RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL GUIDE CAMBODIA

Responsible Travel Guide Cambodia provides tourists with the resources they need to have an enjoyable and meaningful vacation that helps local people.

Arranged by city, the selection of hotels offers options to suit everyone's comfort preferences and budget. These hotels support local humanitarian activities, protect children from sex-tourism, have environmental policies, are locally-owned, treat their staff well, and train or employ disadvantaged youth.

This guidebook includes restaurants that are training programs for former street children or are helping in other ways - such as supporting the arts. It offers a wonderful section of restaurants ranging from gourmet to vegetarian and from coffee shops to traditional Cambodian cuisine.

Responsible Travel Guide Cambodia lists high quality fair-trade craft shops that are training and employment programs that provide a new start for landmine survivors, battered women, and the rural poor. Shoppers can be sure the producer is getting a fair wage.

People wanting to volunteer will find opportunities at well-reputed non-profit organizations. This book explains the pitfalls and deception that volunteers and donors will want to be aware of. It also addresses the problem of begging children and sex-tourism and how caring tourists can help protect children.

This easy-to-use guide has detailed maps, good directions, itinerary suggestions, and helpful tips for travelers. It provides extensive background information about the Cambodian people, history, culture, religion and holidays.

Travelers who face the ethical challenge of vacationing in a place where most people cannot afford food or school tuition will put their minds at ease when they read this guidebook. Instead of feeling conflicted, travelers can feel good because they are making a positive difference in people's lives. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Cambodia, yet the majority of the profits leave the country, going to foreign-owned corporate hotels, restaurants and tour companies. Middlemen reap the profits in souvenir shops. Travelers with a desire to give something back to the people of Cambodia will find all the information they need for making sure their vacation dollars are spent well.

Profits from the sale of this book support the humanitarian projects of Friendship with Cambodia. These include micro-credit programs for women and education for rural students living in poverty.

“If you have traveled in the Third World, you have likely faced the ethical challenge of vacationing in a place where most people can't afford food or school tuition. Responsible Traveler’s Guide Cambodia is unique in its approach to travel in a country where tourism has the potential to make a positive difference in so many lives. Travelers with a desire to give something back to the people of Cambodia will find all the information they need for making sure their vacation dollars are well spent. I finished reading this with the hope that someday a book like this will exist for every country in Southeast Asia.”

Carol Pucci, Travel Writer, The Seattle Times

"This book and Lonely Planet are the only two books you really must have to experience the real Cambodia. Travelers typically go to Cambodia to see the ruins of Angkor--and then they meet the people and they are hooked on knowing more about them, their history, culture and cuisine. They want to come back--no one goes to Cambodia only once. You'll have to know something about Cambodia's recent past to appreciate the absolute need for travelers to act responsibly here--the people are so vulnerable to exploitation. The book is full of great restaurants and cafes that are made all the more delicious and satisfying because the cooks and wait staff are former street children. Boddhi Tree and Friends Restaurants in Phnom Penh are just wonderful experiences. I've stayed at several of the guest houses listed and have been delighted to learn that they offer so many ways to meet the local people, take craft or cooking lessons and are ready to advise on the next step of your journey. Often the staff have been recruited from poor rural areas and are helped to learn skills and attend classes so they can participate in the rebuilding of their country--friendly and enthusiastic, every one. Earthwalkers and Jasmine in Siem Reap standout in my memories. This book was created by Friendship with Cambodia so I knew it would be detailed and candid--it is. The section on volunteer opportunities provides some links to organizations that will put you to work in hospitals, conservation centers and schools. Trust me--you'll want to do this! Plan now for a great and satisfying trip to Cambodia."

Don Lyon, Owner and Guide, Close-up Expeditions

"As a travel consultant, and many times visitor to Cambodia, I highly recommend this new responsible travel guide. This book provides you with up to date information and tips for traveling in Cambodia, a brief history of the country, opportunities to volunteer, excellent maps, an introduction to the food and culture of the country, and lists of eateries and hotels / guest houses that are owned and operated by the local people making it possible for you not only to have an incredible journey but to also "give back" to the local economy. If you are thinking about traveling to this amazing country, and are concerned about your "travel footprint" pick up a copy of this book....it is a 'must have'."

Carol Gleason, Travel Agent and Consultant