Travelers Code of Conduct
Soul Adventures focuses on small group travel (max of 14) to destinations in countries that are emerging in the area of tourism development and that support the growth of tourism in ways that provide opportunities to the indigenous cultures of the region.  We continue to seek new opportunities to support these cultures either through informal exchange or the development of on-going projects. 

Locally owned goods and services are used throughout all of our journeys.  This provides economic support to the communities we visit in ways that promote responsible travel and tourism.  Money spent on locally produced goods and needed services support both income and employment to the communities that we visit.  

An overview of our responsibilities for Economic, Social, and Environmental support follows.  For more specific examples, we have highlighted each of our current destinations to demonstrate our efforts in those communities.  Our efforts are continually on-going as we seek to increase our involvement and support through new projects and alliances with local community organizations.

Economic Responsibility

1. We use local resources for all services provided.
2. We support locally owned shops and restaurants and use local guide services.
3. We provide financial support for local economic projects.
4. We educate our guests on how our contributions benefit the local communities we visit through support of local artisans, restaurants, and accommodations.
5. We develop long-term partnerships with our local guides and together develop a model of responsible travel for all of our itineraries.

Social Responsibility

1. We provide our guests with detailed pre-trip information that educates them on social, political, and cultural norms of each country.
2. We educate our guests on the local practices and customs to include respectful communication, tipping, and bargaining.
3. We facilitate a ‘Cultural Welcome Talk’ upon arrival to our destination to explain in more detail the local customs of the area.
4. We use local operators and guides for all services provided.
5. We provide an educational exchange with local representatives and our guests to provide increased connection with the indigenous people of the communities visited.

Environmental Responsibility

1. We support a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy in all of our travels to minimize impact of the areas visited.
2. We encourage our travelers to use water sparingly for showing and washing.
3. We practice sound environmental procedures when out trekking and the disposal of waste.
4. We educate our guests on using environmentally friendly detergents and shampoos for hand and hair washing and to use these sparingly.
5. We educate our guests to minimize packaging by encouraging the elimination of  plastic and boxes prior to leaving for the destination.

Northern India and Bhutan:  We employ locals throughout our entire trek.  They provide support as porters, cooks, and guides.  Employing a locally owned trekking company, our trips support an established entity and the employees of that organization.  In addition to fair wages paid to the local staff, our group will typically leave generous gratuities to each member of the trekking crew who has supported us during our travels. 

In addition, we support local communities along the trek a number of ways:

1. Tea with local families – Our small group of only 12 travelers have the opportunity to share tea with local families in various villages along the way.  A communication exchange is provided through translation with our local guide who is fluent in the indigenous languages of each region we travel.  A donation of clothing, small gifts or cash contributions are given to the family.  We provide a list of acceptable gifts prior to each trip departure.
2. Visits with Schools – Our travelers have the opportunity to provide school supplies and cash donations to several schools on our journey.  Interaction with teachers and students provides travelers with an intimate look into the learning environment of these high mountain regions within the Himalayas.
3. Cultural Dances – There are typically 2 or 3 evenings that are filled with local cultural entertainment as villagers dress in their traditional best and entertain us with song and dance.  Interpretations are provided by our guides as the dances and music tell the stories of rich cultural history indigenous to the area.
4. Ladakh Women’s Alliance – This organization supports the women of the Northern India Ladakhi region.  Its mission is to coordinate and support women who handicraft clothing and gifts and provides a centralized location where these works can be sold. Our group views a 45 minute documentary film on the Women of Ladakh, share tea while interacting in a cultural exchange, and are able to purchase the goods produced by the women of the Alliance.

Our treks encourage and support the philosophy of ‘Leave No Trace’ ecotourism.  Only established areas are used for campsites in order to protect the fragile tundra of the Himalayan regions.  All that is packed in is carried out.  Travelers are encouraged to reduce waste prior to the trek by eliminating boxes, plastic, and any packaging that is not necessary to carry on the trek.  Because of the lack of wood in these high mountain regions, campfires are not allowed except for a last night celebration. 

Peru:  We travel with a local guide for the entire itinerary in Peru.  Ruben Orellana is former Chief Archeologist of Machu Picchu and a renowned Shaman.  Ruben’s dedication to the indigenous people of Peru is evident throughout our journeys.  Locally owned hotels, restaurants, and shops are visited – each of which Ruben has established relationships.  Local artisans, local foods, and the atmosphere of local lodging provide travelers with an authentic Peruvian experience.

In addition, we provide the following support:

1. Local Dance and Cultural Entertainment – Almost daily during our itinerary, we experience local music and dancing.  We contribute to these events through cash donations and purchase of artist CD’s.  Many of our travelers continue to enjoy the sounds of Peruvian flutes long after they return home.
2. Local Artisans – Our travelers are provided with the opportunity to learn, experience and visit with local artisans.  From the weavers of the high Andes mountain regions to the ceramists famous for the colorful pottery of Peru, we gain insight into the ancient ways of creating art and the understanding of how these traditions are being preserved in the indigenous cultures.
3. Local Communities – We provide support to local communities through the donation of clothing and school supplies.  A special emphasis is on warm clothing for those communities situated above 12,000 ft elevation.
4. Guides – supplemental guides are often a part of our journey to complement the expertise of Ruben.  These guides are provided additional gratuities in support of their services. 

Vietnam:  We employ four local guides throughout our journey in Vietnam – each of which have grown up and live in the regions visited.  In addition to fair wages paid to our locally owned guide company, we provide supplemental gratuities.  Each guide provides travelers with the opportunity to interact and support local communities by visiting with local families, purchasing locally produced goods, and dining in local restaurants.

In addition, we provide the following support:

1. Sapa Schools – We select two village schools to support during our visit.  School supplies and children’s clothing are brought by our travelers and given at the schools.  How wonderful it is to witness the excitement as the children receive their gifts.
2. Local Artisans & Farmers – The markets of Sapa are filled with local hilltribe villagers who gather weekly to sell and exchange goods.  Support of these markets provides money to the local hilltribes and on-going support of traditional practices of goods produced.  In addition, Hoi An in central Vietnam is a hub of activity for support of local artists and custom silk clothing.  Lastly, we support the villages of Can Tho during the daily floating markets purchasing fresh pineapple, cantaloupe and other fruits and vegetables grown in the region.
3. Ni Vien Van Thanh Monastery – This Monastery is home to 45 Buddhist nuns.  We share a private lunch with the nuns and tour their home.  Donations are provided to the Monastery for on-going support of the nuns.  Rich cultural dialogue takes place as we engage in heartfelt interaction with the residents.