Simple actions you can take to travel responsibly
Riverside Boutique Resort is actively involved in supporting responsible tourism. It is working with Travelife to identify concrete measures it can take to protect the environment, promote human rights and engage with local communities.
We invite you to contribute to these efforts with a few simple actions.
Researching your trip
Booking travel: Whenever you can, opt for a company that is taking action to improve their environmental and social impacts. The best ones will publish annual sustainability reports and be independently certified.
Culture: Travel is more enjoyable when you have some knowledge of how to respect local customs and culture. Even simple things like how to tip, dress or say thank you are useful to know before you arrive.
Ground transport: You can help ease pollution and emissions by opting for taxi and transfer companies with low-emission fleets, using public transport and exploring the destination on foot or by bike when it is safe and practical to do so.
Caring for others: Spend some time learning how to identify the signs that someone is being trafficked, abused or exploited, then report it to local authorities if you ever see it.
Packing
Pack light: Whether you are travelling by plane, train or car, a lighter load means that less fuel is required to complete the journey, leading to lower emissions.
Pack to bring it back: Unwanted items you leave behind add to pollution or stress to local waste management systems.
Personal care products: Washing or swimming when using shampoos, lotions and gels that contain ‘microbeads’ can cause serious harm to biodiversity. Many countries have already banned them so please do not travel with these items.
Sunscreens: Certain ingredients found in some sun protection products are very damaging to marine life and reefs, even in tiny amounts and even from showering them off in your hotel room. Look for a marine-safe alternative if a sunscreen contains any of these ingredients: Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-8, OD-PABA, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, 3-Benzylidene Camphor, nano-Titanium Dioxide, nano-Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Octocrylene.
Single-use plastics: If you bring them with you then they will have to be disposed of and many destinations lack the facilities to do this safely. See if you can travel with reusable alternatives or ones made from recycled paper products.
Safeguarding animals
Stray or abused animals: If you are concerned about stray or abused animals, ask your travel agent. International organisations often have online advice about what to do.
Animal activities and attractions: We suggest that you avoid any activities that could possibly be harmful to animals. This could include activities where animals are forced to behave in a way that would not be normal for them in the wild.
At Riverside Boutique Resort
Temperature: Keeping your room at a comfortable temperature is important yet this is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in accommodation. You can help by not adjusting the thermostat more than necessary and by ensuring that heating/cooling units are turned off whenever doors or windows are open.
Water: There are always greenhouse gas emissions created from sourcing and disposing of water, and in some destinations water is an extremely precious resource. You can help by taking shorter showers and turning off the tap whilst brushing your teeth.
Eating and drinking: Around a third of all food produced is never eaten, yet food production accounts for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions. You can help by only ordering what you will eat, choosing local items over imported ones and opting for more meat-free meals during your stay.
Find out about recycling: Every location has different recycling rules that can be confusing when you travel, so ask hotel staff about what you can recycle and how.
Supporting the local community
Support local businesses: Try to dine and shop at locally owned and operated businesses in the area. Ask at our giftshop about gifts or mementos handcrafted by a local artist or produced by a small business.
Explore the culture and area: you are likely to get more out of your visit if you find time to take in some of the local sites, culture and activities.
Respecting people: Make sure you know about, and observe, any local laws, customs or traditions. Do not take photos or videos of people without their permission, especially if you intend to post these online. Remember that only parents or legal guardians can give permission for children.
Safeguard children: Avoid activities that could harm children such as orphanage and school visits that can disrupt education or lead to exploitation. The best way to support children is to donate to a reputable charity. If you suspect that any child is being exploited or abused, immediately report the issue to the local police. You can speak with our staff or your travel agent if you are not sure how to do that safely.
Protect biodiversity: Be sure to properly dispose of your waste. Do not take anything away from protected areas and likewise, do not leave anything behind.
Support local charities: If you have had a great time in Vang Vieng and would like to give something back to the people who live there. We will be happy to put you in contact with the Phoundindaeng Youth Center if you wish to.