Travel responsibly
At GeoCultura, responsible travel is at the heart of our ethos. We believe travel should benefit not only those who travel but also the communities, cultures and ecosystems that make those journeys so special
Travel responsibly with GeoCultura
Our approach goes beyond ‘leaving no trace.’ We strive to leave a positive impact –socially, environmentally and economically – on every place we visit. We know we’ve got some way to go; travelling responsibly is an ongoing process and we’re always looking for ways to improve, but here are 7 ways we’re working towards making our tours truly sustainable:
1. Small groups, big difference
We keep our group sizes small, typically limited to 12 guests. This means a lighter footprint on the communities and natural environments we visit. It also creates a more personal, rewarding experience for you, with time and space to truly connect with your destination.
2. Supporting local economies
Our tour itineraries prioritise locally owned accommodations that clearly care about their local people and environments, such as The Pierhouse on our Scotland tours. It means that the money you spend stays within the community rather than lining the already well-endowed pockets of international hotel brands. Supporting these establishments contributes directly to the local economy while offering you a richer, more authentic travel experience.
We work hard to build meaningful relationships with local hotel owners, artisans and businesses that are built on trust and shared values. It helps us ensure that your journey is as enriching for our partners as it is for you.
3. Expert guides with a local touch
We carefully select our Tour Leaders not just for their expertise in geology, history and culture but also for their local ties to the regions we visit.
Our Isles of Scilly Tour Leader Jess Vian, for example, is an islander, soap-maker and local historian. We also book talks by local experts, go to gigs and sessions by local traditional musicians and regularly visit the studios of local artists on our tours.
This approach reduces emissions and supports regional economies while immersing you in the stories, knowledge and traditions that make a destination unique.
4. Food that supports the planet
Food plays a huge role in shaping your experience of a place – and the impact you leave behind. Where meals are included in our itineraries, we carefully choose restaurants that prioritise local, seasonal ingredients and offer plant-based options.
On our Isles of Scilly tours, for example, the owner of Star Castle Hotel, Robert Francis, sources crab and lobster directly from his own fishing boat, offering the freshest seafood while supporting sustainable fishing practices. He also runs his own vineyard on St Mary’s.
On the few occasions where meals aren’t included in your tour, we encourage you to discover the local cuisine for yourself. On our Madeira tours, the central location of our independent hotel allows you to explore Funchal’s vibrant food scene (feel free to ask your Tour Leader for recommendations), helping to boost the local economy.
By showcasing sustainable, locally sourced cuisine, we help you enjoy an authentic taste of your destination while minimising food miles and supporting independent producers.
5. Fair pay and respectful partnerships
We care deeply about our staff, Tour Leaders and suppliers. Our working relationships are built on fairness and respect. We always pay fairly and promptly, creating an environment of trust and collaboration that benefits everyone involved – including you.
This approach ensures loyalty and a commitment to quality from our partners, whom we find are willing to go the extra mile as they know we do the same for them. It’s good to know that everyone who contributes to your journey feels valued.
6. Minimising carbon emissions
While we can’t control the flights you might take to join our tours, we work hard to reduce carbon emissions during your time with us.
- Smarter transport: We avoid internal flights, relying on small coaches or, in Scotland, trains for more sustainable travel.
- Sustainable dining: We make it easy for you to pick local, seasonal, vegetarian and vegan options, reducing the environmental impact of your food choices.
- Eco-friendly experiences: Many of our excursions support low-carbon activities, such as guided walks, train journeys and farm-to-table experiences.
7. Giving back
GeoCultura actively supports local charities and conservation initiatives in the destinations we visit. Some of our current and future partnerships include:
- North West Highlands Geopark: One of our team serves as an ambassador, helping to promote and protect this geologically significant area.
- Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust: We plan to contribute to the preservation of the unique ecosystems of the Isles of Scilly.
- The Island Haven: We’re exploring ways to support this vital charity, which provides respite accommodation for Isles of Scilly residents in need.
By giving back, we ensure that our presence as travellers contributes to the long-term wellbeing of the destinations we love.
We actively seek your feedback on all aspects of your tour experience as it helps us refine our tours and improve our sustainability practices. Transparency is important to us, and we aim to avoid over-promising in our marketing, and keep our descriptions and images up-to-date.
Please let us know how we’re doing; your insights will help us reach our goal of meeting the highest standards in responsible travel.
Ready to join us on a journey that goes beyond the view? Explore our tours today.
Get in touch with our team
Want to get in touch with GeoCultura? Our friendly team is here to answer your questions. You can complete our contact form, or use the contact details below.
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