Code of Ethics & Cultural Sensitivity Policy
Last Updated: 07/22/2025
Life’s Abri’s exists to connect people with the beauty, complexity, and diversity of cultures around the world. With that privilege comes responsibility. This policy outlines our ethical travel standards, encourages culturally respectful behavior, and sets clear expectations for how travelers engage with people, customs, and environments that may be different from their own.
1. Our Ethical Commitment
As a global travel company, Life’s Abri’s is committed to:
Supporting local communities through ethical partnerships
Respecting cultural heritage, religious practices, and traditions
Reducing harmful stereotypes through education and exposure
Encouraging cross-cultural humility and understanding
Promoting mutual respect between travelers and hosts
Our itineraries are built to showcase—not exploit—the people and places we visit.
2. Cultural Sensitivity Guidelines
Travelers are expected to:
Research or review provided cultural notes before travel
Dress appropriately for the context (especially religious or sacred spaces)
Avoid offensive or mocking behavior toward local customs or beliefs
Refrain from photographing people, homes, or sacred sites without permission
Ask before touching or participating in traditional ceremonies or artifacts
Avoid using slang, jokes, or gestures that may not translate respectfully
We ask all travelers to adopt a posture of learning, rather than judgment or comparison, when encountering cultural differences.
3. Respect for Sacred and Religious Spaces
When visiting churches, temples, mosques, shrines, or other sacred sites:
Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees, and in some cases, head coverings)
Remain quiet and avoid loud conversations or laughter
Remove shoes where required
Follow all posted signs or guidance from religious staff
Refrain from interrupting prayers, rituals, or worship
Participation in religious spaces is a privilege, not a right.
4. Language Etiquette
While fluency is not expected, we encourage travelers to:
Learn and use basic greetings or thank-you phrases in the local language
Avoid shouting, assuming English is understood, or correcting others’ English
Use translation apps respectfully (not as a joke or performance)
Be patient when communication barriers arise
Effort goes a long way—kindness and humility are often more effective than vocabulary.
5. Respectful Shopping & Photography
When shopping in markets or artisan spaces:
Ask permission before photographing individuals or stalls
Avoid aggressive bargaining or treating local goods as novelty items
Understand that items may reflect sacred or traditional meaning
Support authentic, community-based vendors whenever possible
We discourage travelers from purchasing products that exploit animals, cultural appropriation, or religious disrespect.
6. Representation on Social Media
If you post about your trip publicly:
Avoid dehumanizing or “poverty-exploitation” style content
Do not post videos of locals without consent
Provide meaningful captions that promote understanding, not mockery
Avoid costume-style dressing in religious garb or sacred attire unless invited
Tag responsibly and avoid disclosing exact locations of vulnerable sites
You are an ambassador of respect, whether you mean to be or not.
7. Community Impact Awareness
Travelers should be mindful that:
Tourism can disrupt local economies if not managed ethically
Over-tourism can damage ecosystems and sacred areas
Short-term missions or volunteer work must be handled with care and humility
Life’s Abri’s partners with local suppliers and, where possible, socially responsible vendors to avoid exploitation and empower local communities.
8. Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
Life’s Abri’s does not tolerate:
Racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic, ableist, or religiously prejudiced behavior
“Savior complex” or condescending travel attitudes
Travelers who mock or shame others for cultural differences
Any such conduct may result in possible exclusion from future bookings.
9. Spiritual Sensitivity
For travelers of faith (including those observing Sabbath, prayer, or dietary customs):
We honor your commitment and do our best to accommodate
We ask that your expression of faith be respectful in interfaith or secular settings
Likewise, we ask all travelers to respect others’ religious practices or observance—even if unfamiliar or different from their own
Life’s Abri’s encourages thoughtful dialogue across belief systems, rooted in kindness.
10. Final Note
We travel not just to see the world—but to honor it. At Life’s Abri’s, that means showing up with open hearts, open minds, and a commitment to dignity across borders. We’re here to guide you—but the impact you leave behind is yours to carry.
Questions?
Want to know more about respectful behavior in your destination? Email us at hello@lifesabris.com, and we’ll help prepare you to travel with honor.