Welcome to another DIGITAL edition of Responsible Traveller…

This edition is about celebrating people & places!

I love to travel, to see new places and to meet new people. To me travelling should be
about actually connecting with the destination, seeing and experiencing new places,
eating different and sometimes exotic food and meeting and interacting with wonderful
new people… learning about and appreciating the differences of new cultures, working
my way through language barriers with sign language and a smile . In this edition we
join Louise as she spends time with the Ju/’Hoan San people in Namibia and Lesley as
she shares success stories from Prana Lodge. Rowan enjoys the thrill and adventure of a
Karkloof Canopy Tour as well as fun interaction with Rob and the other local guides and
Brenda introduces us to Suzie, special resident at the Great White House in Gansbaai,
home to responsible and conservation orientated shark cage diving.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of spending some time in Dubai… prior to my visit I
was challenged by a friend with the question ‘is there anything sustainable in Dubai?”
I admit I was a little concerned that all I would find would be glitz and glamour –
thankfully there is way more to this destination should you choose to look. This edition
checks out some of the luxury options that have committed to environmental best
practice and social responsibility as well as the winners of the 2015 Dubai Green Tourism
Awards. And speaking of awards, we celebrate Hotel Verde’s 6-star Green Star Rating, a
first for South Africa!

So no matter where you’re heading, choose travel that makes a difference, and choose to
support local travel businesses – from accommodation and eating out, to fun activities
and shopping. And above all, have fun connecting with people from different walks of life
and different cultures… and share a laugh and a smile.

Enjoy the read… and be the difference.