Travel should be a respectful, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone. The Traveller Conduct Policy is intended to set standards for travellers to follow on their G Adventures tour. In addition to compliance with applicable laws in any destination a traveller may visit, travellers are expected to comply with this policy for the safety, security, and enjoyment of all.
Why have a Traveller Conduct Policy?
G Adventures is proud of our reputation as a world leader in innovative, authentic adventure travel, and we work hard to make sure we stay there. We’re a community of diverse individuals united by a profound respect for, and enthusiastic belief in, our values and each other. This unique combination of respect and enthusiasm prevents us from losing sight of what matters most – community, people, cultural exchange – and reminds us that creating happiness is a privilege we all share together.
Tourism is about respecting people, places, and cultures
Tourism is about mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies. The resources involved in tourism belong to the common heritage of human beings and we have a duty to protect these vulnerable resources for future generations.
RESPECTING PEOPLE
Travellers are expected to respect others. This includes other travellers, G Adventures staff, third-party service providers and the local people and cultures in the destinations they visit.
We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome.
When travelling, keep the following in mind:
- Be aware of your own cultural values, biases, and how they impact your judgment of others.
- You do not have to agree with the opinions or beliefs of others but you must be respectful of them.
- As part of a G Adventures group, bullying or prejudice towards any person is not acceptable, including homophobia, transphobia, racism, misogyny, ableism, ageism, or any other form.
Respect places and cultures. You may be visiting sites that are holy or significant places within local culture. When visiting a place, please do not forget its primary purpose and respect its meaning to others who are present. Ask about and respect dress codes. Ensure that you have permission before taking photographs of people, and that it is appropriate to take photos in holy or significant places. Respect local communities and be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas and at night. Set an example for other travellers.
Child welfare. As a global social enterprise, the safety of children around the world is important to us. Travellers play an important part in ensuring children's safety and well-being. Refuse to support any business or organization that utilizes child labour. Review our Child Welfare policy here.
Illegal drugs and alcohol. Illegal drugs and Alcohol. Travellers are responsible for their actions at all times. Consuming alcohol in excess impairs your judgment and reduces your ability to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Travellers who choose to consume alcohol do so at their own risk. Excess alcohol consumption and abuse of drugs or other controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, that puts you, other travellers or G Adventures staff at risk is grounds for removal from a tour. Use and possession of illegal drugs and other illegal substances are prohibited. Travellers who abuse illegal substances are subject to arrest and prosecution under applicable laws and removal from their tour.
Abusive behaviour or violence. We can remove you from a tour immediately if we witness abusive or violent behaviour or receive a report that you are behaving in an abusive or violent manner. This includes: using abusive, threatening, or offensive language towards others, uninvited physical contact, solicitation, harassment, vandalism, theft, violence, use of fake/false identification, underage drinking, providing alcohol to those under the allowed age, possession of illegal substances/items, or any other illegal or offensive conduct.
Physical relationships between staff and travellers are prohibited. G Adventures staff are prohibited from engaging in physical relationships with travellers. G Adventures staff are friendly, outgoing, and strive to provide amazing service. We hire great people, and it’s their job to be helpful and ensure that each traveller has a great experience. Respecting the boundaries between staff and travellers is important for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Sexual Misconduct. G Adventures reserves the right to remove you from your tour if we witness any form of sexual misconduct or receive a report or allegations that you have engaged in any form of sexual misconduct. This includes but is not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual violence, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, nonconsensual sexual contact, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.
When travelling, keep the following in mind:
- Do not enter another traveller’s room unless you are invited to do so.
Sexual Tourism and Prostitution: Do the right thing. Say NO to sexual tourism of any kind. G Adventures reserves the right to remove you from your tour if we witness any form of engagement in sexual tourism or prostitution or receive a report or allegations that you have engaged in any form of sexual tourism or prostitution, even if sex work is legal in the countries you are visiting. This includes but is not limited to: engagement in any sexual activity or relationship in exchange for money or lifestyle support
RESPECTING PLACES:
Respect animal welfare. Travellers are expected to refrain from supporting businesses that do not respect animal welfare. This includes purchasing items made from or harmful to animals. Do not support the purchase or traffic of items made from exotic or endangered animal products. Animal welfare is important to G Adventures. Read our Animal Welfare Policy for more information.
Minimize impact. Wherever possible, avoid the use of plastic bags and disposable plastic water bottles. Plan ahead to ensure you have biodegradable toiletries if you are camping. Do not leave behind any litter or solid waste. Do not remove objects from the natural environment or any site you visit. Do not remove artifacts or historical objects from a site or purchase them illegally. Do not hand out sweets, change, or gifts as this may create or re-enforce a begging mentality.
RESPECTING EACH OTHER’S HEALTH, SAFETY & BELONGINGS:
Safety and security. Travellers should immediately report any concerns about safety, security, or unsafe or illegal behaviour to their CEO or a G Adventures staff member. If you fail to immediately report these concerns this may delay our ability to respond to the situation.
When travelling, keep the following in mind:
- Do not use another traveller’s belongings without their permission.
Swimming and water safety. Water safety is important for swimmers of all abilities. Do not swim or participate in a water activity alone, after consuming alcohol, in an unattended area, or after sundown.
Practice good health & hygiene. Travellers are expected to practice good health and hygiene routines individually and collectively. These include, but are not limited to, the following; frequent hand washing, sneezing into your elbow, physical distancing measures as instructed by your CEO or local authorities, and proper use of personal protective equipment (masks, hand sanitizer etc) when required as per local regulations. Should any traveller exhibit symptoms or behaviours deemed concerning, we reserve the right to require appropriate medical assessment, and to isolate or remove the individual(s) from the tour as a precautionary measure for the safety of the group and to allow us to assist the individual(s) in receiving medical and other help as appropriate.
Consequences
If a traveller fails to adhere to this policy and we determine, in our discretion, that there is a concern for the safety, security, or well-being of others, G Adventures may remove the traveller from a tour immediately. G Adventures may also report incidents to local authorities and seek other legal action where appropriate.
Travellers removed from a tour for failure to adhere to this Traveller Conduct Policy are responsible for all costs related to their removal including accommodations and transportation home at their own expense. No refunds will be issued if you are removed from a tour because of a violation of this Traveller Conduct Policy.