12 Steps To Become A Responsible Traveller

Are you curious about how your travels can make a difference?

Responsible travel is all about reducing negative impacts on the environment and local communities while creating a positive change for future generations. It's not just about leaving a destination as you found it, but leaving it even better. By engaging in responsible tourism, you contribute to both the local economy and the environment.

There are two key categories for responsible travel: social and ecological. Social responsibility relates to respecting and supporting local communities and cultures, while ecological responsibility focuses on preserving the environment, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Travel is an investment that enriches your life, but it also has its effects on the environment and local communities. To become a responsible traveller, it's important to be mindful and educated about the decisions you make while travelling.

You have the power to make a huge difference in the world by simply being more conscious of your actions. Here, I share 12 simple tips to help you have a positive impact on both social and cultural aspects, enabling you to understand the influence you have on the places you visit and the people you meet. You can start your responsible travel journey today!

1. Respect local customs and cultures.

Being a responsible traveller means considering not only your impact on the environment but also showing consideration for the customs and cultures that shape local communities. Take the time to study the customs of your destination before travelling to better understand and appreciate the local culture. Use common sense and respect local laws and rules at all times.

2. Dress appropriately.

Be mindful of local standards and dress respectfully according to the dress code. Inappropriate attire, such as short shorts or singlets, may be considered disrespectful. Some countries require full coverage, including shoulders and knees. Show respect for local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites and follow dress codes accordingly. Consider keeping a sarong or scarf in your day pack for easy coverage.

3. Learn some local language phrases.

Take the effort to learn a few local phrases and key greetings to communicate with locals, at minimum, hello, goodbye and thank you. Showing appreciation for the culture and making an effort to connect with the local people goes a long way. Additionally, research local customs regarding greetings, gestures during prayers, and dining etiquette to ensure you follow them while travelling. Consider using language translation apps or phrasebooks to assist you.

4. Ask for permission before taking photos.

Respect local privacy and avoid capturing photos of people without permission. As a responsible traveller, it is important to ask for consent before taking photos of or with locals. Put yourself in their shoes and consider how you would feel if someone took your photo without permission. Be aware that photography may be restricted or even illegal in certain places, such as religious sites, for example, The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and the Red Light District in Amsterdam, and also at specific landmarks like The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt. Always check and respect the regulations.

5. Find a local guide.

When exploring a destination and immersing yourself in its culture and people, hiring a local guide is the way to go. These knowledgeable companions can tailor a tour to suit your unique needs and tastes, taking you off the beaten path and into the unexplored streets. With first-hand knowledge of cultural and historical information, they can guide you to hidden culinary gems instead of just popular tourist spots. By hiring a local guide, not only do you support the local economy and its people, but you also gain a deeper connection with the country you're visiting. Plus, who knows? You might just make a lifelong friend along the way.

6. Seek authentic cultural experiences.

To truly understand and experience the authentic local lifestyles, customs, and cultures, don't be afraid to seek out those 'everyday life' experiences. Dive into local markets and dine at neighbourhood eateries off the tourist roads, and you'll engage with the locals on a whole new level. By immersing yourself in these encounters, you not only enrich your own experiences but also create meaningful connections with others you would never have met otherwise.

7. Shop local to support their community and economy.

Remember, as a responsible traveller, your purchasing power holds incredible influence over local communities. When shopping for souvenirs, consider supporting artisan small businesses and local street vendors. This not only creates a more authentic experience but also ensures that your money directly benefits the local community, helping to improve their quality of life.

8. Keep those wildlife encounters wild.

When visiting wildlife enclosures, unethical sanctuaries, or wildlife parks, ensure that you do not indirectly support the capture and ill-treatment of animals. Responsible travellers refrain from participating in tours that promote animal cruelty, such as taking pictures with tigers, attending dolphin shows, or riding elephants and camels. A genuine wildlife encounter should discourage touching or feeding animals and prioritise sustainable and responsible practices that are in the animals' best interests. Unfortunately, many organisations prioritise profit over animal well-being. By avoiding these activities, you won't contribute to a lifetime of distress for these animals.

9. Opt for a home or village stay over a chain hotel.

To be a responsible traveller and immerse yourself in a meaningful cultural experience, consider staying in a traditional village accommodation, or booking a homestay with a local. Community-based tourism offers a unique opportunity that surpasses what chain hotels can provide. By visiting local communities and spending a night in their space, you support the local economy, providing income to the community. This approach allows you to gain an authentic experience and deep insight into the local way of life. By embracing community-based tourism, your investment directly aids rural, poor, and marginalised communities.

10. Leave behind only footprints.

It is truly astonishing what people try to take as souvenirs from their trips. Please resist the urge to take parts of the destination home as a "souvenir." Whether it's rocks from Machu Picchu or Uluru, sand and seashells from Hawaii, or coral from the Great Barrier Reef, taking pieces of the destination with you is illegal and disrespectful. In some countries, you can face fines and criminal charges for doing so. Instead, let's practice leaving behind only memories and take solace in the fact that we have had the privilege of experiencing these remarkable places.

11. Minimise plastic usage and take your own water bottle everywhere.

Make a conscious effort to avoid single-use plastic items like bags, straws, and containers. Instead, bring along reusable alternatives such as a water bottle, water filters, coffee cup, cloth shopping bag, and cutlery. By doing so, you not only save money but also contribute to the fight against plastic pollution. Remember, plastic takes thousands of years to decompose and poses a serious threat to local wildlife.

12. Take your rubbish with you.

Leaving no trace behind should be every responsible traveller's mantra. Whenever you have rubbish to dispose of, keep it in your bag or pocket until you locate a proper bin. In case you find a full one, simply wait for the next opportunity to dispose of your trash respectfully.

Now ask yourself, “How responsible am I when I travel?”

When we travel, we are not just visiting new places or experiencing exciting adventures. We have the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures and religions, and in doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of the world. But as responsible travellers, we must remember that our choices hold a significant impact. Every decision we make can contribute to the well-being of the environment and the people around us.

So, as you embark on your next journey, consider these tips for responsible travel. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards being a more conscious and mindful traveller. Together, let's make a difference - one responsible choice at a time.