Travel Tips – Responsible Travel Tips

Sustaining Tourism’s Guide to Being
a Responsible Traveller.

Also check out this comprehensive guide for all aspects of travel

Be considerate of the communities and environment you visit.
Don’t litter.
Carry your own shopping bag to avoid contributing to the plastic problem in many countries of the world.
Remove all packaging before leaving home…avoid excessive waste and the use of plastic bottles (in many countries there is no way of disposing of these, therefore creating plastic mountains due to tourism)
Bring your own mug and consider purifying your own water (life straws are great)
Lose the straw – and if you want one, bring your own reusable one
Reduce energy consumption. Unplug your mobile phone charger, turn off the lights…
Conserve water. Take shorter showers… the average hotel guest uses over 300 litres of water per night! In a luxury hotel it is approximately 1800 litres!
Always ask before taking photographs. If someone says no, respect their wishes.
Educate yourself about the place you are visiting and the people – you are their guest.
Travel off season if you can … better prices and less crowded
Respect cultural differences – and learn from it! People in different places do things differently – don’t try to change them – enjoy it.
Dress respectively. Cover up away from the beach. Cover your head in religious places. Notice local dress codes and adhere to them.
Do not purchase or eat endangered species (e.g. turtle egg soup, crocodile handbags).
Choose sustainable seafood
Support the local economy. Buy locally made souvenirs, eat at local restaurants – enjoy the local culture!
Do not give pens, candy or other gifts to local children – it fosters a begging economy. If you wish to donate, contact a local school or tour operator who can ensure the gifts are distributed fairly and properly. If you wish to bring something, check out Not Just Tourists
Do not support the illegal drug trade or the sex trade. Recognize the signs of human trafficking
Take public transit. Use a bicycle. Or if you must rent a car – why not a hybrid or electric one if available?
Support a local charity or organizations that works towards responsible tourism – if you aren’t sure – ask around, its a great way to start a conversation
Before you go, ask your travel provider (tour operator, travel agent) about the company’s environmental and responsible tourism policies – support those who support responsible tourism.
Ask your accommodation provider (hotel, guest house, lodge) about their sustainability practices – do they compost? Recycle? Have fair labour laws? Have an environmental policy?
Support responsible tourism organizations – those operators who publicly are aiming to make tourism more responsible.
Support local organizations – either in the place you visit or where you live