Information and Tips for Traveller and Tourists
Our actions impact the lives of children no matter where we travel.
Travel better – be a responsible and ethical traveller!
Travelers play a vital role in preventing child exploitation, especially in destinations where risks are higher.
Here are some tips for travelers to engage in ethical travel and help protect children:
1. Choose Ethical Service Providers
Choose tour operators, hotels and other service providers committed to child protection policies, like members of The Code. Avoid companies that use children as attractions or in roles they shouldn’t be involved in.
If you want to know more about them, you can always ask us for information at info@thecode.org.
2. Don’t Engage in “Orphanage Tourism”
Many orphanages/children’s homes/residential care centres, especially in high-tourism areas, are exploitative. Avoid visiting or volunteering at orphanages.
Always do your research before volunteering abroad, especially if the activities are related to work with children. Here are more tips about responsible volunteering>>
And about voluntourism (what it is, and what is a responsible volunteering/voluntourism) >>
3. Avoid Direct Donations to Children
Giving money, food, or gifts directly to children can encourage begging and may lead to exploitation. Instead, support reputable local charities or NGOs that prioritize children’s needs sustainably.
4. Be Mindful with Photography
Ask permission of parents/legal guardians of the children and children themselves before taking photos of children and avoid sharing their images online, especially in identifiable contexts. Unknowingly, you could contribute to risks of online exploitation.
5. Stay Informed about Local Laws
Educate yourself on child protection laws in your destination country.
Being aware helps you act responsibly and report any incidents or signs of exploitation.
6. Report Suspected Abuse or Exploitation
Familiarize yourself with local hotlines or global organizations, like ECPAT’s members, that can help you to report suspected abuse.
Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, report it.
More information on where how to report:
https://dontlookaway.report/
https://home.crin.org/child-helplines-a-global-list
ECPAT members >>
*Important: “Don’t look away” website is run by DCI Netherlands, they take in the reports and refer them to their police which refers the information to various law enforcement agencies.
7. Support Businesses with Child-Safe Policies
Choose accommodations, restaurants, and transportation providers that implement child-safety policies. These businesses actively protect children’s rights and discourage exploitative practices. (The Code Members >>)
8. Educate Yourself Before You Go
Learning about child protection, ethical tourism, and signs of exploitation prepares you to make conscious choices and contribute positively to local communities. To have more knowledge about the issue you can explore the following resources:
https://ecpat.org/sectt/
https://ecpat.org/five-tips-for-anti-human-trafficking-in-travel-tourism-learning-from-thailands-experience/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdjBwzziFF0
9. Don’t engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 18 years
As per UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: “a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years”.
What is a suspicious situation?
Being able to recognise the signs of sexual exploitation of children is extremely important as it enables you to remain alert and prevent child sexual exploitation from taking place.
Watch out for these signs!
If a child:
- looks concerned or frightened in the company of an adult/adults;
- travels alone; Is being put into a taxi or other vehicle by themselves or with a stranger;
- appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- displays inappropriate sexual behaviour;
- dresses inappropriately for their age or for the weather conditions;
- looks uncomfortable or scared or avoids eye contact;
- older child not being permitted to go anywhere alone ;
- does not know the purpose of travel;
If an adult:
- is not able to present identification or a guardian’s permission for a child;
- travels with a child who does not seem related;
- interacts with vulnerable or unknown children;
- displays sexual behavior towards a child;
- takes many pictures of children, for example at the beach or a pool;
Or:
The interaction between the adult and child does not seem natural and caring;
Common sense is often the best guide for recognising the sexual exploitation of a child. Trust your gut feeling when you observe a situation that seems inappropriate or suspicious.
Why to report?
All children, including teenagers, must be protected from sexual exploitation.
Any suspicious and exploitative situation needs to be reported, regardless of the age of non-exploitative sexual consent in a given country.