The good traveler
By Design Hotels
Sacred Valley, Peru
Traveling is precious. Why we make a journey is as important as how.
Travel with humillty and respect. We are not here to dominate or exploit nature or societies, but to be part of them.
Think holistically. The world is a complex system: how we behave affects not just animals, objects, and individuals, but biospheres, cultures, and communities,
Travel regeneratively. Our aim should always be to have an additive impact rather than a subtractive one
Take fewer trophies. See, appreciate, enjoy, and respect: bringing back what you have learned is one of the greatest gifts of traveling.
Never stop learning. Traveling is always an education: encountering different places, communities and cultures can open both minds and hearts.
Transparency is empowerment. Ask where things come from, how they are made, and who is providing the services under what conditions, so that you can make informed choices.
Technology is a tool, not a destination. It should be smart, non-intrusive, and support a regenerative lifestyle. You should also be able to turn it off.
Leave your baggage behind. Go forward to meet new people, have new experiences in new environments, be respectful, and endeavor to connect with and listen
Slow down. Understanding that the best journeys are not a race against time allows us to pause, focus, and truly appreciate encounters.