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Responsible Tourism
Tourism is among the world's largest industries and a tremendous economic influence over communities and people. The responsible tourism movement was born so travelers would recognize the choices they make while traveling can either benefit a host community or they can exploit the local culture and the environment.
Hostelling International promotes many of the same principles of travel, including the benefits of learning from others and seeing a different way of life through their eyes. We believe the tourism industry is capable of providing people with a better quality of life while preserving local resources because the power is in the hands of individual travelers.
Ride the train: Trains require half the energy of airplanes and are more efficient than low-fuel consuming vehicles.
Complete a comment card: If you vote in every election, you should be the first to fill out a comment card. Consumer feedback has the power to influence a company’s business practices. The only way for a company to maintain their market share in a competitive industry is responding to consumer feedback.
Smell the flowers: Leave the American concept of time at home and take a leisurely walk to practice active listening and observing. This is a generalization, but most people in other countries devote time each day to reflect on experiences in order to deepen their understanding.
Embrace humility: The only expectation you should have when you travel is to discover the richness of other cultures. Show a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people.
Gain respect: If you feel the urge to berate someone in public, count to ten and cool down. Offensive behavior is not acceptable in any situation. It is a lot easier to gain a reputation than it is to gain respect.
Learn from your mistakes: Travel builds character only if you are positive and optimistic in every experience.
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Green Travel Tips
Tourism is one of the leading industries in top destinations around the world, including the San Francisco Bay Area. It has a significant impact on the local economy through job growth, tax revenue and civic pride. But money and status only go so far when travelers don't consider how their presence impacts an area's natural and cultural treasures.
- Promote conservation and efficiency in our hostels
- Teach guests about conservation practices to get them involved when they return home
Take the following steps to sustain the local environment, economy and culture of your destination:
Learn about your destination: The Internet has made it so easy to access helpful travel information and tools (you're reading this, aren't you?). Make sure you allow enough time between reserving a bed and packing your bags to learn about the geography, customs and manners of your destination.
- What actions or standards are considered inappropriate?
- Can you help to preserve tradition by attending a cultural event?
- Is the region experiencing an energy or water shortage?
- Are there any local laws that protect the environment (animals, plants, open space, etc.)?
- What locally owned restaurants meet your diet needs?
- Is there a market where local artists sell souvenirs like clothing, mementos and one-of-a-kind finds?
- If you paid for a tour, did you ask if the guide worked for a local nonprofit or a national for-profit company?
Know where your money is going: Our Green Hostels Project is an environmental education program that guides all nine HI-USA hostels in Northern California. Make sure the other locally owned businesses you support with your travel dollars have conservation guidelines for waste, water and energy (at the least). This step allows you to protect the environment with little effort and maximum impact. It is even easier than taking out the recycling every week. As more travelers patronize eco-friendly businesses, the impact on our environment will compound. If you make the mistake of selecting a company that does not care, speak up and tell an owner or manager that company policies impact the local community and, as word spreads, profits will suffer.
Impact people, not the environment: We all heard the following advice decades ago as school children, but it has become a cornerstone of the earth-friendly travel movement: Take only photographs, leave only footprints. It is still good advice, particularly since few people were listening. We are all guilty of removing a rock or picking a flower, but imagine how the landscape would be altered if every traveler did the same thing. Future generations are entitled to the same breathtaking views:
- Do not leave litter of any kind.
- Do not take any souvenirs from historical sites and natural areas (many states consider this a crime).
- Do not disturb anything in the wilderness that you can avoid disturbing (e.g. find fallen branches for firewood instead of cutting down small trees).
- Do not leave designated trails in state and federal parks.
Utilize your travel time to interact with the world community instead. You will change in ways that impact the rest of your life when you expose yourself to new people and cultures.
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Five Essentials for International Travel
If your travel plans include a trip abroad, we recommend taking these must-do steps to avoid a few preventable travel mishaps.
30 days before departure (minimum)
- Passport: Make two photocopies of your passport ID page. Leave one copy at home and carry the other copy with you (keep it separated from your passport) to facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen.
- Itinerary: Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends in the United States so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
- Research: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling (see “Country Profiles” on our Travel Links page).
24 hours before departure (maximum)
Last-minute Warnings: Read the travel warnings for the countries you plan to visit (see “Travel Resources” on our Travel Links page).
Immediately upon arrival (no later)
Register: Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate by phone or in person upon arrival. This step makes it easy to contact you in a state of emergency and it ensures you know how to reach U.S. officials if you get into trouble. Oftentimes, the U.S. Consul is your only safety net. (see “Travel Resources” on our Travel Links page).
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Air Travel
The following advice provides some basic information on baggage limits and baggage issues for U.S. carriers. This information is only a general guide. For more specific information, check with your airline.
There is nothing like a flight delay, especially if it is the airline’s fault rather than inclement weather. In either case, the airline is required to transport you to the next available flight and if that is longer than two hours, you are allowed a free two-minute domestic phone call (no, this is not prison, but it might feel like it). If the delay happens between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and is greater than four hours, you are entitled to free ground transportation and accommodations.
In cases when you are entitled to a refund (overbooking, mechanical problems, etc.), be aware that the airline is entitled to prorate the refund based on miles flown. If your plans change and you decide you do not want to fly, the airline may take ticket restrictions into consideration (e.g. nonrefundable tickets are exactly what it sounds like).
Carry-on luggage: In general, two pieces of baggage are allowed, one in the overhead bin and one that can fit under the seat. The bag for the overhead bin should be less than 40 pounds and no larger than 9" x 14" x 22." (Check to see if additional items such as umbrellas and baby strollers are allowed.)
Checked luggage: In general, two pieces of baggage are allowed, each should be less than 70 pounds and not exceed a linear dimension (length + width + height) of 62." (Check to see if additional pieces incur additional fees.)
International luggage: The size and weight limits for individual bags are usually the same, but there may be limitations on the number of bags that can be carried or checked and there may be additional costs for extra bags.
According to the latest report on mishandled baggage from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about one in every 200 passengers on domestic flights on the ten largest U.S. airlines filed a mishandled baggage report. The DOT did not indicate what percentage of these reports resulted in compensation for lost baggage.
The maximum compensation for baggage lost by domestic airlines is $2,500, but you will have to prove that your property was worth at least that much money. Compensation for flights in other countries depends on the laws and the civil aviation regulations of the host country.
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Travel Safety Tips
Anywhere you travel will not be free of crime or other safety concerns. Even small towns and remote locations can experience periods of heavy crime, particularly during the tourist season.
Sightseeing: Try to plan your route in advance so it is not necessary to look at a map on the street. If you look lost, you are an easy target for crime. If you wander to an area that feels unsafe, leave and try to avoid asking anyone on the street for directions (it is better to go into a business and ask for directions).
Shopping: Always ask about the refund or exchange policy before making a purchase. It is acceptable to request a written policy if you feel it is necessary. Never leave a store without making sure you have everything you paid for and received an itemized receipt
Credit cards: If you lose your credit cards, report them stolen as soon as possible. To avoid any delay, keep a list of your card numbers and toll-free numbers in a place other than your wallet.
Accommodations: Watch your luggage during check in and check out because the lobby can be a place of high activity and distraction. Never leave cash or valuables in your room without locking them in a secure place. Never invite someone you don’t know up to your room. It is also a smart idea to become familiar with the fire exit routes.
Taxis: It is easy to leave something behind in a cab, particularly if alcohol has diminished your awareness. Write down or remember the number, color and company name of any taxi you use.
Pickpockets: Be alert whenever you enter a busy or crowded area because pickpockets thrive on distraction. To avoid being the next victim, never carry a bag by its handle when you are walking down the street and keep it on your lap when using transportation or dining in a restaurant. It is also a bad idea to keep anything in your back pockets.
Homeless: Most people who live on the street are harmless. Because many are simply facing a challenging time in their life, try to demonstrate a combination of respect and caution. If a panhandler approaches you, remember that most state and federal agencies advise you to ignore the plea for cash. Instead, give a donation to a local nonprofit or food shelf that helps the homeless. If it is too hard for you to walk away, the best handout is food or a beverage.
San Francisco is a relatively small city (780,000 residents) yet it feels large because it occupies just 48 hilly square miles at the tip of a slender peninsula. Like any metropolitan area, San Francisco does have its share of crime. The most current statistics from the San Francisco Police Department reveal that total citywide crime is down nearly 16 percent from last year. This includes rape (18 percent), robbery (15 percent), burglary (nearly 9 percent) and and auto boosting (23 percent).
We recommend visiting SFGov for the best all-encompassing crime prevention tips for the city. The site covers everything from burglary prevention (includes vacation security) to personal crime prevention (for general audiences as well as the disabled and seniors) in downloadable tip sheets.
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Travel Equipment
Your travel equipment will become your new home, so choose it carefully. Our advice is to avoid leaving home with a suitcase, even one with wheels. A backpack is more practical because it will leave your hands free, be more comfortable and keep you organized. Some even go from hand-carried luggage and back again — with wheels!
Smaller is generally better: If you have a lot of room to pack, you will add more clothes and too much weight. Always pack light and leave anything behind that you think you “might” need. A backpack should weigh no more than 25 percent of your body weight when full. Buy a backpack that is 3,000-5,000 cubic inches.
Internal frames prevent delays: Backpacks are generally sold with an internal or external frame. External frames present a triple threat because they are more likely to get bent by mechanical baggage handlers, more difficult to handle on public transportation and less likely to fit in storage lockers.
Suspension systems move the weight to your hips: A well-constructed backpack should put almost no pressure on your shoulders. Look for hip pads that are a wide and sturdy, ample pack length, and shoulder straps that fit your torso. Do not buy a backpack because it looks good or is on sale. Try it on! Take time to secure the lumbar pad against your lower back and adjust the hip pad so it rides comfortably on your hips. Then check to see that the shoulder straps are easily adjustable and wide enough to be comfortable. Finally, ask a salesperson if you can put a few items inside and then walk around the store to see how it feels.
Quality construction is worth a few extra bucks: Inspect the stitching and look for reinforced stress points, smaller stitches and lock stitching to prevent unraveling if a thread breaks. Check the fabric’s denier (density) rating and go no lower than 1,000 (the higher the denier number, the more durable the cloth). Make sure the zippers lock into place and have a place to insert a padlock (preferable but not essential).
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Packing Tips
It is easy to over pack, but a simple question will help you to justify the added weight of an extra pair of shoes: Will I use this? Our tip is to pack enough clothes for about a week because many hostels feature on-site laundry or will recommend a private business in the area. When you are in doubt, leave it out.
Make packing a priority: Pack in advance and carry your pack around to inspire yourself to eliminate the excess. When you discover how heavy the load is, you might have an easier time eliminating that extra pair of pants.
Choose multi-purpose clothing: Your shirt and pants will go a lot further when they can be mixed and matched. Select quick-drying materials in darker shades to help hide dirt better. If you travel abroad and do not want to look like a tourist, avoid logo-imprinted clothes (shorts are a bad idea, too).
Bring no more than two pairs of shoes: Make sure they are comfortable for lots of walking, and avoid blisters by making sure they are well broken in.
Prepare for a special occasion: You never know what will happen when you travel, so be prepared for a night out on the town. If you travel abroad, remember that every country has its own traditions (some places may require you to have your head or shoulders covered or won't allow you to wear shorts.
Pack a waist pack or neck pouch for money and documents: Leave your purse or wallet at home and avoid fanny packs, one of the worst inventions of the last decade. Not only do they look bad, they are easily stolen or pick pocketed in a crowd.
Entertain yourself: Sometimes travel can be dull, so bring a deck of cards, something to read, or something else to help kill time.
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Travel Accessories
Sports Basement [www.sportsbasement.com]
When Sports Basement opened in December 1998, there were no customers — just a little fog rolling atop the San Francisco Bay. Word-of-mouth quickly spread about its concept to buy overstock from quality manufacturers and pass along the savings. Sports Basement online is housed right in the store, so any customer gets the same deal. And if you send a tough question about running shoes, the shoe department is only a few steps away. Here’s something unusual: Sports Basement allows customers to use the store to hold monthly club meetings, to host potlucks or to start a workout from the front doors. Online customers can’t take advantage of the community outreach, but they do get great customer service. If you happen to live in San Francisco or are in town on vacation, visit the Mission Bay (1301 6th St.) and Presidio (610 Mason St.) locations.
REI [www.rei.com]
REI is the nation’s largest consumer cooperative with more than two million members who received member refunds in 2003 totaling $41 million (REI also gave nearly $2 million in donations to support the outdoors and recreation). You do not have to be a member, but you will miss out on all that refund money. REI dates back to a group of Northwest climbers in 1938 and has since developed a reputation for knowledgeable customer service (this explains the “Online Live Help” feature). Shop REI’s online store allows visitors to shop by gear (camping/hiking, cross training, travel, books/maps, etc.) or by clothing (men’s, women’s, kids’ and footwear). REI also has U.S. retail store and a catalogue for phone and mail orders.
Patagonia [www.patagonia.com]
Conventional cotton crops in six California counties are annually dusted with 57 million pounds of chemicals that wreak terrible havoc on soil, water, air and many, many living things. When the owners of Patagonia discovered this in 1996, they converted the entire sportswear line to 100 percent organically grown cotton. This alone is reason to shop at Patagonia, an earth-friendly business established in 1985 that has developed a reputation for making clothes and gear that are long-lasting and strong, as light as possible, and requires little care. They also donate 10 percent of annual profits (or one percent of sales, whichever is greater) to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups — more then $19 million in cash and another several million in gear. Patagonia’s online departments include the following: Men’s, Women’s, Kids’, Packs/Travel Gear and Shop by Sport.
Walker Dunham [www.walkerbags.com]
People who consider themselves eco-travelers know how to invest in good-quality gear made from durable natural materials, but environmentally friendly baggage is a hard one to find. Walker Dunham provides baggage and travel accessories that support your appreciation for the environment. They incorporate unique materials with sharp and clean designs. Each Walker bag is designed in-house and manufactured to order at its San Francisco headquarters.
Dank Forest [www.dankforest.com]
For the truly environmentally conscious traveler, Dank Forest provides premium backpacks, bags, hats, wallets and a number of additional 100 percent certified organic hemp products. The complete product line is sweatshop-free and produced under socially responsible guidelines. The online store provides personal assistance, order tracking and a wealth of educational content to promote sustainable ecosystems worldwide.
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Travel Quotes
“People don’t take trips … trips take people.”
— John Steinbeck
“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”
— Henry Miller
“Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest.”
— Georgia O'Keeffe
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
— Mark Twain
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
— Helen Keller
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
— Maya Angelou
“Half the fun of travel is the esthetic of lostness.”
— Ray Bradbury
“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
— Eudora Welty
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Ghandi
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