Responsible Travel

SnoworSand is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. This mindset drives every decision we make. From the education we provide during our travel workshops to the responsible travel policy we employ during our travel programs, we are committed to maximizing the benefits of tourism for travelers as well as the local communities and environments they visit.

Our Guiding Principles:

Supporting Local People: We train and employ local staff, utilize a diverse range of local suppliers, and assist in the development of sustainable local businesses.

Cultural Exchange: We facilitate opportunities for cultural exchange, where locals and visitors can share and learn from each other in an environment of mutual respect.

Education and Awareness: We strive to educate travelers about the destinations and cultures they visit so they are informed about appropriate behavior, local norms and the impact of their trip.

Cultural Sensitivity: We encourage the preservation and respect of cultural heritage by learning about and behaving in a way that aligns with local traditions, norms and belief systems.

Environmental Sensitivity: We audit all of our trips according to their environmental impact and encourage independent travelers to do the same. We are currently developing standards to offset the carbon footprint of our trips.

Staying Involved: We believe the travel process doesn’t end upon returning home. As such, we encourage all travelers to think about how they can support organizations that work to protect the cultures, peoples and environment of the places they visit.

Responsible Traveller

Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us and we encourage you to do the same! Please read on for more information on how you can be a responsible traveler during your SnoworSand trip as well as throughout your life!

What Can The Traveler Do?

We ask all our travelers to respect local rules and values. This means different things in different countries so be informed about the country you visit before you arrive. Try to learn some of the local language and read about the religion and culture. This will improve your traveling experience. With a little effort on your part you will find yourself coming away with a greater sense of understanding of other cultures and feeling pleased to have left a positive mark on the country you visited.

Respecting Cultural Differences

Things are done differently in the places we travel, which is why we love them! Please make sure you accept these differences and not try to change them for your own benefit or comfort. Remember that many places operate on different concepts of time - things happen when they happen! The traveler who wishes to have a happy and successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as possible. Patience, courtesy and smiles are virtues that open many doors.

Friendships

Making new friends will be one of the greatest joys of your travels. Accept and enjoy offers of hospitality when you can. By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude of life, plus have a very enjoyable time. This is a chance for them to learn about your culture, too. Consider ways to reciprocate hospitality, for example, by mailing back photos. Don't flaunt your wealth. Use discretion with jewelry, cash and techno-gadgetry!

Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the street you may be asked: "What's your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Where are you going?" Don't be offended or consider it rude or an invasion of privacy. It's usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice English. Respond with patience and a cheery manner. If you’re not interested in stopping to talk, hold your right hand over your heart, smile, and say “no thank you.” Remember that the concept of privacy can be very different from your home country.

Etiquette

There are a few general codes of behavior that apply throughout the areas we operate.

In Asia crooking your finger to call somebody is considered impolite. People generally use a subtle downward waving motion to summon someone.
In Muslim countries, showing affection in public can be considered offensive - definitely no kissing! Away from the major urban centers it is extremely rare to see couples holding hands.
When entering mosques it’s essential that you take your shoes off and leave them at the entrance. Women are obliged to cover their heads with a headscarf and wear loose fitting, modest clothing. Men must wear modest clothing. Long pants and long sleeve shirts are appropriate.
In Turkey be sure not to blow your nose in the vicinity of locals as its deemed rude. Never blow your nose at the dinner table.
In Europe it is impolite to enter a store or restaurant and NOT say hello in the local language.
In Morocco make sure that when you visit Berber areas you don't call the locals "Moroccans" as they consider themselves to be Berbers first. These Berbers are the original inhabitants of Morocco. Be sure to learn a few Berber words to increase your interaction with them.
In most countries it is inappropriate to express anger in a raised voice. Becoming angry is embarrassing to the local people with whom you are dealing.

Dress

Many countries visited by SnoworSand have conservative dress standards, particularly in Asia and Islamic regions in north Africa. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length. Tank tops are not suitable. Dress modestly at religious sites anywhere in the world. There are certain places where shoes and/or hats need be removed. In any Muslim area, knees and shoulders should be covered. Check what is acceptable swimwear with your group leader. Nude bathing or sunbathing is not appropriate anywhere. When in doubt about dress, look to how the majority of locals are clothed.

Cameras and Video Cameras

Be aware of the impact of photography. Sensitivity is the key. Please ensure that you ask permission before videoing or taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse. Minority groups in particular are often unhappy to have their photo taken. Travelers should avoid paying for the right to take a photo as this has been found to encourage a begging mentality in the locals. Instead if you do take photos, send back copies through your guide.

Dining And Shopping

Local culinary delights are part of the joy of traveling! Eat local food and drink rather than seeking out imported familiar snacks and drinks from home. Buy handicrafts and art directly from the makers in local villages when you can, rather than from emporiums or department stores. This may help the maker to obtain a better price.

We ask you not to purchase endangered flora and fauna products that may be offered for sale. In many cases wildlife products that are for sale in popular tourist locations cannot be taken through customs on your return home.

Bargaining

The art of bargaining is something you can work on during your trip. Here's a few pointers to help you on your way:

Start bargaining with some idea of what you consider a fair price for the item to be. This will usually involve sourcing the item in a number of different stores.
The correct price for an item is the price you agree to pay, that keeps both you and the seller happy. Therefore there's no absolute 'right' price;
Be polite, patient, but firm in your bargaining. No one receives a cheaper price by being rude or insensitive.
Don't appear too interested in an item. Walking out of a store is often a good way to get the price to drop.
Shop with a friend. Buying in bulk will often reduce the price.
Learn the numbers in the local language. It will win respect from the seller, and will certainly make the process a lot more interesting.
Once a price you have offered is accepted it is not appropriate to back out of the deal.
Only say you'll buy something later if you intend to buy later. The sellers usually have amazing memories, and will come hounding you on your promise!
It is SnoworSand’s policy that guides do not receive commissions from vendors for their group's purchases.
Enjoy the experience, and remember you're often only bargaining over only a couple of dollars. Keep it in perspective.

Drugs

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any SnoworSand trip and the guide has the right to expel a member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. It must be understood that possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk.

Donations And Gifts

Please do not give money, pens, or sweets to the local people in the communities you visit, as this can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourist and visitor, with tourists being seen as purely 'givers', and it can also strip self-esteem away from people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action.

If you wish to donate, your guide may be able to suggest local projects. Some local villages can be supported by buying their arts and crafts. Pens, note books and other items for children are usually best distributed via a teacher or community leader. Your guide would be happy to help distribute these items.

The Right To Develop

We ask you to remain open minded about development and poverty in local areas, and respect that the local people may wish to develop economically and gain access to material possessions that we take for granted. While this undoubtedly changes villages and makes them less 'unspoilt' for travelers, it is something that we should respect. A role you can play is to share some of the realities of our western culture, which may be materially rich but also lacking in spirituality and community awareness. You can help people understand the negative influences that come from increased material wealth on the family and the community. Assist people to achieve a balanced view of development.

Being A Responsible Traveler Doesn't Finish When Your Trip Does...

At SnoworSand, part of our travel philosophy is to develop tourism as a two-way means of communication. When you return home we'd like you to think about how you can give something back to the country you visited. You've just spent quite a bit of money on giving yourself a great time by experiencing another culture and meeting the people. Your spending has certainly helped the local economy, and now there are other things that can be done to help some other countries on an ongoing basis. After your trip, you will probably be more aware of the environmental, social, political and cultural problems that some local communities face. There are various agencies and groups trying to address these issues, aiming to assist developing countries maintain their cultural identity, develop sustainable resources and improve social justice situations. All of them require resources.

Money is not the only way you can assist, as simply providing your time and/or skills might be as valuable and useful. Things you could do:

Join a development agency or other group devoted to concerns in developing countries.
Become a volunteer and donate time to aid groups.
Buy your birthday or holiday presents at shops run by various third world charitable groups.
Write letters for Amnesty International to assist political prisoners or to put pressure on governments to change intolerable situations.
Become more aware of your own government's policies and how they influence the 'two-thirds world'.