Ethical travel

Modern travel means we can all take in different countries and cultures after just a few hours on a plane. Fantastic right? Well, kind of. Some argue that mass tourism, especially in developing countries, has a downside.

Five things you may not know about the travel industry:

1. Local water supplies can be threatened. A typical tourist can use as much water in one day as a rural villager would use to produce rice for 100 days.

2. Mountain porters carrying trekkers' equipment are often massively over-loaded and many die from altitude sickness and hypothermia.

3. As little as 10p in every pound spent by some tourists may stay in low income countries due to foreign ownership and imported food.

4. More than one million children are sexually abused by tourists every year.

5. Cultural sensitivities are easily disturbed. Even wearing sun-tops and shorts can offend.

Five things you can do to be a more ethical traveller:

1. Be minimal: take account of where you are. Conserve water, energy and fragile environments.

2. Respect human rights: When trekking, tell your guide you're concerned about your porters' welfare. Before you go, ask if the operator is working with Tourism Concern to establish porter protection guidelines.

3. Support local communities: Make people pleased to see you. Buy locally. Pay a fair price. And seek out community-run tourism businesses.

4. Stop child sex tourism: Don't turn a blind eye! Tell your hotel or guesthouse manager if you see something suspicious.

5. Be culturally aware: Learn a few basic words of the local language - it's rewarding and always appreciated. Dress with sensitivity.

This information is provided by a UK organisation called Tourism Concern. Email: info@tourismconcern.org.uk