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The eight member companies of Trusted Adventures are encouraging their staffs and guests to be ambassadors of goodwill wherever they go. “At Trusted Adventures, traveling sustainably and responsibly is intrinsic to the organization’s DNA,” said Brad Moss, executive director of Trusted Adventures. How can travelers make a positive difference in the places they visit? Moss said a good place to start is by leaving some baggage — like preconceptions of the world — at home.

“Our companies believe that to be a good traveler, what you leave behind is as important as what you bring along,” said Moss. “However we also feel responsibility to help educate our travelers in ways they can show respect for the host country, its cultural and natural resources. Long before we step out of the plane or tour van we encourage our guests to have read and become informed about the destination, its unique story, people, cultural diversity and fragile natural resources.” He said that extensive reading lists and helpful website links are essential components of all pre-departure packets.

Once at the destination, listening to and observing tour guides can help guests learn basic greetings such as how to say “please” and “thank you” or how to bargain for keepsakes in a fair and considerate way, said Moss.

“Many of our trips utilize local, homegrown guides who are anxious to help you embrace cultural traditions and learn the taboos of their host country.

Our ultimate goal is to return home from a trip with newfound knowledge and appreciation of a land and its people and to, in some small way, leave a positive impact by our presence,” Moss said.

Following are Trusted Adventures tips on how to travel responsibly: Travel in a constant state of awareness, acceptance and respect. Learn helpful phrases in the local language and speak in the native tongue whenever possible.

Read and be informed about the destination in advance. Respect local guidelines, regulations, customs and taboos and abide by directions of local guides. Support local artisans, businesses and communities, financially and socially.

Ask questions, listen well and observe. Protect flora, fauna and landscapes.

Respect traditions, religions and heritages. Conserve natural resources, from home and office to destination.

Minimize your footprint when it comes to noise, waste disposal, recycling and consumption.

Leave a positive impact by your presence.

Smile openly and often. More information for travelers can be found on the alliance website at www.trustedadventures.com/responsible-travel

Trusted Adventures also recommends reviewing the Ethical Traveler’s 13 Tips for the Accidental Ambassador at www.ethicaltraveler.org/guidelines.php

The Trusted Adventures alliance is a partnership of eight travel companies: Austin-Lehman Adventures, Wildland Adventures, Western River Expeditions, Myths and Mountains, The Wayfarers, ROW Adventures, Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations and American Safari Cruises. United under a common mission to provide authentic, transformational travel experiences, Trusted Adventures a collection of active vacations.

For more information, visit www.trustedadventures.com