In light of Responsible Travel Week 2011, we at Gunyah – specialists in short-duration experiential packages for independent travellers eager to connect with local people – have selected our favourite local travel experiences… in Argentina, Vietnam, Nepal, Australia, Zambia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We want to inspire travellers to seek out more meaningful travel experiences, the kinds that can only come through real contact with locals and genuine enjoyment of local culture and tradition.

The city of Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, lies in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains, which makes it the perfect location for winter activities. In response to that, outdoor adventure tour operators like Green Visions, the whl.travel local connection in Sarajevo, offers trips and activities throughout the year, including options that peek into Sarajevo’s magical winter world. One of the most memorable hidden places in winter is Skakavac Waterfall.

Situated in the southeastern Europe, the Balkans is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for intrepid travellers. Following the successful completion of a Balkan Hotel Market Access Program, independent travellers plan tourism in the Balkans can now research, plan and book their trips online through locally owned and operated travel websites.