Travel and tourism industry is one of the most significant contributors to the global economy with a record of 2.9 trillion USD in 2019, and it is only here to grow. With every travel enthusiast seeking to hop on their next big adventure right from swimming with sharks in South Africa to trekking the highest points of Himalaya, the wander bug-bitten heart yearns for more and more.
As they say, everything comes with a price. But who pays the price in case of travel? The answer is, we all do! Yes as the number of travellers grows, so does the mindless travelling. Most of us travellers aren’t aware of our responsibility as a traveller. Now you must be thinking “Of course I do! I am supposed to have fun while on vacation.” You sure have to have fun, but responsibly. As we grow as a traveller, we should also grow to become a responsible traveller.
10 Incredibly Easy Ways to Be a Responsible Traveller
1. Pack a green backpack
As the name suggests, think green! Carry reusable alternatives of every single-use plastic item. I always carry a bamboo straw with me, to make sure I don’t keep using plastic straws where ever I go. Another classic example is the number of plastic water bottles that we add to the ocean dump! In my trip to Sri Lanka, I ended up purchasing a total of 45 bottles! This was an eye-opener for me, after which I started carrying a water filter bottle everywhere. Another essential item is a reusable cloth bag; they are a great alternative to plastic bags that most shop keepers give.
2. Minimise your waste
In today’s world, we consume mindlessly and waste even more! Most of your travel waste can be minimised by merely packing green (see point 1). If you use the hotel toiletries, you will end up wasting a ton of tiny plastic bottles. In most cases, they aren’t reused! Carry your own toiletries instead of using the ones available in the hotel. In all cost avoid buying shampoo/soap pouches, these items are never recycled and end up polluting our ocean.
3. Study the culture of the destination
Respect the cultural sentiments and the traditions of the country you are visiting. Always research the destination thoroughly. Be vary of the right dress code and the right body language, the last thing you’d want to do is offend a local unknowingly. Learn a few phrases in their language, it always puts a smile on their face to see the tourists try!
4. Be respectable to animals
Not just when you travel, but you should be respectable to animals every single day! Almost every country has exploited animals and continue to use them as a tourist trap. The tiger temple in Thailand, swimming with the whale sharks in the Philippines, riding elephants in India and the Luwak coffee in Indonesia. These are only a few activities, but the world is filled with so many more! Always do your research well before throwing money at such inhumane acts.
5. Stay local
Most of us seldom look beyond the famous hotel chains. But with just a little bit of research, you will find there are a bunch of other accommodation options. And in most case, they provide a far enriching experience than your average hotel chain. When booking your next vacation, look for a homestay, a bread and breakfast or a boutique stay this way you will pay the local community instead of funding the ultra-rich hotel chains.
You get an enriching experience and also give back to the community!
6. Eat local
Just like staying with the local community is an enriching experience, so in eating local food. By eating local food, you will help fund the locals and indirectly give them an avenue to earn an extra income.
Bunos! If you eat local, it also reduces your carbon footprint. As you will not be feeding the transport of frozen goods to chains like McDonald’s, BurgerKings etc.
I understand some of you may have special dietary needs. I turned vegetarian and now a vegan. But I have never had any issues finding vegetarian/vegan food in any country that I travelled to. With the growing demand, most places have a separate vegetarian/vegan menu. Also, I have politely asked local street food vendors to try and make a vegetarian version for me.
7. Prepare your home
While you are away, you may unknowingly waste energy and resources back home. The basic is to unplug all the devices that aren’t in use. In case you are going on an extended holiday, do empty your fridge to save power. Cancel or pause your newspaper subscription since you are anyway not going to read an old newspaper, why waste the resources right?
8. Shop local
I generally visit local flea markets, art and craft shops to find these gems. The front desk of the hostel or your host from the homestay is the best place to find these shops. Just by doing this, you will cut down on your carbon footprint, support the local economy and have a positive impact on the planet.
9. Responsible tour company
Increase in tourism has seen an increase in tour operators. And with the growing need to support our planet, a number of these tour operators are working towards sustainable travel. They either provide employment opportunities to the local or promote a local business or simply contribute a part of their funds in the development of the local communities and the destination in general. A simple google search will give you a list of a responsible tour company to choose from.
10. Educate others
This the most underrated and yet the most important of them all! Once you are aware that your actions have consequences -both positive and negative. You start taking decision mindfully, but it shouldn’t stop there. Now the onus is on you to share your learning and tips to the rest of the world. So that we all be a responsible traveller one traveller at a time! You can start by sharing this easy guide on how to be a responsible traveller.
In the past, we have seen the effects of global warming. Distressed wildlife due to deforestation, developing economies not being very well benefited by more prominent players, increasing pollution and drastic impact on some of the worlds magnificent sites due to high inflow of irresponsible tourist.
It is the need of the hour to travel more responsibly, together let us pledge to make this world a better place one country at a time. Share this article if you are a responsible traveller or are ready to take steps towards it!
Are you a responsible traveler? Let us know more in the comments below.