Habits to adopt to be a responsible traveller

When you are travelling abroad especially to developing countries, you must always shop local. For your daily snacks or souvenirs and clothing for your friends and family back home spend money on the local stores. For your meals, why choose McDonald’s, Burger King or other fast food chains and restaurants when you can have awesome local meals. When it comes to eating meals out, check out the street-side and other small local vendors. Most likely, it’ll be the most authentic, tasty food you’ll have on your travels. Spending on local shops is the best way to make a positive impact on the life of the locals. This has to be the easiest way to adopt a responsible travel habit.

Volunteer or donate while you are travelling to a destination. Being a responsible traveller means giving back to the destinations that have given us so much. The best way that you can give back is by offering your services or your time. Teach kids how to swim, sail, surf or help others learn a language. If you have a certain skill set or knowledge on a topic, maybe you can help the locals with that.

Plastic waste is another epidemic these days. According to Coastal Care “Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, it’s equivalent to five grocery bags filled with plastic for every foot of coastline”. Not only does it spoil the aesthetic and appeal of the beaches but also harms the marine life and the environment.

It can be hard to eliminate all plastic from your life, and especially difficult while travelling. But there are some simple things you can do to manage your waste and ensure you’re doing your best to be a responsible traveller. Pack reusable bags, avoid straws and use reusable containers and cutlery. That’s what makes you a responsible tourist.

In your travel after quarantine try practicing ‘leave no traces’ of you when you’re exploring the backcountry, beaches, a rainforest or a city. Walk on The Path: Unless you are sustainably creating new trekking trails, always stay on the well-trodden path to avoid damaging any of the flora around you. Carry in and Out: Whatever waste you bring into the forest or natural environment, make sure you pack it out with you. This includes toilet paper. Bathroom Etiquette: If there isn’t an established toilet, make sure you are using an areas at least 200 feet from a water source, buried into the soil and covered. Leave Nature alone: Don’t bring shells back from the beach, plants from the forest and definitely don’t bring back any artifacts with you. Respect Wildlife: No feeding the animals and keep your distance. Don’t Deface Property: Whether manmade or natural, do not carve your name or write anything - anywhere.

Being on responsible travel can be a bit tough if you must fly to the country you plan to visit. At the very least, if you travel on a direct flight, you’ll reduce the carbon emissions. While roaming around a place, choose public transportation over a private taxi. Always be mindful that this pandemic has helped the environment heal, in your travel after quarantine be watch for your carbon footprint.

Responsible tourists are always aware and respectful of the culture and customs of the destinations they travel to. Dress appropriately as expected by the local culture. Another way to impress the locals is to learn a bit of their language. Maybe just a few words, but they’ll be appreciative of your efforts.

You can only be responsible when you choose responsibility. Do your research and choose a company that respects the environment and works with the community to provide jobs to the locals. Better yet, opt for a locally owned and operated company. Don’t participate in any tours that promote cruelty towards animals - dolphin shows, riding horses/elephants, zoos, etc. Keep these points in your checklist when you starting to travel after quarantine.

As a responsible tourist pick a sustainable place to lay your head while on the road, here are a few tips:

Opt for Local Guesthouses. Rather than staying in a massive 30 story resort, perhaps consider staying in a guesthouse or small hotel. This is an easy way to be a responsible traveller. Not only will the price be cheaper per night, but you’ll be supporting local families as opposed to foreign-owned accommodations. Your experience will be richer and more authentic as well.

Choose Eco-Lodges. There are numerous eco-friendly lodges around the world. These places will typically be set in a natural area (jungle, rainforest, mountains, etc.) and are aware of minimising their negative impact. There’s a focus on sustainability regarding natural resources (water, energy, food), and they have a positive relationship with the community they are a part of. Not only will you be helping out the environment, but these places are typically very remote and peaceful, giving you a very relaxing stay. You can pick a place of your choice on our hotels platform

Unlike the west, where items have a set price tag, in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, bargaining for goods is part of daily life. As a tourist, you can be a responsible traveller by not going overboard bargaining. Sometimes tourist pricing can seem unfair, but in reality, if you’re only being charged a buck or two more than a local would be, simply pay the money and leave the exchange with both parties having smiles on their faces.

If you make some of these small efforts on your next travel after quarantine, we promise you, it will enhance and enrich your own experience in so many ways and improve the world around you at the same time.

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