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