For every famous site, there are usually lesser-known (but harder to access) options in the same country! For example, there are other Angkor-era ruins in Cambodia beyond the Angkor Wat complex, like Bantaey Chhmar. Visiting these ruins in a respectful way (as shared by Sharon above) also encourages nearby communities to take good care of the ruins, and in some cases, it even attracts funding for preservation and restoration, and creates demand for local community-based tourism initiatives.

I think being a Better Traveller is to be aware of all the little things you can do to create positive impact -- even just by your choice of restaurant or where to shop -- wherever you go. I think many of us have seen the dodgy impact of tourism and are leery of being that person who's making a place worse for the locals (littering! damaging monuments with selfie sticks!). I'd like to be that person that 1) minimise any negative impact, and 2) actually contribute something socially positive to my host community. I think it's also a journey that never ends - it's a trip you take for life! No one is going to be the perfect traveller overnight - the important thing is not to stop trying!

With friends who are going through mental health issues, I always wonder if I overdo it or trigger anything if I ask how they are doing too frequently. Is this a legitimate concern or is it better to ask than to not ask?

I would like to spend three months in a developing country volunteering. What precautions should I take to avoid contributing to unethical practices such as the orphanage tourism industry in Cambodia?

I like using this website https://shameplane.com/ -- it allows you to factor in your daily habits, like whether you own a car, are a vegetarian etc, to determine what your "allowance" is for air travel. It's a slightly more holistic view on how our habits contribute to carbon emissions - what we eat, how we shop, and how we travel. We may not like the results, but it's a fun and necessary exercise to sober up to the idea of whether we "need" that getaway to Bali. Personally, it has made me rethink how badly I need to travel, and encouraged me to avoid destinations that involve domestic flight transfers. I think everyone can make little choices like that will amount to something in the long run.

I love bringing people to Bukit Brown cemetery, which is fascinating even for Singaporeans. It's a great place to explore Singapore's green side, as well as the history of Chinese immigrants, all from looking at really ornate and beautiful graves! A group of passionate citizen historians - called All Things Bukit Brown - conduct free walks a few times a month, and they're are great champions for preservation that deserve more support. Check them [out](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/experience/cemetery-walk-history-art-and-nature). For a more chilled out experience, try a pottery class at a "dragon kiln" - it's in a sleepy part of western Singapore, and it's a totally different side to the glitzy, cosmopolitan image of Singapore most tourists have. Go read this story for more ideas: https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/weekend-of-good/weekend-good-singapore

I think Green Acres Orchard in Penang is quite lovely for a short stay! It's a short flight from Singapore, the lodge has a pool and lots of green space to roam, and Penang itself has lots to keep people of all ages entertained, whether you are a foodie, durian-lover, just wanna chill in a nice boutique hotel, etc. Check out this [story](https://tbt-fe.kyanon.digital/story/journey/garden-thorny-delights/story) for more about Green Acres, and this [story](https://tbt-fe.kyanon.digital/story/weekend-of-good/weekend-good-penang) has loads of info about what to see and do in Penang. Another option could be Telunas Beach Resort, which is just couple of ferry rides away, so no need to fly with a baby! They have a great sustainability and empowerment ethos.

Beach clean-ups are a big thing in Bali! Try following groups like Trash Hero Canggu or One Island One Voice on social media to see when their next clean-up is, or for news of any events happening during your trip. I've also been exploring going back to North Bali for a trip, and came across Pemutaran, a town on the north coast that is home of one of the most successful Bio Rock programmes in the world - planting rocks underwater to let coral regenerate. It was a brainchild of the local community, which also organises beach clean-ups on a regular basis. I'll definitely check it out if I ever make a trip there and report back!

Maybe a sustainable farming experience? That way, you can have a bit of fun while learning about how to do things in a more sustainable way (and maybe score some yummy produce along the way). [Green Acres Orchard](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/garden-thorny-delights/story) in Penang is a great getaway if you are in Malaysia or plan to travel there. In Singapore, Bollywood Veggies and Citizen Farm have activities for the public that could be fun, whether it's farming and composting, or even cheese-making! If you are more into history and culture, look out for workshops that teach local crafts like weaving and painting, like [Greenroutes](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/travel-back-time-walvanda/story)' Warli art day trip in India, or [Torajamelo's](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/toraja-death-calls-celebration/story) homestays in Indonesia. Check out websites like [Local Alike](https://localalike.com/), which helpfully provide a platform to check out and book tours directly, and which also explain the kind of impact you can make by taking part in these tours.

Not being a caregiver myself, I know my advice isn't going to be helpful to someone who is a caregiver. I have noticed that asking after someone is always appreciated, and it doesn't even have to any anything to do with caregiving or well-being directly -- sometimes it could be a relief for my friend to talk about something other than caregiving or her feelings. I've learnt that it is good to develop patience and let someone learn that they can trust you with their feelings, rather than insisting that we talk it out.

Beach clean-ups are a big thing in Bali! Try following groups like Trash Hero Canggu or One Island One Voice on social media to see when their next clean-up is, or for news of any events happening during your trip. I've also been exploring going back to North Bali for a trip, and came across Pemutaran, a town on the north coast that is home of one of the most successful Bio Rock programmes in the world - planting rocks underwater to let coral regenerate. It was a brainchild of the local community, which also organises beach clean-ups on a regular basis. I'll definitely check it out if I ever make a trip there and report back!

Maybe a sustainable farming experience? That way, you can have a bit of fun while learning about how to do things in a more sustainable way (and maybe score some yummy produce along the way). [Green Acres Orchard](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/garden-thorny-delights/story) in Penang is a great getaway if you are in Malaysia or plan to travel there. In Singapore, Bollywood Veggies and Citizen Farm have activities for the public that could be fun, whether it's farming and composting, or even cheese-making! If you are more into history and culture, look out for workshops that teach local crafts like weaving and painting, like [Greenroutes](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/travel-back-time-walvanda/story)' Warli art day trip in India, or [Torajamelo's](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/journey/toraja-death-calls-celebration/story) homestays in Indonesia. Check out websites like [Local Alike](https://localalike.com/), which helpfully provide a platform to check out and book tours directly, and which also explain the kind of impact you can make by taking part in these tours.

With friends who are going through mental health issues, I always wonder if I overdo it or trigger anything if I ask how they are doing too frequently. Is this a legitimate concern or is it better to ask than to not ask?

I love bringing people to Bukit Brown cemetery, which is fascinating even for Singaporeans. It's a great place to explore Singapore's green side, as well as the history of Chinese immigrants, all from looking at really ornate and beautiful graves! A group of passionate citizen historians - called All Things Bukit Brown - conduct free walks a few times a month, and they're are great champions for preservation that deserve more support. Check them [out](https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/experience/cemetery-walk-history-art-and-nature). For a more chilled out experience, try a pottery class at a "dragon kiln" - it's in a sleepy part of western Singapore, and it's a totally different side to the glitzy, cosmopolitan image of Singapore most tourists have. Go read this story for more ideas: https://travel.ourbetterworld.org/story/weekend-of-good/weekend-good-singapore

I think being a Better Traveller is to be aware of all the little things you can do to create positive impact -- even just by your choice of restaurant or where to shop -- wherever you go. I think many of us have seen the dodgy impact of tourism and are leery of being that person who's making a place worse for the locals (littering! damaging monuments with selfie sticks!). I'd like to be that person that 1) minimise any negative impact, and 2) actually contribute something socially positive to my host community. I think it's also a journey that never ends - it's a trip you take for life! No one is going to be the perfect traveller overnight - the important thing is not to stop trying!

Such a tough question, because the travel landscape is so varied! A train in Mongolia is unlikely to be the same as a train in Europe or Japan. Even in Europe, a fast train in France and a slow train in Hungary will have massively different carbon footprints. But figures show that globally, railway contributes less greenhouse emissions than car/motor travel, and you avoid contributing to air pollution (idling engines while driving in slow traffic etc) and congestion. Moreover, cars rarely fill up, while rail operators are incentivised to fill up trains as much as possible, and will adjust their schedules according to demand. In a developed country with well-maintained railways, trains are likely to be your best bet for environmentally-friendly travel.

I think Green Acres Orchard in Penang is quite lovely for a short stay! It's a short flight from Singapore, the lodge has a pool and lots of green space to roam, and Penang itself has lots to keep people of all ages entertained, whether you are a foodie, durian-lover, just wanna chill in a nice boutique hotel, etc. Check out this [story](https://tbt-fe.kyanon.digital/story/journey/garden-thorny-delights/story) for more about Green Acres, and this [story](https://tbt-fe.kyanon.digital/story/weekend-of-good/weekend-good-penang) has loads of info about what to see and do in Penang. Another option could be Telunas Beach Resort, which is just couple of ferry rides away, so no need to fly with a baby! They have a great sustainability and empowerment ethos.

For every famous site, there are usually lesser-known (but harder to access) options in the same country! For example, there are other Angkor-era ruins in Cambodia beyond the Angkor Wat complex, like Bantaey Chhmar. Visiting these ruins in a respectful way (as shared by Sharon above) also encourages nearby communities to take good care of the ruins, and in some cases, it even attracts funding for preservation and restoration, and creates demand for local community-based tourism initiatives.

Charlie's Cafe is awesome, and if you spot the owner Desonny, talk to him, he is very nice. You can also check out PichaEats to see if an Open House is on - these are communal dinners or lunches made by refugees from Afghanistan, Iran and elsewhere. They're incredibly insightful and the mood is amazing. Check TBT's Weekend of Good [guide to Kuala Lumpur](https://tbt-fe.kyanon.digital/travel-inspiration/weekend-good/stories) for more recommendations!