Yucatan cycling holiday in Mexico

Planet

Our local Tour Leaders and in-country partner actively encourages the use of their 20-litre water container which is refilled throughout the trip. It is kept in the back of the support vehicle while cycling and helps to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, as well as other forms of single-use plastic for picnics and within their own office. They provide reusable dishes and containers, and even volunteer in their local "reciclaton" programme which separates waste for recycling.

Protecting the environment stretches into the chemicals we use whilst travelling, and minimising this impact is important as travellers. Our local agent discusses and educates on environmentally-friendly alternatives such as shirts with UV-protection, biodegradable sun cream and bug repellent. When these come off in the water it harms the coral which in turn effects the rest of the eco-system.

Cycling holidays are a relatively sustainable way to travel as they have less negative impact on the local infrastructure, environment and people while encouraging positive interaction with local people. We cycle on routes that are removed from mass tourism, creating less pollution, noise and traffic. When using motorised transport we work with small, locally owned transport companies.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

We use local tour leaders and guides along the way, so we’ll be able to get a real insight into the daily life of local people in Mexico – traditional and modern. Our local leaders recommend meals at independent and locally-owned restaurants as an integral part of our itinerary. We also support a variety of other local businesses such as bars and cantinas, hotels and transport companies, ensuring our visit benefits a wide range of people.

A way we support local artisans is through a visit to a handicraft workshop in the colonial city of Izamal. Here you will witness and learn how traditional crafts are made, and you can purchase something which will help them maintain their traditions, and support their families.

We believe that learning about and respecting local people is an integral part of the travel experience. Why not brush up on your Spanish before you travel? Being able to chat with local people, even just a few phrases, shows great respect and will really enhance your experience!

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.