Tourism is now the world’s fastest growing industry. With this proliferation of travel comes a heavy responsibility on all travellers to ensure that the heritage and environment of countries we experience does not erode under the rapid influx of travellers.

With the opportunity to travel, comes a new responsibility to all travellers to ensure that their activities do not upset or destroy the very cultures and environments we choose to experience. Here’s what you can do to be a responsible traveler:

Before you book

• Plan your route to minimize carbon emissions. Consider travelling by train and public transport where possible – you may see things you might not otherwise.
• Reduce flying time and stopovers. The worst carbon emissions happen during take off and landing. Minimize internal flights where you can.

• Ask your travel agent whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip. You may want to consider supporting a project.
• Do your homework on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language.
• Remove all excess packaging before you pack. It's difficult in remote places and developing countries to effectively dispose of your garbage.
• Ask your travel agent if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools.

• Buy local produce and use water sparingly.
• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts
• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. If in doubt ask advice. Women and men may be asked to cover up or wear a head cover in holy places – be prepared and respectful.
• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk. What a great way to meet local people and reduce pollution and carbon emissions!
• Hire a local guide. You'll discover more about local culture and they will earn an income.
• Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions and listening.
• Pay a fair price for the goods and services you buy. Haggling is often a part of local life, but make this light and bright – don’t go too far. Keep a realistic perspective. What is a trifling sum to you, could be a significant amount to a local family (perhaps worth something important to them, such as a meal).

• If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so.
• If you’ve promised to support a local project, remember your promise.
• Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday and especially include any suggestions on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities.
• Enjoy the memories and start planning your next trip!

Top