Who We Are and How To Reach Us
General Policies and Travel Ethics
Learn About Culturally Responsible Eco-Tourism
FAQs
How long have you been in business?
DreamWeaver Travel Company was formed in early 1999. Dudley Parkinson, founder and owner of DreamWeaver Travel, first traveled to Africa in 1976 and has over seven years of experience in actually living and working in West Africa (mostly with the Peace Corps as a Volunteer and then staff member). He has been organizing travel and leading trips to West Africa and South America for the past six years. Dudley has visited most of the areas in Africa and South America to which DreamWeaver offers trips and has personally selected most of the guides and local tour operators based on their level of experience, enthusiasm for their culture, and commitment to a sustainable tourism ethic.
Dudley has a BA in Ecology and a Masters in Community Education and has been active in environmental organizations for most of his life. He is committed to promoting sustainable environmentally and culturally appropriate tourism through his own business and through membership in such organizations as The Ecotourism Society and Conservation International.
Although DreamWeaver Travel is still a relatively new company, we believe
that this combination of experience and dedication to matters concerning
community-based tourism and the environment will assure that we are a
positive force in the industry for a long time to come and that we offer
truly extraordinary experiences to our clients.
Are the places your travelers visit safe?
Because we organize travel almost exclusively to developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere and often to remote locations in these countries, the level of safety will never be what one is accustomed to in Europe or the U.S. By definition, adventure travel involves the taking of risks. Communication is often difficult, roads are sometimes nearly impassable, and health care facilities and emergency care are rudimentary at best. Hotels may be substandard in some areas, food may be very different from what you are used to, and sanitary conditions are very difficult to maintain. We do our best to provide vehicles in good condition, responsible and professional guides and drivers, advice on health hazards, and up-to-date information on current political and social conditions.
What kind of support do you offer your clients before, during,
and after their trip?
DreamWeaver will send customers extensive information on the culture, climate, and language of the areas to be visited, as well as info on obtaining visas, immunizations required, and recommended packing lists. Our guides are experienced professionals who are accustomed to offering cultural, safety and security, and language support for their guests. During your travel, we can usually be reached by email or phone and your guides will be able to help you find communication resources such as telephones and internet cafes. After your trip, we solicit your feedback in order that we may constantly improve our services.
Can you help individuals and small groups custom-design a trip?
That's what we excel at! DreamWeaver Travel would love to work with you to create a trip tailored to your own needs and interests - your own DREAMS! Being a small company, we are able to give each of our travelers the individual attention necessary to insure their travel to Africa or South America is a positive experience. We can help to any extent you desire - from just some advice to a completely designed trip down to the last glass of wine. You decide how much help you need.
DreamWeaver Travel Company's founder and owner, Dudley Parkinson, is a member of a local environmental group, the Kinnikinnic River Land Trust, and also of GreenPeace, The Ecotourism Society, and Conservation International. Throughout his life he has been active in local, national, and international conservation, sustainable living, and environmental groups.
DreamWeaver Travel attempts to minimize the negative impacts of our activities on the environment. We believe fervently that we (our staff, guides, and travelers) have a responsibility to the Earth and to the communities we visit to practice culturally and environmentally sustainable travel. In addition, we recycle as much as possible, favor locally-owned businesses, attempt to leave as much of the "tourist dollar" as possible with local communities, and support local sustainable development initiatives. We insist on eco-friendly behavior on the part of everyone involved with our tours, including our guests.