Responsible Travel Tips

While you’re here in Myanmar

Give and buy– but do so responsibly

• Eat in locally owned restaurants, and stay in locally-owned lodges, hotels and B&B’s
• Buy locally made handicrafts and products
• Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals
• Hire local guides – make sure they are licensed and live locally
• Pay the fair price – don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining
• Think twice about giving money to children – this can perpetuate a cycle where children are sent to beg rather than school

Be Culturally Sensitive

• Ask for permission before entering sacred places, homes, and private land
• Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals
• Dress appropriately for local customs
• Learn some words and phrases in the local language

Be Environmentally Conscious

• Refrain from taking seashells, coral or other natural objects
• Always carry your trash away from natural sites to dispose of properly
• Recycle and compost waste when possible
• Use wisely limited resources, such as water, fuel, and electricity
• Stay on designated trails and observe set distances from wildlife – never provoke, touch, or otherwise engage animals
• Be an animal-friendly traveler; we suggest at minimum following the 5 Freedom, explained by Born Free, and avoiding circumstances that endanger animal welfare