There is one thing I keep feeling guilty about, yet I don’t do anything about it. I don’t give enough back to the world. Blah blah blah. I do constantly keep looking out for ways to do so though, I like to think that’s something.

Today I came across the website of the International Institute of Peace Through Tourism, on which I found their credo: a pledge fundamental for peace when you travel.

I’m the last one to dwell on a list of statements, but I quite like how they packaged these under the thought that “peace begins on an individual level”. So, without meaning to sound like a preacher of any sorts, I’d like to share these “travel promises” with you:

• Journey with an open mind and gentle heart

• Accept with grace and gratitude the diversity I encounter
• Revere and protect the natural environment which sustains all life
• Appreciate all cultures I discover
• Respect and thank my hosts for their welcome
• Offer my hand in friendship to everyone I meet
• Support travel services that share these views and act upon them
• By my spirit, words and actions, encourage others to travel the world in peace

Yes, they are straightforward and nothing new. But it’s nice to ponder on things like this now and again.