Charter for an Eco-Responsible Traveler

Become aware of its impact and act accordingly

Traveling without impacting life, the earth and people is not possible. As soon as we breathe, we let’s impact the living. Pourtant, voyager autrement, avec conscience des enjeux et respects des différents acteurs, est à notre portée.

Choosing to travel with an agency committed to strong values is a first step that should not be underestimated. For Emotion Planet, the golden rule for an eco-responsible traveler is :

• not to lie to yourself;
• to open our eyes to realities;
• to be aware of its impact at all levels.

While awareness is essential, action is indispensable. Finding the right balance is essential, as is compensating for the negative aspects of travel .
It is also important for us to remember that guilt is of little use. The idea is to evolve and always do your best, each at your own level, at your own pace, while dealing with your experience and reality. This is the solution for towards a better world…

“One day,” says the legend, “there was a huge forest fire. All the terrified and dismayed animals watched helplessly at the disaster. Only the little hummingbird is active, fetching a few drops of water in its beak to throw on the fire. After a while, the armadillo, annoyed by his ridiculous actions, said to him:
“Hummingbird! Are you crazy? You think you’re going to put out the fire with those drops of water?”
I know,” replies the hummingbird, “but I’m doing my bit.
Amerindian legend

By traveling consciously and with respect, you enhance the meetings, sharing and relationships with everyone you meet. This is how you experience moments:

• true exchanges that nourish you;
• concrete sharing with local populations (families, workers, etc.);
• immersion in the projects of local players committed to a better Tomorrow.

The commitment of an eco-responsible traveller

Before the trip, they take the time to learn about the habits and customs of the region of the world they are visiting (the meaning of certain gestures and behaviours, the appropriateness of words …).

The traveler’s behavior

The traveler is responsible for his attitudes and actions.

• Travelers behave with respect , never forgetting that they are simply privileged guests.
• The traveler respects customs and traditions without judgment.
• The traveler imposes neither his habits nor his lifestyle.
• The traveler respects his natural and human environment and acts accordingly.
• The traveler is curious and genuinely interested in the daily life of the local population.
• The traveler gets involved in the lives of the people he meets or who welcome him.
• The traveleropens up to the Other and his reality, without thinking that he holds the one and only truth.

The traveller’s suitcase

A few tips for packing your bags:

• pack only the essentials and divide your packed bag by at least two;
• use natural, biodegradable products:
• Avoid signs of wealth that may contrast with the local standard of living;
• encourage the pooling of resources;
• give a second life to your belongings ;
• Borrow travel equipment and accessories you don’t own;
• think twice about what to buy before, during and after your trip.

Photos from the trip

What would you think if, on your street corner or at the entrance to your garden, someone stuck a camera lens in front of your nose and started shooting at you?
Answering this question with sincerity allows you to become aware, with simplicity, of behaviors that are not very appropriate when traveling and in life in general. Of course, we understand the importance of creating photo memories. However, we’d like to remind you that the camera spoils part of your exchanges and the present moment. Remember, the best memories are the ones that stay in your head and in your heart. So live this adventure 100% and don’t become a voyeur! And before photographing someone, take the time to ask their permission, and take the opportunity to engage in a dialogue.

Consumer behavior during travel

• Water is precious, so avoid wasting it and take two water bottles with you. Buy in large quantities and divide between travellers.
• Always take your waste to the garbage can.
• Are you a smoker? Don’t throw your cigarette butts on the ground and take a portable ashtray.
• Don’t take souvenirs from natural and archaeological sites.
• Don’t buysacred objects or products fromprotected species.
• Try to find useful souvenirs from a small local artisan.

The principle of not displaying prices and haggling is not dedicated to tourists. On the other hand, not everything can be haggled over, and not everything is free. Ask your guide for advice before approaching a purchase or negotiation. Once you’ve started talking, he won’t be able to intervene. Avoid asking for a price out of curiosity, or you’ll end up in a never-ending discussion. Before negotiating, think about the price you’re willing to pay for the item you’re interested in.

Donations abroad

To avoid tarnishing genuine exchanges with the local population, never hand out donations of any kind. Avoid giving money, except for expected tips. It’s essential to organize donations and adapt to local realities. Don’t forget to ask your guide and/or tour leader for information on how to make a well-considered and appropriate donation (through a public distribution, by taking part in an association’s project, by talking to the people in charge of a village or institution…).

• Travelers should avoid encouraging begging, especially by children.
• The traveler relies on local support to make any donation.
• The traveler honors his commitments to the people he meets during his stay.
• Travelers must report any serious or intolerable situation to their local guide or Emotion Planetadvisor.
• The traveler denounces sexual exploitation.
• The traveler is not a lesson giver, and lives the experience with respect and kindness.
• Travelers generously share their experiences with friends and family, or on social networks, to bear witness to the shared riches and fragility of the planet.
• The traveler gives others the benefit of advice on how to travel differently, and brings greater awareness toeveryone.

Offsetting a trip’s CO2 emissions

Every year, Emotion Planetallocates a budget for the planting of forests and fruit trees. These human-scale projects make sense. You can participate by making a donation to offset your impact, or by taking part in our active field days.

Finally, let’s not forget toalign our words, thoughts and actions at all times!