Apart from my wish to send would-be tourists to a ‘travel charm school’ and to ensure that travelers always read the local laws of where they are headed off to, another question to be answered is, ‘how to ensure people are responsible travelers instead of naughty toddlers prone to throwing tantrums and misbehaving when it suits them?’
Responsible travel is when an individual minimizes any negative impacts and maximizes the positive footprints left behind on the destinations that they visit. It's about making conscious decisions to be mindful of local people, understanding the impact of travel, especially in tourist hotspots like Venice, and contributing in whatever way possible to ensure the sustainability of tourism. The cost of tourism in certain places can be higher than the amount a tourist might spend, impacting the natural environment and resources.
If you want to be a part of the tribe that does travel responsibly, read the following tips:
Lose The Crowds
Travel during shoulder and off-peak seasons to minimize the impact on local infrastructure and any inclination towards impatience. Usually, prices are lower, the tourist hordes don't hamper your adventures, the locals may be friendlier, and you may have an experience unlike the expected, seeing the destination in a different seasonal light.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Put your head on a pillow in accommodation that has been accredited under one of about thirty awards for sustainable and responsible practices (such as LEED, Green Key, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), or Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards). Awards are earned based on the use of water-saving techniques, recycling programs, and energy-efficient lighting, among other factors. Go totally eco-friendly and think outside the box, aiming for accommodations that give back to their local community and have a minimal environmental footprint.
Be Aware and Respect Cultural Practices
Research the local traditions and customs of your destination so that you are aware of what is considered acceptable social behavior—dress expectations, local etiquette, and always ask permission to take a photograph of a person before clicking the shutter, to name a few. In other words, it's being polite and having empathy for the locals.
Don’t Waste Water
Conserve the amount of water you use, wherever you are, as it's one of Earth's most precious resources. In other words, avoid standing under a shower for half an hour or leaving the tap running while cleaning your teeth. You don't need fresh towels every day just because you aren't the one doing the laundry.
Be a Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce Warrior
Always have a reusable water bottle on hand, pack lightly in relation to the ten million little plastic bottles or containers of toiletries, and take your own fabric shopping bags. Think twice about discarding your trash and consider where to dispose of it appropriately, even if it means carrying it with you for a day or two.
Ride a Bicycle, Camel, or Walk
Eco-friendly transport options are available if you look for them and can provide hours of entertainment and giggles while attempting to get from A to B. If no horse or donkey is available, use your legs or public transportation, such as a train, bus, ferry, or electric vehicle, for longer distances. Think twice before you rush to hire a car.
Embrace Local Businesses
Check out the local markets, street food, and craft shops, and consider hiring local guides—it keeps the local economy thriving and gives you the opportunity to mingle with the locals for a more authentic experience.
Act Responsibly Around Wildlife
Avoid attractions that exploit wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance, and if you have a naturalist or guide with you, follow their instructions and listen to their advice. There are numerous ethical ways to observe an animal in its natural habitat, a wildlife reserve, or a conservation sanctuary. Volunteering as a carer at an animal sanctuary is a great way to get up close and personal without harming any creatures.
Responsible travel is being a caring human, taking home unforgettable memories, and leaving only your footprints of where you have been.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
