Tips for Responsible Travelers

• Avoid giving gifts or money to panhandlers and children as it encourages begging. Instead, ask Sirinket Adventure Safaris how you can support the community through a local medical clinic, school, or community project in order to be more constructive. Give the items to Sirinket Foundation to distribute. For discussion of this issue and other responsible travel guidelines that answer common questions from travellers, please see our safari expert "Do's and Don'ts".
• Think twice about giving sweets and candy to children, as this can create dental health problems.
• Although it is intriguing to visit schools and other day-to-day operations of a local village, be mindful that your ‘tour’ can be disruptive to local people’s work and should be kept to a respectful minimum. When visiting sensitive areas such as private homes and community spaces, be aware of how you would want to be treated in your own backyard.
• Bargaining may be appropriate in some areas, but should always be conducted with care. Ask your tour guides what local customs are like and what behaviour is expected from you, and never act in a way that seems inappropriate to you. Even where it may be expected for a local to negotiate aggressively, similar behaviour from outsiders could significantly affect the livelihood of craftspeople and vendors.
• Protect the natural and cultural heritage of your destinations- Do not purchase illegal plants or animal products under any circumstances. Purchasing these items encourages poaching and exploitation.
• Always ask first before taking photos or video of people in the host community, especially if what you are photographing may be something private or sensitive. If you promise to send back photos, make sure you remember to do so.
• Sirinket Adventure Safaris is committed to conservation and supporting social programs in the areas where they operate. This is one important way to ensure that the authentic places you visit will remain intact for generations to come.
• Dress and act respectfully according to the local standards. Ask your tour guide about other specific tips for responsible travel in your specific destination. For instance, are you in an area where it may be frowned upon to enter a local cultural attraction in sandals, shorts, sleeveless tops or other revealing warm weather clothing?
• Tell your friends and family about your memorable experiences with a responsible tourism operator and encourage them to also travel in a sustainable way. Consider writing a review online to tell others of the important conservation and social development work done through Sirinket Adventure Safaris.
• Once you return home after a trip, support organizations like Sirinket Foundation with a donation to help preserve these amazing places which hosted your memorable vacation.

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