Responsible Travel

Cambodia is our home, Siem Reap is where we are from. Working with small, locally owned businesses rather than big international chains and we also believe that your travel dollars should stay where you spend them. Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses strengthens communities, raises the overall quality of life, and ensures that the places you love will continue to be loved. We believe strong communities and small family-run businesses are vital for Cambodia’s progress as a developing nation.

Animal Welfare

We believe that a proper animal welfare policy is an essential part of a commitment to responsible tourism and to making the world a better place.

We believe that tourism can be a means for positive animal experiences; however, where such experiences are not carefully managed or do not exhibit high welfare standards there is potential to jeopardize animal welfare, the well-being of the local community, or visitors safety. As part of our ongoing commitment to responsible tourism, we strictly do not participate in activities such as elephant riding, tiger petting, ivory and rare species trade.

Participant Conduct Policy

Travel should be a respectful, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone. Our Participant Conduct Policy is intended to set standards for guests to follow on their trip. In addition to compliance with applicable laws in any destination guests may visit, participants are expected to comply with this policy for the safety, security, and enjoyment of all.

Why have a Traveler Conduct Policy?

LEAP Student Travel has a proud reputation as a leader in innovative and authentic Cambodia student travel experiences. We work hard to make sure we maintain and preserve our reputation . We’re a community of diverse individuals united by a profound respect for, and enthusiastic belief in, our values and each other. This unique combination of respect and enthusiasm prevents us from losing sight of what matters most – community, people, cultural exchange – and reminds us that creating happiness is a privilege we all share together.

Tourism is about respecting people, places, and cultures

Tourism is about mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies. The resources involved in tourism belong to the common heritage of human beings and we have a duty to protect these vulnerable resources for future generations.

Respect people. Travellers are expected to respect others. This includes other travellers, staff, third-party service providers and the local people and cultures in the destinations they visit.

Child welfare. As a global social enterprise, the safety of children around the world is important to us. Travellers play an important part in ensuring children’s safety and well-being.

Traveling in a group offers the opportunity to learn about other people, cultures, thoughts, ideas and values. This is one of the many benefits of group travel.

When traveling, keep the following in mind:

Be aware of your own cultural values, biases, and how they impact your judgement of others.
You do not have to agree with the opinions or beliefs of others but you must be respectful of them.
Do not enter another traveler’s room unless you are invited to do so.
Do not use another traveler’s belongings without their permission.

Abusive behavior or violence. We can remove you from a tour immediately if we witness abusive or violent behavior or receive a report that you are behaving in an abusive or violent manner. This includes: using abusive, threatening, or offensive language towards others, uninvited physical contact, solicitation, harassment, vandalism, theft, violence, use of fake/false identification, underage drinking, providing alcohol to those under the allowed age, possession of illegal substances/items, or any other illegal or offensive conduct.

Physical relationships between staff and travelers are prohibited. Staff are prohibited from engaging in physical relationships with travelers. Our staff are friendly, outgoing, and strive to provide amazing service. We hire great people, and it’s their job to be helpful and ensure that each traveler has a great experience. Respecting the boundaries between staff and travelers is important for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Illegal drugs and alcohol. Illegal drugs and Alcohol. Travelers are responsible for their actions at all times. Consuming alcohol in excess impairs your judgment and reduces your ability to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Travelers who choose to consume alcohol do so at their own risk. Excess alcohol consumption and abuse of drugs or other controlled substances, whether legal or illegal, that puts you, other travelers or staff at risk is grounds for removal from a tour. Use and possession of illegal drugs and other illegal substances are prohibited. Travelers who abuse illegal substances are subject to arrest and prosecution under applicable laws and removal from their tour.

Safety and security. Travelers should immediately report any concerns about safety, security, or unsafe or illegal behavior to their chaperones, organizers, or our staff member. If you fail to immediately report these concerns this may delay our ability to respond to the situation.

Swimming and water safety. Water safety is important for swimmers of all abilities. Do not swim or participate in a water activity alone, after consuming alcohol, in an unattended area, or after sundown.

Do the right thing. Say NO to sexual tourism of any kind.

Respect places and cultures. You may be visiting sites that are holy or significant places within local culture. When visiting a place, please do not forget its primary purpose and respect its meaning to others who are present. Ask about and respect dress codes. Ensure that you have permission before taking photographs of people, and that it is appropriate to take photos in holy or significant places. Respect local communities and be mindful of noise levels, especially in residential areas and at night. Set an example for other travelers.

Minimize impact. Wherever possible, avoid the use of plastic bags and disposable plastic water bottles. Plan ahead to ensure you have biodegradable toiletries if you are camping. Do not leave behind any litter or solid waste. Do not remove objects from the natural environment or any site you visit. Do not remove artifacts or historical objects from a site or purchase them illegally. Do not hand out sweets, change, or gifts as this may create or re-enforce a begging mentality.

Respect animal welfare. Travelers are expected to refrain from supporting businesses that do not respect animal welfare. This includes purchasing items made from or harmful to animals. Do not support the purchase or traffic of items made from exotic or endangered animal products. Animal welfare is important to us.

Consequences

If a traveller fails to adhere to this policy and we determine, in our discretion, that there is a concern for the safety, security, or well-being of others, we may remove the traveller from a tour immediately. We may also report incidents to local authorities and seek other legal action where appropriate.

Travellers removed from a tour for failure to adhere to this Traveller Conduct Policy are responsible for all costs related to their removal including accommodations and transportation home at their own expense. No refunds will be issued if you are removed from a tour because of a violation of this Traveller Conduct Policy.