At The Bougie Travel Club, every trip is built on one belief: the best part of travel is the people you share it with.
To protect that experience for every traveler, we kindly ask all members to commit to the following pledge before joining any BTC trip. By booking with us, you agree to uphold these principles — for yourself, for your travel companions, and for the communities we are privileged to visit.
I will arrive with an open mind and respect every destination.
Experiencing new places means encountering customs, flavors, rhythms, and ways of life that may be different from my own — and that is precisely the point. I will refrain from making disparaging comments about local culture, food, or traditions. I commit to respecting the natural environment, following responsible travel guidelines, and endeavoring to leave a positive impact on every place we visit.
I will be a good group member.
Group travel is a shared experience, and my attitude and energy directly affect everyone around me. I will arrive on time, stay engaged, and bring the spirit I want the group to have. I will be patient with different paces and personalities, and I will remember that flexibility — not perfection — is what makes group trips truly memorable.
I will communicate openly and honestly.
If something isn't working for me — an activity, a concern, a rooming situation — I will speak directly with a BTC team member rather than letting frustration build in silence. I understand that the team can only address what we know about, and I commit to raising concerns constructively, with the shared goal of making the experience better for everyone.
I will be present and fully participate.
I am not here to observe from a distance. I am here to connect with people, engage with places, and allow myself to be surprised by what unfolds. I will put my phone away when it matters, show up for shared meals and group moments, and bring my whole self — not just my itinerary expectations — to every experience.
I will honor the safety and comfort of every traveler.
I will conduct myself in a way that ensures all group members — regardless of background, nationality, age, or personal beliefs — feel safe, seen, and respected. I understand that discriminatory, harassing, or exclusionary behavior is grounds for immediate removal from a trip without refund. The standard is simple: treat every person the way you want to be treated.
I will take responsibility for my own experience.
Travel involves uncertainty, and not every moment will go exactly as planned. I will approach delays, changes, and unexpected situations with grace rather than entitlement. I take responsibility for reading all trip communications in advance, arriving prepared, and managing my own health, medications, travel documents, and insurance coverage.
I will respect the people and places we visit.
Whether interacting with locals, visiting a heritage site, or sharing a meal in someone's community, I will carry myself as a respectful and grateful guest. I will ask before photographing people, observe local dress codes and customs, support local businesses where possible, and remember — always — that we are visitors in someone else's home.
I will protect the integrity of this community.
The quality of a BTC trip is shaped by the people in it. I will show up authentically, contribute to the positive energy of the group, and treat fellow travelers with the same care I hope to receive. I commit to upholding these values not just during trips, but in how I carry and represent The Bougie Travel Club wherever I go.
