Traveler Resources
As a traveler, traveling alone or part of a group, you have the opportunity to consider how your journey will impact yourself, others and/or the places you visit. By visiting other Communities or Countries, you have the ability to leave your mark. What you visit, What you learn, what you try, who you meeting and how you leave things afterwards, are elements of Peacebuilding. We advocate for making Peace Part of your Journey. Below are some questions and suggestions to consider as a potential Ambassador of Peace.
Travelers – Ask Yourself or Discuss with Other Travelers:
What mindset do I need to have to support peacebuilding through travel?
How can I contribute to peace through my words and actions?
What are some ways I can support the destination sustainability?
How can I share the lessons of my journey into my everyday life?
Below are some suggestions a traveler can include to “Make Peace Part of the Journey”!
Pre-Trip Awareness
Travel with a Mindset of Curiosity and Respect
1. When you travel with an open mind you take the first step in Peacebuilding. Embrace each destination, it’s people’s culture with respect & without judgement.
2. Learn a bit about where you are going and what new things you will see. Remember the place you are visiting may be a tourist location, but it is also a place where many diverse people live, work & value.
3. Learn basic dos and don’ts for behavior, dress, and etiquette in the area you’re visiting.
4. Engage locals about their lives, culture, and traditions. celebrate differences and diversity. Ask questions, not just take photos Show genuine interest.
5. When in a foreign country, learn a few local phrases: Even simple greetings in the local language (“Hello,” “Thank you,” “Please,” and “Excuse me.”) show effort and respect.
6. Be a guest, not a critic. Speak with the mindset of learning and engaging, not judging.
7. Acknowledge your own biases and assumptions. Avoid stereotyping people or places. Accept that you may not understand everything—and that’s okay.
4 Peace Engagement
Build Bridges Through Engagement, Support & Kindness
1. Smile, listen actively, and learn names.
2. Share stories, and laughter whenever possible.
3. Slow down—listen, observe, connect. Actively seek common ground in conversations. Practice patience in delays or misunderstandings.
4. Disarm with kindness: Small acts—smiling, being patient, apologizing sincerely.
5. Be a connector: Encourage conversations between fellow travelers and locals. Facilitate mutual understanding.
6. Compliment sincerely: Say often and sincerely: “Thank you for sharing your hometown with us.”
7. Eat local, shop local, stay local: Choose family-run restaurants, markets, and shops over international chains.
8. Buy souvenirs that support artisans and avoid exploitative or environmentally harmful products. Tip fairly (anything is better than nothing) and thank service workers with kindness..
4 Peace Sustainability
While traveling - Travel Lightly on the Earth
1. Carry a reusable water bottle, utensils, shopping bag, and other reusable items.
2. Request and stay in eco-conscious lodgings where applicable and use public transport, bike, or walk when possible.
3. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronics when not in use.
4. Eat a plant-based meal when you can—it’s better for the planet.
5. Avoid wildlife exploitation: don’t support attractions that exploit animals for entertainment.
6. Pick up litter when you see it—leave places cleaner than you found them.
7. Reduce your footprint: Conserve water, refuse single-use plastics, and leave places better than you found them.
Post Trip - Pass It On
Share Stories That Promote Peace
1. Promote Peace Through Your Presence
2. Share stories, and laughter whenever possible.
3. Reflect others’ dignity in your travel photos and social media.
4. Highlight human connection, not poverty or exoticism.
5. Post positivity, like: “The people I met in [place] reminded me of how much we all want the same things—family, safety, joy”,“It’s a gift to be here—thank you for sharing your home with me.” “I met someone in [country] who told me about their hopes for their community”, “There’s so much beauty in how people in [place] connect with nature/family/tradition.”
6. Live as a guest, not a consumer: Walk softly, talk kindly, and move with reverence.
7. Amplify voices: Share stories from your travels in ways that highlight the dignity and richness of other cultures.
8. Travel in Peace… and Pass it On to others!
