We care deeply about the places we travel to, and we work hard to ensure your visit has a positive effect. We seek out experiences and places to stay that mirror our values and passion, and invariably we find that these almost always leave a more meaningful impact on our travelers.

Responsible travel is part of we are at Travels with Audrey. Since the beginning, we’ve strived to work with local people and businesses in our destinations. Not only do we feel this gives you the best experience, it also brings benefits to local communities. Responsible travel for us is a way look at a destination from a locals point of view, rather than an outsider. It is about going deeper than just visiting the main tourist attractions, but actually trying to understand their importance for the local identity, culture and economy. It recognizes the significance of food, wine, festivals to name a few, as part of the local culture making it worthwhile to take actual time to explore.

There’s plenty you can do on your trip to travel the right way, from recycling to being aware of cultural sensitivities. Natural and cultural heritage sites, including scenic landscapes and revitalized historic towns, are prized tourism assets that distinguish one destination from another.

THE MEANING OF RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Responsible travel (aka responsible tourism) is simply this: Being socially and culturally aware when you travel, understanding your effect on the places you visit and trying to make that affect a positive one.

Our Top Traveler Tips

1. Be open to new languages by learning a few words and phrases. Simple greetings and pleasantries not only help you connect with others but give you the confidence to keep practicing.
2. Always seek out locally produced products and crafts to help bolster the local economy and to keep traditions alive.
3. Whenever possible, reduce plastic waste by filling up your water thermos. Water is of high quality and perfectly safe to consume throughout your time in Europe.

GOING LOCAL

When creating customized itineraries, it is my mission to offer a balance between visiting well-known sites and attractions off the beaten path, lesser-known villages and regions that may not otherwise reap the benefits from tourism and are real gems, all of which supports local economies. I have lived and studied in several European countries, have family and friends living in Europe, so my respect for the regions, the local culture and the people, I specialize in is genuine and profound.

Our guides are licensed locals able to offer insights into the local history, culture and customs, and our itineraries are designed to support local businesses and artisans. For instance, the food for your meals is purchased by local chefs from local markets, and you can browse unique, family-owned shops. We love to take you to out-of-the-way restaurants where you dine on authentic regional cuisine, most often only known to locals, take you on farm visits, family run wineries and distilleries.

We do not partake in commission stops. All our recommendations are genuine so we may assist our guests in supporting regional communities. Even in popular locations, I offer guests the chance to enjoy authentic local life experiences. I have seen firsthand how this approach to travel ensures a more harmonious relationship with communities and supports local economies but most of all how it enriches the lives of our travelers.

When selecting everything from accommodations to the places we enjoy culinary delights, Travels with Audrey is committed to making a difference. I hope that each of our guests will help support these efforts to think local.

We believe it's our responsibility to help you travel the right way. We do this through collaboration with the people we work closely with in each country we specialize in.

Audrey De Monte
Owner, local host and cultural ambassador