Visiting new places and different cultures can change your life for the better. Responsible travel is about making sure other people’s lives, and their lands, aren’t worst when you leave. Here’s how I try to leave a positive impact.
“Take only photos, leave only footprints.”
Responsible travel begins with this simple but powerful idea. I first encountered the phrase when I started camping. It made good sense. Not foraging plants or leaving trash behind seemed the least I could do as a guest upon the land.
Now that I’m a regular global traveller, I feel an even greater responsibility to “do no harm.” Many of the world’s most beautiful environments are straining under the weight of too many visitors all chasing the same experiences at the same time. As travellers, the biggest drag might be crowds in the background of our trip photos. But for locals, our presence can lead to water shortages, lack of affordable housing and other serious negative impacts to their quality of life.
Overtourism is one (big) problem, but even places that need, want, and can handle tourists deserve to be left in better shape when we leave, not worse. And for me too—to actually enjoy my travels, I know that means having genuine, respectful interactions with local people and other travellers.
I’ve developed my own personal travel philosophy to guide my decisions on where to go, how to get there, and what to do while I’m a guest in someone else’s home or country.
If you are thinking more about responsible travel, here’s my list of things to pack before you go.
Curiosity
Travel with an open mind. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Don’t assume that the way you do things at home is the best way, or the only way. Whatever your interests—food, history, art, religion, etc.—take a guided tour or a workshop to explore more than what Google can tell you. Independent travellers often think themselves better than “tourists” who do everything in groups, but it’s not virtuous to spend as little as possible in the community and never meet anyone else on your travels either.
And talk to people! If you haven’t had a conversation with anyone who isn’t making money off you, it’s such a missed opportunity. Public transportation is great for this.
Generosity
I have a tattoo to remind me of an argument I once had with a taxi driver in Cairo over the equivalent of 20 Canadian cents. I was standing on principle that I didn’t want to be charged a tourist price when I knew the actual local price. The tattoo is to remind me not to be that person again.
Whether it’s haggling for taxi fare, a souvenir or anything else, don’t nickel and dime over a small amount of money that’s literally pocket change to you. I’m not saying you should accept being ripped off. But negotiations should make both buyer and seller happy.
Tip hotel cleaning staff, they are often forgotten, especially now in this world where many stop carrying cash.
And try to keep your money in the community. When shopping, seek out artist co-operatives, especially those directly employing women. Buy from independent art galleries and clothing designers. Stay in locally owned hotels.
Compassion for animals
Why are people still swimming with dolphins or going to zoos where bears do tricks? I’d like to believe most people simply don’t understand that training animals for human entertainment is is animal abuse. Instead, you can visit an animal sanctuary—so cute and your money is helping local charities who rehab and rescue.
If you’re going to ride a camel, horse, or other animal, do so only with reputable tour operators who have a track record of treating their animals well. Here’s a great story from one of my fave companies, Intrepid Travel, on why they stopped offering elephant rides on their trips back in 2014.
Solidarity
What issues matter to the people on the ground? In many popular cities, governments are banning AirBnbs and residents are protesting short-term rentals in the streets. Choosing to stay in one becomes a dick move. (Hotels are so much better anyway, especially for solo travellers.)
Has there recently been a natural disaster, such as forest fires or hurricanes, that have destroyed homes? You may want to postpone that trip so that hotel beds are available to shelter locals or first responders.
How can you practise solidarity with the communities you are visiting? Responsible travel starts with reading the news headlines before you go or speak to a trusted travel agent.
Environmental Responsibility
OK, I realize that some people feel that all air travel is environmentally irresponsible. Fair enough. For me, a vegetarian with no children who doesn’t drive a car, I sleep fine with my carbon footprint. That said, of course you can pay to offset your emissions when you fly, and I’ve started to do that more often.
There are also many small things you can do on the ground to lessen your impact. Carry a reusable tote bag for shopping, and your own refillable water bottle. Don’t litter—even if you see trash everywhere. Choose public transportation over using exclusively private vehicles. Reuse towels more than once in hotels. Support solar-powered businesses. And one of my favourites: cycle more!
It’s up to each of us to think about our values and how we bring them with us wherever we go. I hope my list actually grows as I travel and learn more about being a good global citizen.
Wishing you safe – and responsible! – travels.
