The Care Code
Some things are non-negotiable. Here’s how we protect animals, children and the cultures we visit, every trip, every time.
The Care Code is our set of standards for animal welfare, child protection, and respect for the cultures and communities we visit, built with partners including the Jane Goodall Institute, World Animal Protection and Friends-International. Below, see what each one means, and how we all do our part.
Animal welfare
Wildlife has a right to a wild life
Animals aren’t entertainment, and they’re not props for a photo. Our Animal Welfare Policy puts what animals need at the centre of every experience on our trips, so wildlife stays wild and every animal we meet is treated with respect and kindness.
Quick tips
Meeting animals the right way
Keep your distance
Watch from afar, stay quiet, and never touch. Don’t feed wild animals either: it teaches them to get too close to people.
Skip the selfie
If someone charges for a photo with an animal, walk away. Take your photos in the wild, from a respectful distance.
Pass on the ride
Elephants can’t be tamed without cruelty, so skip the rides and the businesses that offer them.
Speak up
Visiting a sanctuary or meeting working animals? If something doesn’t seem right, contact us at animalwelfare@gadventures.com so we can investigate.
Child welfare
Kids are kids, no matter where they live
No child should ever be harmed by tourism. Our Child Welfare Policy asks one simple question of every experience on our trips: would this be okay at home? If it wouldn’t be, it doesn’t belong on any trip, because every child deserves to feel safe.
Quick tips
Being a good guest around kids
Ask before you photograph
To local kids, you’re a stranger. Only take photos with children if you have a parent or guardian’s permission.
Leave lessons alone
Interrupting a class is never okay. There are better ways to learn about local life than school visits.
Give the right way
Money and gifts can lead kids to skip school. Donate to groups like Planeterra that support youth and their families.
Speak up
If a situation with a child doesn’t seem right, report it right away to your CEO or at childwelfare@gadventures.com.
Respecting local cultures
Travel like you live there
Every place we visit is somebody’s home. Respecting local cultures means arriving as a guest, staying curious, and asking before you act, so the people and places we visit are treated with the same respect we’d expect in our own communities.
Quick tips
How to be a good guest
Ask, or watch
Unsure how to act? Ask, or watch how local people behave, and follow their lead.
Pack for the place
Check how local people dress, and any dress codes for places like temples and churches, before you pack.
Ask before you snap
Ask before photographing someone, and respect everyone’s privacy.
Take local cues
At monuments and places of local significance, take your cues from local visitors and guides.
Let your hosts lead
In someone’s community, business or home, listen first, join in when invited, and let your hosts set the pace.
Learn from Indigenous peoples
Treat Indigenous communities as people to learn from, not sights to see. Listen first, ask permission, and respect what isn’t shared. View our guidelines.
Additional resources
Beyond the Care Code
The Care Code is one part of how we travel responsibly. These policies and statements cover the rest, so you can see what we stand for and what we ask of everyone who travels with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the As to your Qs
What are the animal welfare guidelines for G Adventures trips?
The G Adventures Animal Welfare Policy puts the needs and wellbeing of animals first. Travellers are encouraged to observe wildlife from a respectful distance, avoid touching or feeding wild animals, skip animal selfies and avoid activities involving animal exploitation, such as elephant rides. If something doesn't seem right during an animal encounter, travellers can report their concerns to animalwelfare@gadventures.com.
Does G Adventures allow elephant rides on their trips?
G Adventures does not support elephant rides at all, as elephants used for tourism experiences can be subjected to cruel training and handling practices. The Care Code encourages travellers to avoid businesses offering elephant rides and choose wildlife experiences that allow animals to behave naturally as they would do in the wild.
Can I take photographs with children or local people on a G Adventures trip?
Travellers should always ask permission before photographing someone, no matter where they are in the world. When photographing children, permission must come from a parent or guardian. G Adventures prioritises children's safety and privacy, and encourages travellers to treat local people with the same consideration they would expect at home.
Why does G Adventures discourage visits to schools?
G Adventures discourages school visits that interrupt children's education or expose children to unnecessary interactions with tourists. Schools are places for learning, and not tourist attractions. The Care Code encourages travellers to find other ways to connect with local communities without disrupting children's everyday lives.
Is it okay to give money or gifts directly to children when travelling?
G Adventures discourages giving money or gifts directly to children. Although well-intentioned, these interactions can encourage children to miss school or become dependent on money from tourists. Instead, travellers are encouraged to support established organisations, such as Planeterra, that work with children, young people and their families.
How can I be respectful of local customs and traditions when travelling?
Travellers can show respect by learning about local customs before arriving, dressing appropriately, asking permission before taking photographs and following the lead of local people and CEOs. When visiting someone's home, business or community, it's important to listen first and participate only when invited.
What should I do if I witness animal cruelty or a child welfare concern on a G Adventures trip?
If you witness something concerning during a G Adventures trip, report it as soon as possible. Animal welfare concerns can be emailed to animalwelfare@gadventures.com. Any child welfare concerns should be reported directly to your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) or emailed to childwelfare@gadventures.com.
Travel your heart out
Every community has a story, and every trip is a chance to become part of it. Choose yours, and travel in a way that gives more than it takes.