Animal tourism: How to spot the ‘con’ in ‘conservation’

Watching animals can be one of the pleasures of travel. If you’re lucky enough to take a safari or go whale watching, it can be the experience of a lifetime. But sadly, animals can be exploited for tourists’ amusement (and money). Philip Mansbridge, CEO of Care for the Wild which runs the RIGHT-tourism initiative, offers some guidance on how to spot the good from the bad.

Marine parksMany adventurous holidays will bring you into contact with animals in some way; whether it be trekking with elephants in Thailand or riding camels in Morocco, seeking out the local zoo on a city break or bird-watching in a national park.

But when faced with an animal ‘attraction’ on holiday, we should always ask ourselves – ‘Is this okay?’ As we become increasingly aware of potential cruelty or poor animal welfare on our travels, how can we tell the good from the bad on holiday?

It’s not always easy, but there are a few basic rules:

Don’t leave your morals at home:  Here’s an easy one – bullfighting. Would you pop up the road to see a bull tormented and stabbed to death for a cheering audience? Wrapping it up in silk and calling it ‘culture’ doesn’t change the fact that it is cruel. What about Pamplona? That’s just running with the bulls, surely? Well no – they are running the bulls to the bull ring, where they will be killed. And some tourists are contributing to keeping these ‘traditions’ alive by watching, or even joining in.

Take a second to think: Most of us now realise that bears ‘dancing’ for money is cruel (this still goes on in places like India and Russia). But what about that cute monkey dancing in a hat? Elephants giving rides in Thailand and Cambodia? Tigers frolicking at the Tiger Temple? The question we need to ask is, ‘Is this natural behaviour?’ If not, how did the owner get the animal to do that…?

Birds of a feather: This one’s not about birds, but about tourists. The joys of seeing a lion on safari or a dolphin from a boat are immense – but how much fun is it for the animals if they are constantly surrounded and harassed by dozens of land rovers or boats. Pick tour operators who respect the animals and aim not to disturb them or their habitats.

Swimming with wild dolphinsDo your research: If you’re thinking of visiting a zoo, sanctuary, aquarium or such, take a moment to read about them online. Do they mention the welfare of the animals and actively ensure their natural needs and requirements are met? If not, give it a miss.

Those are just a few of the things we can do, as tourists, to ensure that our holiday doesn’t cause an animal to suffer, hurting the very thing we want to see.

On the contrary, we can actively do things that encourage animal welfare, for example going to a sanctuary where animals are rescued and kept in their natural environment, rather than a zoo. But beware – some places have cottoned on to this and use the word ‘sanctuary’ without justification. Again, a bit of online research, including review sites, should tell you if it’s more ‘con’ than conservation.

How do you spot the ‘con’ from the conservation when on holiday? Have you experienced bad animal tourism, or been in a difficult situation that you want to warn other travellers about? Share your thoughts via the comments below…

About the author: Philip Mansbridge is CEO of Care for the Wild. The organisation runs the website www.RIGHT-tourism.org where tourists can get information on animal ‘attractions’, customs and issues for every country in the world.

Sumak Travel adds Brazil, Bolivia and Colombia to eco trip roster

Uyani Salt Flat, BoliviaSocial enterprise Sumak Travel, the specialist in Latin American community-based ecotourism, has now added three new countries to its itinerary.

Responsible travellers can now join tours of Brazil, Bolivia and Colombia – alongside its existing tours in Argentina and Chile.  The tours, ranging from 7 to 15 days, are a combination of homestays within rural communities (with farmers, fishermen and other indigenous groups) and visits to Latin American cities and sites of special interest or outstanding natural beauty.

 

Transparent pricingChaxa Lagoon, Chile (courtesy of Travolution.org)

Sumak Travel works directly with community-based tour operators in their destination countries to ensure fair agreements (a breakdown of prices and commission fees are fully transparent so tourists can see exactly where their money is going). We like their easy-to-use website – a simple key shows you the ‘Comfort Level’ at a glance (something a surprising number of tour operators neglect to outline!), and what percentage of the overall holiday price goes to the local community (e.g. “at least 50%” of the £1,535 fee for 15 days on ‘Fascinating Brazil’ goes local).

Private groups

All trips are private and they can cater for groups of any size, promising “there won’t be anyone you don’t know travelling within your group” – they can even tailor trips for individuals who are looking for specific experiences. And all homestay hosts are verified by the team or local partners. You could find yourself trying your hand at ceramic crafts with your hosts in rural Argentina; staying with Aymara communities on Sun Island, Lake Titicaca, for a taste of traditional Andean culture; or sleeping in an eco-lodge run by an indigenous community in the Bolivian rainforest.

A sample of trips available:

Fascinating Brazil (15 days, £1,535) – Explore northeastern Brazil including the remote lands of the Tremembe people, the sand dune beaches of Prainha do Canto Verde, and the historical city of Fortezela. (Click for more)

Intrepid Colombia (14 days, £2,125) – Trek through flooded forest and jungle, reach the Colombian borders with Peru and Brazil along the Amazon River, and whale-watch and snorkel around Bahia Solano. (Click for more)

Essential Bolivia (12 day, £1,585) – Visit the Aymara communities of Lake Titicaca, journey to the salt flats of Uyuni, and stay with the Alcaya community, before trekking through Bolivian rainforest. (Click for more)

Other tours available include: ‘Mystic Chile’, two versions of ‘Rural Argentina’, San Pedro de Atacama (Chile), ‘Austral Chile’. View all tours here.

‘Good’ credentials:

  • As a social enterprise, Sumak Travel’s mission is: ‘To contribute to the empowerment of local communities in Latin America by running an ethical business that is also rewarding for responsible tourists.’
  • Partnered with Sustainable Pangea, a multilingual web platform that features community-based ecotourism destinations
  • Half of Sumak Travel’s profits are reinvested back into the social enterprise; the remaining half is invested in community-led projects within the Sustainable Pangea Network
  • The local communities they work with use tourism as a complementary source of income, allowing them to maintain their traditional way of life, while preserving their environment and community

 

Contact Sumak Travel via T: 0044 (0) 2036 424246, E: info@sumak-travel.org, visit the website www.sumak-travel.org, or follow on Twitter via @SumakTravel.

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Naturetrek launches 14 new tours for 2013

European bee-eater in Sicily
European bee-eater in Sicily (picture by Naturetrek)

Wildlife specialist Naturetrek’s new 2013 brochure contains 14 new tours, including four new UK options.

Those 14 new offerings (see factsheet below for details) include a spring birdwatching trip to Sicily, a ‘Killer Whales & Northern Lights’ tour of Iceland, puma-watching in Chile, a visit to India’s little-known Satpura National Park and an exploration of Baffin Island in Canada.

Wildlife watching around the world

Elsewhere, the vast array of existing trips includes butterfly-viewing trips to Hungary and Greece; birding tours from Sri Lanka to Florida; jaguar-watching tours in Brazil; flora-themed visits to Kazakhstan, Norway and Ecuador; whale-watching in West Greenland and Monterey Bay; tours observing bears in Spain and Finland; and other itineraries themed around snakes, snow leopards, wolves, dragonflies, red pandas and much more.

In total, Naturetrek now offers around 350 tours to nearly every corner of the world.  That includes the ever-expanding range of UK trips, which takes in the Shetland Isles, the Scillies and the famous Somerset Levels starling murmurations.

Most tours are open to enthusiasts of all levels, although some will suit a more experienced and knowledgeable traveller.  New for 2013, Naturetrek is launching a range of Beginners’ Birdwatching Tours, aimed at those who are keen to go birding, but fear looking foolish amid seasoned veterans sporting well-used binoculars!

Small groups and solo travellers

The majority of Naturetrek trips operate in small groups (average 10-12 people; maximum 16); because these groups include many solo travellers, there’s usually a room-sharing option for those who don’t wish to pay a single supplement.  Each group is guided by a leading, experienced ornithologist or botanist (often both), and each tour departs at a carefully-chosen time when the widlife-viewing experience will be at its most rewarding. Nearly all trips are also available (at a different cost) on a tailormade basis too, for clients who cannot make the set departure dates, or who prefer to travel privately.

For more information on any of Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries or to request a copy of the new 2013 brochure, call them on 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk. (If you’re in the UK, they’re based in rural Hampshire in a beautiful converted mill with a Site of Special Scientific Interest nearby!).

‘Good’ credentials:

  • Run by wildlife enthusiasts with 25 years’ of experience – the founders are naturalists and conservationists turned tour operators
  • A commitment to sustainable tourism has been at the company’s heart since its inception
  • Tours involve small groups using local accommodation and facilities to help support the local communities
  • Naturetrek develops partnerships with local communities and naturalists, such as financing the regeneration of land in Nepal to create two ecotourism camps – Koshi and Suklaphanta
  • Some tours include charity donations to organisations such as Butterfly Conservation, International Animal Rescue and the Environmental Investigation Agency
  • They are currently developing other conservation and sustainable tourism projects around the world
  • They are expanding their range of UK-based (flightless) tours

 

Satpura National Park, India
Satpura National Park, India (picture by Naturetrek)

NEW tours for 2013

UK

Islay & Mull… In Style!: Your first stop is a four-night stay on Islay, popular with birdwatchers due to its numerous species of visiting Arctic wildfowl. Then there are two days spent on the smaller island of Mull, with its mountains, moorlands and vast sea-lochs, home to otters, birds of prey, rutting red deer and much more.  Accommodation is on each island’s best hotel; that includes Mull’s wonderful Tiroran House Hotel.

Departing 31 October & 1 November; prices from £1,195 pp**

Wild Flowers of Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula: Enjoy coastal and inland walks during this three-night break in search of Cornwall’s botanical wonders. The Lizard Peninsula is one of the UK’s top sites for plant-life thanks to its diverse landscapes and geology. The trip includes Gew Graze Valley, known for unique outcrops of mineral-rich serpentine rock.

Departing 31 May; prices from £395 pp**
The Yorkshire Coast & Moors

This long-weekend birdwatching holiday starts at the chalk cliffs of Flamborough and Bempton, home to over 200,000 seabirds. Then follows a stop at Filey Dams Nature Reserve, a botanical hub for well known British birds such as the tree sparrow, before time on those classic North Yorkshire Moors.

Departing 25 & 28 June and 2 July; prices from £450 pp**

The Wild Flowers of Upper Teesdale
Upper Teesdale sits in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This four-day expedition covers a variety of environments, from low-lying hay meadows to rough grazing pastures and summit heaths on high fells. Discover which species make up the ‘Teesdale Assemblage’ while admiring the breeding birds of these remote moors.

Departing 21 June; prices from £450 pp**


EUROPE

Iceland – Killer Whales & Northern Lights: This five-day break centres on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula where, in winter, killer whale pods and seabirds congregate as large shoals of herring pass by. Watch the spectacle on land and out at sea, and then, after dark, look skywards to (hopefully) see the Northern Lights.

Departing 3 & 18 February; prices from £1,295 pp*

Lesbos in Autumn: Lesbos lies just a few kilometres from the coast of Turkey, and has a magnificent coastline that supports a diverse bird population. From a secluded-village base, this eight-day trip offers an opportunity to explore the island’s many migratory hotspots whilst enjoying some Aegean sunshine.

Departing 28& 29 September; prices from £1,295 pp*

Fjords, Arctic Birds & Northern Lights!… A Norwegian Coastal Voyage: Including a three-night cruise during which the Northern Lights will hopefully be seen, this six-day trip to the Arctic Circle observes the seabirds which occupy this most extreme – and scenic – region.

Departing 26 February; prices from £1,795 pp*

Spring Birding in Sicily: Within the beautiful setting of eastern Sicily, this seven-day adventure focuses on the spring migration of native birds such as the nightjar and hoopoe. From the 800-year-old converted farmhouse base, daily excursions are made to watch the birds amid the spectacular Sicilian landscape.

Departing 1 May; prices from £1,295 pp*

 

AMERICAS

Inuit Adventure: Narwhals & Other Wildlife of Baffin Island: On a ten-day trip around Canada’s largest island, expert guides will lead daily expeditions on Inuit sleds to discover the Arctic’s most elusive wildlife. Baffin Island is the only place in the world consistently inhabited by the Narwhal, with its distinctive long, narrow tusk, while other sightings regularly include polar bears.

Departing 2 June; prices from £8,995 pp*

Eastern Canada – Whales, Bears & Fall Migration: Ranking among Canada’s most stunning landscapes, Quebec is home to large populations of wildlife such as beluga whales and black bears. This 12-day holiday features walks and cruises through the beautiful creeks and forests where these creatures are regularly seen.

Departing 9 September; prices from £4,395 pp*

Chile – Just Pumas!: This 11-day trip starts off in the Chilean capital, Santiago, before heading into the heart of the Andes. The route passes flamingo-lined lakes to reach Torres del Paine National Park and its glaciers and mountains – which provide a perfect habitat for the puma. Days will be spent devoted to exploring, and seeking out this iconic cat.

Departing 14 March & 4 April; prices from £3,995 pp*

Peru – Mountain Lodges Trek to Machu Picchu: The classic landmark of Machu Picchu is appreciated fully on this 12-day trip, with six days allocated to trekking slowly towards it across the Peruvian Andes. The route offers unique insight into the landscape and wildlife of the area while plotting a slightly different course to the classic Inca Trail.

Departing 10 November; prices from £3,695 pp*


ASIA

Not Just Tigers! Satpura – Best of Central India: This is a ten-day exploration of one of India’s most scenic – and least-known – tiger reserves. While tigers are shy in Satpura National Park and thus rarely-seen, there’s a good chance of encountering other iconic animals, such as leopard, sloth bear, gaur and Asian wild dog, in the 1,500km² grounds. The park’s equally empty of tourists, despite its beauty and sheer remoteness being so stunning.

Departing 9 November, 21 December, 8 February, 15 March & 5 April; prices from £2,395 pp*

 

Wild Sri Lanka… In Style!: This 14-day holiday provides the chance to encounter Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife – blue whales, leopards, crocodiles, wild boar, warblers and parrots included. You’ll also get to stay in luxury accommodation and admire some of the tropical country’s most impressive archaeological sites, including ancient Polonnaruwa.

Departing 19 November & 14 January; prices from £3,595*

* Prices include flights (London), transport, comfortable accommodation with all or most meals and guiding from an expert naturalist.

** Price includes transport whilst on tour, comfortable accommodation with meals (breakfast and evening meals as a minimum) and guiding from an expert naturalist.

5 ‘must do’ tips for any volunteering holiday

From working with children on the streets of India’s slums, to teaching English in Cambodia; surveying big cats in Costa Rica or marine conservation in Madagascar, volunteering can make a positive impact around the world. Maria Sowter, of NGO Frontier, looks at the more personal benefits for the volunteer…

1. Learn some of the language

Learning a few phrases in the language of the country you’re about to visit is going to ease your transition into this new culture. It will also give

hanging out with the locals

you a base to build upon during your trip that will help you get the most from your time volunteering: you’ll be communicating better with the people you aim to help. Even learning a small amount of any new language is an accomplishment that will boost your confidence and feelings of personal development in addition to your volunteering project.

2. Get involved and be flexible!

This may sound like an obvious one but always be looking for what could be done. Whether it’s from helping out around the accommodation you’re staying in to going the extra mile on the project, you’ll be more likely to get a feeling of satisfaction from making a tangible difference. Think outside the box! You get out what you put in from a project. Just because you signed up for a medical volunteering project in a rural village, doesn’t mean that you can’t offer your service in the local school if you have the chance. Being flexible like this will ensure you help where it is needed most whilst getting the most from your project.

Host family Fiji3. Make the most of your free time

It would be a mistake to view a volunteering project as a holiday abroad but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself in your spare time. Volunteering is all about experiencing a new culture first hand, so use your free time to travel around the country or to socialise with the locals

4. Eat local food

Getting to know locals is key to understanding a different way of life, and if you want to try out new experiences then food is a great way to start. Eating where and what the locals eat will not only open your eyes but quite literally your mouth to exotic and foreign tastes. Food is often the lynchpin of local customs, celebrations or the day-to-day way of life – you won’t just be filling your stomach, but also making friends and strengthening bonds with communities.

5. Keep a journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to record your time as a volunteer. Reading back over it once you return home will help keep memories all the more vivid, and may help you learn more about yourself as a result of your placement. Keeping track of what you have learnt as a volunteer will also aid you when it comes to updating your CV or LinkedIn profile (which is always good for improving career prospects).

If you’d like to find out more about all of Frontier’s volunteer opportunities you can view all our projects by viewing the website – www.frontier.ac.uk.

Keep updated with project news, photos, videos, and competitions by joining the Frontier community online with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, or Flickr.

About the author: Maria Sowter works for Frontier, an NGO dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world’s poorest countries. Check out the wide variety of opportunities to volunteer abroad with Frontier: whether you’re looking for placements involving teaching abroadwildlife conservation volunteering, or simply someadventure travel, Frontier is sure to have something suitable.Visit www.frontier.ac.uk

How to use your travels to boost your career

Jenny Collins, of NGO Frontier, looks at how gaining qualifications during a gap year or sabbatical can give your career a welcome boost.

Gap years and sabbaticals are becoming more and more popular for young and old alike. Many who choose to spend this time volunteering also opt to gain a qualification at the same time. As well as experiencing new cultures and learning a variety of transferrable skills, coming home with a recognised qualification will improve your career and employability regardless of which stage of education or employment you are at, making volunteering abroad an invaluable experience.

teaching during a gap yearThere are various courses you can take depending on your interests and career plans. Aspiring teachers are able to take TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificates or BTECs whilst teaching abroad. This normally involves keeping a detailed log book of your experiences whilst carrying out day-to-day volunteering duties.

There are a variety of other BTEC courses – all internationally recognised – that can be completed during a volunteer trip. Normally these involve a minimum stay to ensure you have the time to complete all the necessary work. Again these tend to be assessed through log books and/or presentations with most organisations having staff that will be there to help you with the tasks. The BTECS can come in a range of levels, depending on what you want the qualification for and how much work/time you want to put into it.

If you’re planning to study a conservation or environment focussed course at college or university, taking a BTEC beforehand could improve your chances of getting onto the course at your desired place of study. If you’re doing it afterwards or alongside, it could help you with your job search. Another option is to use a volunteering project to actually complete your university studies by carrying out research for a piece of coursework or even for your dissertation.

Wannabe and beginner divers can benefit from PADI qualifications when they take on a marine conservation projects. These can cover those who have never dived as well as people who already hold provisional qualifications and are looking to expand on them.Doing BTEC in a hammock

BTECs are particularly good for people wanting to officially document what you learn as part of a conservation research project. They’re also great for people wanting to learn more about leading expeditions or becoming field guides. If you’re considering a change of career, a qualification could be a step in the right direction and a useful way to make sure you are making the right decision before you take the leap.

When looking for qualifications, you should consider your reasons for doing so: what do you want to get out of it? Is one in particular is necessary for your future career progression? And importantly, are you are willing to put in the necessary work to make the most of it?

All qualifications gained abroad are particularly beneficial as they are being obtained in real-life situations rather than in a class-room environment – this not only makes the experience more valuable but more enjoyable too.

About the author: Jenny Collins works for Frontier, an NGO dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world’s poorest countries. Check out the wide variety of opportunities to volunteer abroad with Frontier: whether you’re looking for placements involving teaching abroad, wildlife conservation volunteering, or simply some adventure travel, Frontier is sure to have something suitable. Visit http://www.frontier.ac.uk

How to choose the perfect volunteering project

Want to volunteer overseas but bamboozled by choice? Maria Sowter of Frontier, an NGO operating conservation and community-based volunteering projects, shares her advice on finding the right volunteering project for you.

Frontier's beach-based projectsVolunteering abroad can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you can have; a brilliant way to experience the world’s rich and varied cultures whilst making a difference where it’s needed most. Planning a trip abroad though can be complicated at the best of times and incorporating a volunteer placement into your travels can sometimes seem like a daunting prospect.

If you’re reading this you’ll know you want something more from your travels than a good photo opportunity and a bar on the beach. You’ll also know that the key to any successful placement is planning and researching to ensure you end up on a project that will keep you interested and motivated throughout. But how do you choose the right volunteering project for you?

 

What’s your passion?

It may sound simple but choose a project that involves something you’re truly interested in. For instance, if you want to work directly with animals, avoid projects heavily focused on scientific research as you’ll end up spending more of your time with data than with the animals. Volunteering should be treated like a working holiday, you are often performing vital work and many communities and programmes rely on volunteers to survive so it’s necessary to be fully dedicated to your cause. The flipside of your hard work is often the immense satisfaction you get from volunteering; not only do you get to explore your passions but the work you’re contributing is also highly valued.

Do your research

A good way to get the best idea of what a project involves is to read previous volunteer reviews, interviews, or first-hand accounts about their experiences. Review sites and forums (and the recommendations on Goodtrippers – take a look under Good Work) can be a sound way to find this information as they provide a neutral setting for people to express themselves. Reading what other volunteers got up to on the project will usually give you a much better idea of how you’ll be spending your time than any website’s marketing spiel – it can also give you an idea of what you need to pack for your trip.

Solo or group?

Accommodation can be make-or-break for your experience and Scuba-diving on a Frontier projectyou want to make sure that anywhere you stay has the facilities to be comfortable for an extended period of time. If you’re nervous about travelling alone, going on a group project and staying in a camp or hostel accommodation can be a good way to combat any fears. If you’re travelling with an agency they are usually able to provide you with fellow volunteer email addresses or give volunteers the chance to meet on training weekends prior to departure. This can also help you save money by arranging group travel from the airport if transfers are not provided. If you’re less inclined to seek out a social atmosphere, then projects with homestay accommodation can be a good way to improve your language skills and learn more about a country’s culture by staying with a local family.

Time it right

Once you’ve decided on your project, make sure you travel at a time of year appropriate for what you want to do. If you know your happiness hinges upon volunteering in a sunnier climate then don’t visit a country during their monsoon season. If you want to take part in a project that involves working with wildlife, be aware that some species may not be seen in certain areas at specific times of year due to different breeding or migration patterns.

Most of all, remember that a volunteer holiday – alongside providing valuable help – should be fun. Volunteering can be hard work, but working in an area that you have a passion for is unlikely to feel like a chore.

With the right balance of research, planning, and common sense, any time spent volunteering abroad has the potential to be a memorable success for both you and those involved in the project you choose.

Happy volunteering!

About the author: Maria Sowter works for Frontier, an NGO dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, and building sustainable livelihoods for marginalised communities in the world’s poorest countries. Check out the wide variety of opportunities to volunteer abroad with Frontier: whether you’re looking for placements involving teaching abroad, wildlife conservation volunteering, or simply some adventure travel, Frontier is sure to have something suitable.Visit www.frontier.ac.uk


The Goodtrippers Guide to Olympic London

If you’re coming to London for the 2012 Olympics, here are a few ‘Goodtrippers-style’ ideas to fill in the time between track ‘n’ field for any responsible city tourist…

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1. Take a walk in a green space: London is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Seen from above over half of it is green (parkland, allotments, gardens, green roofs and other green spaces) and blue (lakes, rivers, canals and ponds). The Royal Parks (many of which are hosting Olympic and Paralympic events) of Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park are a mix of open space, tree-lined avenues, herbaceous borders and wildlife areas which attract a range of birds, butterflies and insects. But do seek out the green spaces in Zones 2, 3 and beyond – you would struggle to believe you’re in a major capital city when standing in the huge Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park. If you want to explore areas within easy distance of the Olympic site visit Victoria Park in Hackney, Highgate Woods in Haringey or Epping Forest on the London/Essex border for great walks and picnic areas away from the well-trodden tourist path.

2. Visit a food market: London may not be able to rival the streets of SE Asia for street food – but it’s getting close! The city is teeming with food markets, farmers markets, food carts and pop-ups supplying some of the best in organic, sustainable, local produce that you can purchase direct from independent producers. Bahn mi or jerk chicken? Seafood or pie ‘n’ mash? BBQ or veggie? The world is already here in London’s food markets… Borough Market has been going in some form or another for 1,000 years! It’s world-class for seasonal, organic and local produce and is open every day during the Olympics and Paralympics (visit the website for more details). Try Eat.St near Kings Cross station (open Mon-Fri) or catch some of the Eat.St traders on SW7’s Exhibition Road for a special Olympic showing 28 July – 5 August. If you’re venturing out of Zone 1 (and we recommend you do!), visit the Alexandra Palace Farmers’ Market (Sundays 10am – 3pm) for fresh meats, seafood, fruit and veg plus speciality cheeses, sauces, cakes, bread and street food. Or for one of our favourites, read our post on the Real Food Market on London’s Southbank.

3. Always take an umbrella with you. Even if it’s sunny when you leave your hotel…

4. Buy a copy of the the Big Issue: Since hitting the streets in 1991, the Big Issue magazine has been helping some of society’s most excluded people by giving the homeless a chance to take control of their lives and earn a legitimate income. So if you see a Big Issue seller (they are recognisable by their official ID badges) take a moment to stop, smile, chat and buy a copy – it’s only £2 (and that won’t even get you a coffee in most of London…)

5. Choose eco accommodation: A rather optimistic entry (if you haven’t sorted your accommodation yet…good luck!) but if you do still have a choice, make it an eco-friendly one. The Cavendish is one of London’s leading eco hotels and has been awarded the Green Tourism for London Gold Award amongst others; The Lancaster is committed to supporting sustainability and local charities (and the urban bee population with their Rooftop Honey Farm!); or for something extremely cool and quirky The Zetter Hotel and Townhouse in Clerkenwell is one of the best boutique hotels around, let alone in the eco sphere – they source their own water from an internal borehole, use enviro-friendly paint throughout, and have special ‘occupancy detection’ technology which means little energy is used in vacant rooms.

6. Please stand on the right (walk on the left) when on the tube escalator (you will impress the locals)

7. Step away from the mainstream supermarket: At some point on your holiday you’ll need to stock up on supplies. Steer yourself away from the high street chains and mainstream supermarkets and spend your money more smartly. Buy your goodies from small independent stores or, if you’re in the Holborn area, The People’s Supermarket. Opened in 2010, this social enterprise was inspired by a similar scheme in New York with the community becoming members of the business by buying shares and volunteering some hours per month to working in the store. You don’t have to be a member to browse and buy from the household goods, bakery and florist on offer. The business has strong eco credentials and is committed to environmental and sustainable best practice. Open everyday 8am – 10pm (except Sun 10am – 9pm) – find them at 72-78 Lamb’s Conduit St, Holborn, London WC1N 3LP.

8. Have a traditional British pint: If you’re an overseas visitor you’ll no doubt be seeking out those proper ‘English experiences’ and having a pint in a pub fits the bill perfectly (and if you’re a Brit visiting London you’ll need to know the best pubs anyway!). The Duke of Cambridge in Islington, north London, is the UK’s first and only pub to be certified by organic body the  Soil Association. Their ethical business ideals remain strong today and the delicious menu is full of organic, local (80% sourced within the Home Counties) and seasonal ingredients. They also recycle and reuse wherever possible, and their electricity is wind and solar generated. Find them at 30 St Peter’s Street, Islington, London N1. Read our review of The Duke of Cambridge here.

9. Volunteer your time: Take a break from sightseeing and shopping and volunteer a day of your holiday to helping a local charity. Like many big cities, London has its fair share of challenges – those problems won’t be solved in a day but some charities and projects will welcome an extra pair of hands if you’ve just a few hours or day or two to spare. You could be planting trees and maintaining wildflower meadows; providing an elderly person with some conversation and company; serving food in a homeless shelter; or helping out at a youth or community centre. It could be a real eye-opener and will certainly reveal another side of the city far from the guidebook itineries. Look for opportunities via volunteering directories Time Bank, Do-It or Greater London Volunteering.

If you’ve visited any of these places, we’d love to hear about it. Why not write a recommendation for Goodtrippers? Read the guest blogger guidelines and get in touch.

‘Eco’, ‘Sustainable’, ‘Ethical’…the many names for responsible tourism

Labels are difficult things. They provide shortcuts to understanding, but we tie ourselves up in knots over choosing which to apply to what. Cynthia Ord, managing editor of The Travel Word newsletter, attempted to define the NINE labels she had discovered that are applied to ‘ethical travel’. Some you’ve no doubt heard of, and use, others attempt to better define a complex concept – all prove that describing ‘ethical travel’ is not simple!

hut in Elephant Valley, Moldulkiri, Cambodia

‘Ecotourism’ – a term coined as early as 1965 and widely defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people”. Its common usage means it’s a good one to use, but the flipside means it is also vulnerable to misuse – used as a lifestyle definition for holidays full of ‘feel good’ gloss but offering little in the way of real, positive impacts for local people.

‘Green tourism’ – another overly misused label and often at odds with trips that involve long-haul flights (the greenest holidays could mean staying at home in the back garden!) ‘green tourism’ is often used to describe holidays that meet stringent environmental/eco standards. As an extension, the ‘slow travel’ movement, appreciating the journey not just the destination, is growing in popularity and aims to encourage greater appreciation and connections with local people and environments.

‘Voluntourism’ – a slightly embarrassing blended word but the best way to describe holidays based on volunteering projects, especially as many projects are realising that there is a huge market out there of people who have only two-weeks’ holiday but want to volunteer their time. Travellers have to be sure that the projects they choose really are making a useful, positive impact and are not glorified package holidays of little real benefit to local environments and communities.

‘Community-based tourism’ and ‘pro-poor tourism’ both define travel that improves local communities economically. Many people extoll the benefits of visiting struggling tourist spots: tourists simply spending their holiday money in local restaurants, hotels and shops in disaster-hit areas (such as tourism-dependent towns hit by the 2004 tsunami in SE Asia) is important, but ‘community-based tourism’ and ‘pro-poor tourism’ more accurately describe how travellers can spend their time and money on micro-tourism enterprises such as staying in homestays or eating in community cafes, often in developing countries.

As Cynthia Ord points out, there are plenty of critics of ‘ethical’ or ‘responsible tourism’ – conjuring up images of patronising First World do-gooders participating in a kind of ‘poverty voyeurism’ – but tourists who want to make travel choices to be greener, more ethical and more responsible, need a steer or two on what to choose. More travellers sharing their experiences of hotels and resorts, tour operators and volunteering projects using these labels, both good and bad, can help us sift the real responsible travel options from the ‘greenwash’.