Sitemap Print

Home  >  Contact us  >  Terms and Conditions  >  Traveller's Responsible Code of Conduct

Traveller's Responsible Code of Conduct

What can you do before your holiday?

Try to learn some of the local language and read about the religion, nature and culture. You can find the most important information about your destination on our website under About Estonia and Other Destinations . This will improve your travelling experience and with a little effort you will find yourself coming away with a greater sense of understanding of other cultures and feeling pleased to have left a positive mark on the country you visited. Please also read the suggestions we will e-mail you about the social and political situation of your selected holiday once you've booked it.

What can you do during your holiday?

We aim at introducing you the local culture as much as possible to enhance your holiday experience. We therefore try to use local guides in each destination and encourage you to be proactive in learning as much as you can from their expert knowledge. You can also contribute to the local community by purchasing locally produced goods and services and having meals at local restaurants. Local culinary delights are part of the joy of travelling and your money supports the locals instead of big international companies. This all has a beneficial effect on both your travel experience and on local communities.

• Respect the values of local culture and ask your guide for relevant suggestions on local customs and habits to refrain from insulting someone unintentionally. Be also aware of dressing suitably according to the rules of the locals, especially when entering religious establishments or when going swimming or to sauna. When in doubt, ask your guide or look at how the majority of locals dress.
• Remember that many places operate on different concepts of time - things happen when they happen! The traveller who wishes to have a successful trip should keep as calm, cheerful and friendly as possible. Your smile can open many new doors and you will gain the respect of the local people. By taking the time to chat with the locals you will learn about their daily lives, culture and attitude to life, plus have an enjoyable time. This is a chance for them to learn about your culture too.
• Be aware of the impact of photography. Please ensure that you ask permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse.
• Respect local environment and leave your rubbish only at a designated place. Even if you see a local person littering, set an example and dispose of your garbage appropriately. Try to avoid plastic packaging where possible and take along your own bag when shopping. Ask your guide what to do with plastic drinking water bottles. Most of the Nordic countries have specific codes of conduct for this. Refrain from using soap or shampoos in the sea, rivers and lakes. When in the countryside, remember that viewing wild animals from a safe distance is fine; touching, feeding, or cornering them is not. Always move around calmly to avoid upsetting the natural environment.
• Adopt behaviour that reduces pollution, be it chemical, biological, visual (vandalism, graffiti), or noise pollution. Choose durable, biodegradable products whenever possible. Consume water as responsibly as you can and always make sure you haven't forgotten the water running after taking shower or leaving the hotel room.
• Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any Travel Merchant holiday and the group leader has the right to expel a member of the group if drugs are found in their possession. It must be understood that possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of your destination country, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. We also strongly condemn anyone who supports prostitution.
• Please do not give money or sweets to the local people in the communities we visit, as it can promote a 'begging culture'. It can create unequal relationships between tourists and locals and can also mislead people when they get money for simply being poor rather than having to solve their own issues of poverty through community action. If you wish to donate, your group leader may be able to suggest local projects that Travel Merchant is involved in. However, it is proper to make a small donation at the end of a visit to churches - please look for a special contribution box for this.
• Always follow the rules and laws of your holiday destination. Don't enter areas that are off-limits to the public, always obey signs and local ways of life.
• Remember to respect your fellow travellers, your guides and tour escorts by conducting appropriate behaviour, being friendly and understanding on every step of your holiday. This is a great way to share your experience and get many new friends.

What can you do when you get back home?

Our philosophy is to develop a 'give-and-take' concept for all our holidays. When you return home we'd like you to think about how you can give something back to the country you visited. Your spending has certainly helped the local economy, and now there are other things that can be done to help them. Money is not the only way you can assist, as simply providing your time and/or skills might be as valuable and useful. An easy way is to share your experience with your friends, relatives and colleagues to contribute to educating your own community. You can also learn about ways to donate to areas you found in need. And if you really want to help, please check our voluntary tours to Estonia on our website or ask for assistance to volunteer elsewhere.