Responsible Travel

Travel offers a raft of benefits to the communities, cities and countries we visit, as well as to the travellers who explore with us. These include economic benefits and an increased cultural awareness. However, these must be closely managed to mitigate any negative effects on the local environment and people.

At Topdeck Travel we are committed to following and continually developing responsible travel practices both on the road and in our London and Brisbane offices. At Topdeck we actively promote responsible travel practices within the company and to our travellers and suppliers.

Our mission is to offer young travellers the holiday of a lifetime without it costing the earth. Our trips are delivered in a professional, caring and responsible manner ensuring we are the global leaders in youth travel.

People and Communities

• We use local guides for city and site tours
• We make sure passengers understand and respect cultural difference when engaging with indigenous and local communities
• We use local and family-run businesses, accommodation and services wherever possible
• Our supplies and equipment are purchased locally wherever possible
• We aim to treat travellers, local communities and businesses in a fair and just manner
• We are a partner in Foreign Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go ' campaign to help Brits to stay safe and healthy abroad

Environment

• Staff are encouraged to participate in company fundraising efforts
• Recycling programmes are in place in both offices
• Our London office operates the UK Government's Cycle to Work Scheme.
• All material printed from the UK is carbon balanced

Here at Topdeck we regard charitable activities as an important part of our social responsibility. We actively encourage staff to take part in these activities and suggest new causes for us to get behind.

As a company full of proud Aussies and Kiwis when the people of Christchurch, Queensland and Victoria were severely affected by natural disasters in 2011 and 2010 we stepped up to help with London based fundraisers and appeals. These events raised thousands of pounds for the affected communities.In 2012, we sponsored the Ulaanbaatar Boardriders in their attempt at the famous Mongol Rally race. The money raised through the event, and Topdeck’s donation, went to two charities that work to improve the lives of young people and their families - one in Australia, the other in Mongolia.

Yipirinya School in Australia’s Northern Territory caters for indigenous students by offering bilingual and bicultural education and community services (http://www.yipirinya.com.au/ ) while the Lotus Children’s Centre is a Mongolian non-profit NGO that helps provide the basic human rights of shelter, food and education to vulnerable children and their families. (http://www.lotuschild.org/ )

In addition, we also sponsored Oxjam Shepherd’s Bush, Fikay Fashion, Movember and the fundraising efforts of individual staff. Our Brisbane based-team took part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and its 2012 U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year fundraising event.

We are currently on the hunt for an official Topdeck charity; one that fits with the Topdeck philosophy and that our staff and travellers will be proud to support. If you have a charity close to your heart that you think would fit well with our philosophy, please feel free to send us your recommendation to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.