING THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE
- By working with local experts in-country, we make sure that the activities you take part in support the local way of life and avoid any big tourist traps that are set up purely for tourists.
- Supporting animal welfare is hugely important to us, so we make sure that any animal experience that you take part in is either supported by a local conservation programme or found in their natural habitat.
- Child Welfare – We want to actively discourage tourists from interacting in activities that may hurt or damage the child welfare. Most practices don’t have a positive impact on the children, which is why we will never promote any activities that involve visiting or interacting with children.
- We advise against giving money, food or sweets to children or adults. You might be surprised, but even giving products like sweets can cause community conflict. We recommend travellers support reputable local organisations instead of one that is internationally recognised so that they know their support is helping to make a difference in the right way.
REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS WHILST TRAVELLING
- We are promoting Slo-mo Travel. Travelling for as long as possible instead of small weekend breaks to indulge and learn about the country. We want to create longer, more meaningful experiences.
- Encouraging flying direct – did you know that most of the flight emissions are from take-off and landing. By booking a direct flight, you can save up to 50% in CO2 emissions. We also recommend using this comparison website when searching for the right flight – https://flygrn.com/.
- Local transportation – we try to limit the number of flights taken in the country. We know this isn’t always possible, especially in some more remote places in the world, but by using trains and buses instead, you get a better feel for the country and more chances of meeting locals. We also encourage activity-based holidays, such as walking, cycling or sailing.
- We encourage travellers to pack light! – so that CO2 emissions are reduced
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
- Encouraging travellers to reduce their plastic usage – by asking them to try and avoid using plastic while travelling and asking them to bring a reusable water bottle & day pack.
- Educating travellers on unethical souvenirs made from forbidden animals or plants
- As an office we use reusable water bottles, we’re paper-free and encourage meat-free Mondays
DONATING 1% OF PROFITS TO WHALE CONSERVATION
- Our contribution to helping Climate Change through the Conservation of Whales.
- For every booking made we can help protect Great Whales by donating 1% of profits to the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust
