We understand that travel and exploration is an important part of your own legacy, whether it’s traveling with your family and sharing that incredible gift with them or building your own individual collection of unforgettable experiences and memories. Legacy is something we’ve also been thinking about more and more these days.
Perhaps that’s a result of having been in business for nearly a decade and a half now, but it’s also a symptom of the state of the planet. We’re now witnessing the undeniable effects of global warming in Antarctica and the Galapagos and the consequences of mass tourism in places like the Torres del Paine’s W Hike and Machu Picchu. Our role in the bigger forces at play is something that we give a lot of consideration.
It’s why we provide support to leading organizations dedicated to the conservation of ecosystems in which we operate. It’s why we introduced Travelers Against Plastic (TAP) reusable bottles in 2017 and why we help back the Galapagos Conservancy, an organization that is committed to the advancement and support of the conservation of the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of Galapagos through directed research, conservation management, informed public policy, and building a sustainable society, and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, a global network supporting sustainable adventure travel markets worldwide. It's why we only partner with ships that are IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tours Operators) members, following policies set by the organization.
It’s also why we offer each Southern Explorations guest the opportunity to carbon offset their trip in partnership with Sustainable Travel International.
We believe consideration of our impact needs to be a priority for everyone fortunate enough to explore the incredible destinations we travel to in Central and South America. We like to encourage our guests to move through the world responsibly and sustainably.
It’s important that we never forget that when we travel we are being welcomed into someone else’s community or environment. As travelers, how we explore is also part of our legacy. How we behave and the effort we make to show respect in the places we visit is how that community will remember us.
As a travel company, we frequently return to our favorite places and we want our future guests to be welcomed with the same enthusiasm that past guests received. We do this by working hard to we ensure don’t inflict negative impacts as we explore. Communication with communities is key, so we are sure to listen to our local partners on the ground and respond to their concerns accordingly. Alliances with industry groups help us to drive change in the way all operators conduct their business, helping to foster positive change across the whole travel spectrum.
We’re extremely proud of the reputation Southern Explorations guests have maintained throughout the places we explore across South America and Central America. You are curious but respectful, community conscious, and environmentally responsible. The fact that Southern Explorations travelers have built this legacy of respect through the years means we are able to continue to take you to experience some of Central and South America’s most privileged and special places.
For that, on behalf of our whole team and all future travelers, we say thank you to our incredible Southern Explorations community, guests and partners. Your commitment to responsible and sustainable travel is integral to our commitment to the places we explore. We couldn’t do it without you.
Here’s to a long future of continuing to explore together, responsibly.
