At EF Ultimate Break, our Responsible Travel initiatives focus on three main commitments: to protect the environment, respect wildlife, and support the communities we visit. Our culturally immersive trips uphold each of these commitments to work towards a more sustainable world—now, and for years to come.
It’s simple. Planet Earth is our home (also a fantastic docuseries). When we travel, we leave footprints wherever we go. And it’s up to all of us to be mindful and respect the environment.
What we’re doing
It’s simple. Planet Earth is our home (also a fantastic docuseries). When we travel, we leave footprints wherever we go. And it’s up to all of us to be mindful and respect the environment.
Get eco-friendly with us
The Great Barrier Reef
Australia & New Zealand Adventure
Snorkel beside a marine biologist, admire the world’s largest coral reef system, and learn how to protect this iconic ecosystem.
Chicaque National Park
Colombia: Bogotá to Cartagena
Join a naturalist on one of the diverse ecological trails in Chicaque Natural Park cloud-forest reserve.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica Adventure
Spot wildlife in their natural habitat during a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, an area dedicated to research and conservation.
What you can do
7 eco-friendly travel tips, brought to you by our travelers.
Pack a reusable straw/bottle and reef-safe SPF.
—Monica E
Eat plant based/reduce meat consumption!
—Kendall C
Take bamboo utensils for street food!
—Jordan W
Bring a half gallon water jug to reduce plastic.
—Taylor M
Take public transport when available!
—Kendall C
Pack reusable containers for your toiletries.
—Tracy
Encountering animals in the wild is one of those classic “omg, is this really happening?” moments we all hope for when we travel. But there is a right way to enjoy the experience (selfies are totally cool—as long as they’re in the wild and you keep your distance), and then there’s a wrong way.
What we’re doing
We are proud to work with the non-profit organization World Animal Protection to implement animal welfare guidelines throughout all our trips worldwide—because truly experiencing a destination should not mean harming the animals that call it home.
We rely on guidance from World Animal Protection and align with the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
- Freedom from fear and distress
- Freedom to express normal behavior
All five must be met in order for an activity to meet our standards at EF.
Encounter wild animals with us
Elephant Nature Park
Thailand Getaway
Watch rescued elephants play, forage and roam free at Elephant Nature Park while learning about anti-poaching efforts throughout the region.
Santa Cruz & the Highlands
Ecuador & the Galapagos
See the giant wild tortoises of the Highlands’ lava tunnels and guess which one is 150-years-old.
What you can do
6 tips for taking the perfect animal selfie.
Always keep your distance.
Put your food away before selfie-ing.
Don’t visit animal selfie stations!
Capture every movement on video.
Smile, you’re hanging out with wild animals!
Be quick, so you can live in the moment!
Before we can truly enjoy new cultures, we must seek to understand them. And no, that doesn’t mean reading a Wikipedia page or watching some vlogger on YouTube and calling it a day. It means taking time to learn the customs, norms, and traditions of the communities we visit. A thoughtful traveler is a genuinely curious traveler.
What we’re doing
We work in collaboration with local communities to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits that continue long after travelers depart. Your travel experience with us directly supports local businesses and livelihoods, and along the way, our Tour Directors teach you about the importance of local production and heritage. Our goal is to always preserve local cultures and encourage sustainability.
Support communities with us
Thai family dinner
Thailand: Island Paradise
Eat an authentic home-cooked meal with a local Thai family and get a rare glimpse into what life in Thailand can look like.
Coffee plantation
Costa Rica Adventure
Hear from the local farmers about how Costa Rica’s famous brews are harvested and roasted.
Maasai Tribe Village
Kenya: African Safari
Experience the Maasai way of life and discover their history and heritage during a visit to a local village.
What you can do
5 ways to put communities first while traveling.
Be respectful and empathetic. No exceptions.
Talk to people from different backgrounds.
Food stand on the street—yes please!
Educate yourself about destinations before you go.
