Responsible Travel
At Changing Worlds, we are firm believers in responsible travel. Many of you will be aware that overseas travel can have positive and negative effects on the social and economic balance of an area, as well as an environmental effect on the world. We operate following a code of conduct in partnership with Climate Care, which aims to minimise the negative and maximise the positive effects that travel can have.
View our guidance notes on how we address and encourage our travellers to be mindful of social, economic and environmental impact. We also take an approach to responsible volunteering, so both the traveller and local community benefit from the complete experience.
More Travel Considerations
As well as the social, economic and environmental elements, there are many additional considerations to make when you are planning a trip abroad. Apart from our trips themselves please take a look at our other sections covering visa requirements, vaccinations, travel insurance and safety whilst travelling overseas.
Social Responsibility
Our social responsibility starts from the outset with our pre-departure advice and briefings that we give to all Changing Worlds participants. We aim to help travellers to understand the differences between their domestic customs and the local customs, and the cultural etiquette that will be expected of them in their destination country. By being culturally aware before travelling, it minimises any negative attitudes during your trip and promotes a positive and extremely rewarding cross-cultural interaction with your host community.
Simple things like learning a few words in the local language before travelling to a certain country, such as brushing up on your ‘por favors’ and ‘gracias’ before travelling to Argentina; or understanding a few of the common local customs, such as how to dress respectfully in certain parts of Africa.
By working with local people on our overseas projects, much of the work we do promotes increased social opportunity for many people. Many of our volunteer and internship placements have direct positive influences on the local children and local staff who you will actively help during your placements. By having a steady stream of willing participants, our placements remain sustainable in the local communities in which they operate.