HOW to Be a RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER & ADVOCATE

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Following ethics of responsible travel does require some personal initiative, but the positive impact you have, the feeling you will experience and the unexpected surprises you will encounter as a result may just change your life, a little or a lot! [Read more →]

• Understand the traditions, culture and key words of the language in each region we visit and share this information with IMA travelers prior to and during the trip.

• Participate and encourage participation in community-based initiatives including empowerment of women, youth and marginalized peoples.
• Get involved with communities interested in developing a tourism product, and educate, encourage and support the local tour operator in this development.
• Follow regional and country specific guidelines of cultural do’s and don’ts and provide this information to IMA travelers.
• Create authentic experiences for cross-cultural exchange and understanding for tourists and local people.

When Choosing a Travel Company or Outfitter

• Choose a company that follows environmental guidelines while engaging in outdoor activities, and provides this information directly to the traveler prior to and during the trip.
• Choose a company that discourages the purchase of products that exploit wildlife unsustainably or contribute to the destruction of species or habitats.
• Choose a company that supports local conservation efforts.
• Choose a travel company that provides educational materials to travelers and clients on the inherent environmental attractions and threats to the areas they visit.
• Choose a travel company that follows a set of guidelines for internal office operations and asks the companies  work with to do the same.

When deciding on an international travel company to work with, vote with your dollars to make sure that they follow responsible travel principles and support local economies.  Here are a few basic responsible travel principles to get you started.  Choose companies who: [Read more →]