If you are looking to take a 'gap year', volunteer abroad or just travel with an organisation, there are certain elements of responsible travel that the organisation should be taking into consideration, including your own safety.
Responsible travel is the future. Travel, and especially volunteering, isn't as limitless as people expect. Cultures are changed, and sometimes destroyed by travellers; wells are built by volunteers and abandoned by the village.
It just takes each person to care about, and take responsibility for, their impact on the local environment and culture.
World's Oldest Backpacker Keith Wright is about to set off on his 8th trip to Europe, backpack in tow, at the ripe age of 95.
Fair Trade Volunteering Launches Launch of Fair Trade Volunteering, dedicated to ensuring sustainable development amongst short term volunteer organisations.
Earn UCAS Points On Your Gap Year 70 UCAS points are awarded for completing the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE).
Wanderlust's Endangered Destinations 2011 10 destinations that are in danger of being destroyed beyond all recognition.
Buddha Tattoos Are Culturally Insensitive Thailand's Minister of Culture has called for the ban of tourists' Buddha tattoos.
Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winners Announced Adventure travel organisation, Intrepid Travel, wins in the category 'Global Tourism Business'.
New Sustainable Tourism Plans in Galapagos Islands New regulations will reduce number of visitors on each island to prevent overcrowding.
Voluntourism Research Launched Planeterra & TIES are developing a set of criteria for voluntourism organisations to follow.
Tribe Bans Tourists Lack of responsible tourism means that tourists are now banned from visiting Amazonian tribe.
Colombia Rains 6 people have died from heavy rains in Colombia, hundreds are affected.
Tourism for Tomorrow Intrepid Travel is a finalist in the 2011 'Tourism for Tomorrow' sustainable travel awards.