Traveling is an incredible experience, and it can be even more rewarding when you take the time to help animals along the way. Whether you’re planning a vacation or just taking a day trip, there are plenty of ways to make a difference in the lives of animals. Here are 7 ways to help animals while travelling:
- Use a compassionate travel agency as you plan your vacation. Look for companies that prioritize animal welfare and avoid those that offer activities such as elephant rides or tiger petting.
- Let hotels know that down is cruel. Many hotels still use down feathers in their bedding, which is incredibly cruel and unnecessary. Ask them to switch to synthetic alternatives instead.
- Leave PETA literature everywhere you can! PETA has some great resources on how to help animals while travelling, so leave leaflets in public spaces like airports, train stations, and tourist attractions.
- Choose cruelty-free products when shopping for souvenirs or gifts. Avoid buying items made from fur, leather, ivory, or other animal products and opt for vegan alternatives instead.
- Feed strays on a dish away from the hotel premises if possible – this will ensure that they don’t become dependent on tourists for food and water supplies and will also prevent them from causing any disturbances at the hotel itself.
- If you spot emaciated animals during your daily wanderings, leave food and water along the route – this will give them something to sustain themselves until they find another source of sustenance elsewhere or until someone else comes along who can provide further assistance with their care needs.
- Consider volunteering with an animal organization abroad – Animal Experience International (AEI) offers amazing opportunities for animal lovers to travel and make a difference by volunteering with animals in need around the world!
These are just some of the ways you can help animals while travelling – there are many more out there too! So next time you’re planning a trip or taking a day trip somewhere new, remember these tips and do your part to make sure all creatures great and small have access to the care they deserve!
