v  WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

Responsible Tourism is tourism which:

 Minimizes negative economic, environmental and social impacts

Generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well being of host communities

Improves working conditions and access to the industry

 Involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances

 Makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity

 Provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local

People, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues provides access for physically  challenged people

Is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence”

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are our homes in Asia, Online Travel is proud to introduce this wonderful region to the World and we have been working hard to low the impact on the nature resources and protect the local cultures. That way, you enjoy a unique and memorable experience as well as authentic cross-cultural exchange and our local resources, cultures and customs are protected sustainably.

Responsible Travel in Vietnam

The idea of responsible travel has evolved out of concern about the negative impacts of mass tourism. Responsible travel aims to protect the environment and to respect people, their communities, and their cultures. The socio-economic benefits of responsible travel should contribute to improving the quality of life in host communities instead of creating the negative impacts that we see so often.

v  WHY RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL?

Little thing we do...

At Footprint, we do not want to see the people of Vietnam exploited nor do we want to see our country’s environment suffer from unsustainable tourism.

By treading lightly, we can minimize our impacts while gaining maximum enjoyment from your traveling experience. And when we leave, we will not only leave with an abundance of great memories but with knowing that as a visitor we have actually played a role in benefiting the area's we visited.

Protecting these destinations and working to keep them unspoiled will insure that you, your children and future generations will also have the opportunity to visit and learn.

Getting you on side

First and foremost, it is important to realize that what you do makes a difference.

It doesn’t cost a lot and it doesn’t require a revolutionary adjustment. Small changes can add up to a significant overall positive impact.

You are not the only visitor to Vietnam - your impact on the environment is multiplied a million- fold by other people every year.

Before you go

Enjoying your time in Vietnam will be easy, and you will be also rewarded with a richer traveling experience by following the green guide of A, B, C.. to G.

Accept responsibility for the environment in which you travel.

Be aware of your impacts on society and the environment, and try to minimize them.

Choose tour operators who are more environmentally and culturally sensitive and tell their competitors that you didn’t choose them on this basis.

Don’t behave in a manner which would never be accepted at home.

Explain your reasons for behaving in a certain way to other tourists and to those working in the tourist sector.

Find out and learn more about the place you visit by not taking everything you see at face value.

Guide others who are not as educated as yourself by setting a good example through practical actions.

Strives to be a major player in environmental protection, sustainability and community-based tourism development in Vietnam. We believe that our experience and knowledge is a invaluable asset to those NGO's (both national and international) that seek to preserve the environment and reduce poverty with tourism. Thus, we are quick to jump on board and share the responsibility and become an example for others to follow.

v  WHAT CAN YOU HELP?

Little thing we do...

Vietnam is now open to the World, we are so glad to welcome you all to our beautiful country.

Enjoying your time in Vietnam will be easy, and while traveling with us, you can also be doing something active towards ensuring a long-term future for both tourism and the environment. In return, you’ll be rewarded with a richer traveling experience and the respect of the people of this fascinating country.

We thank you for your support to our efforts in responsible tourism in Vietnam. Please follow these links here or on the left hand-side menu to learn more of what you can help on: Environment, Cultures, Ethical Travel.

v  WHAT YOU CAN DO

Little thing we do...

Learn some of our language. A simple words of "Xin chao" (Hello!) and "Cam on" (Thank you!) can help you to break down barriers.

Dress appropriately. In a conservative culture like ours, don't flaunt your flesh and try to be neat and clean - it's only respectful. • Take your behavioral cues from the locals and, if in doubt, ask your local guides and try to see things from the locals' point of view.

We rely on a culture of bargaining. Bargaining should be done in good humor and even though you will inevitably be paying an inflated price. Bear in mind that a small amount to you, can represent a day's food or more to the vendor. And bargain in the spirit of the situation, not as a means of competition.

Begging always presents a difficult situation for you. You should never give money to beggars.

If you want to give, then buy essential goods to hand out like food, water, blankets and toiletries. The most efficient way to help though is by supporting local and charities which can direct your money to the neediest in the most cost effective manner.

When purchasing souvenirs try and buy from local markets and handcrafts so that the money goes directly to local businesses.

Eat in local restaurants and cafes too as far as possible, rather than western imports selling the staple of burgers and chips, as these can threaten the livelihood of local restaurants.

Always try to use local services, rather than external tour companies and services.

When booking accommodation, think about staying in bed and breakfasts or locally ran hotels and hostels, rather than international names.

 Eat where the locals do, not only will this give you a better insight to the cuisine of the area you’re visiting, but it will also help to support the local economy.

Always respect local laws and customs.

Always avoid any contact with drugs. Do not get involved with drugs.

 Buy locally made crafts and artifacts direct from the source, i.e. local markets and shops rather than from hotel lobbies and airport departure lounges where little of the original money will go to the community.