10 Tips for Responsible Travel
T ourism can be a double-edged sword for many countries. While thousands of visitors boost a country’s economy, it’s often at the cost of natural resources and the overall well-being of its citizens. That’s why we’re happy about all the attention going towards the concept of responsible tourism. It’s really a simple case of manners and common sense. After all, visiting a new country is no different from popping over to a mate’s house. You wouldn’t just show up, chuck your things all over the floor and then proceed to clean out their fridge, would you? (Pause.) Okay, maybe that’s not the best analogy in the world. These ten tips should explain things a bit better.
Use the lingo
Before you go, practise some basic phrases in the native language so you can politely ask the important questions, like where’s the nearest toilet? – and then stand a chance of finding it. While much of the world understands a bit of English, everyone appreciates a person making the effort to communicate in his or her tongue. So don’t be too embarrassed to try – embarrassing is not trying.
Travel light
Before you go, take your film out of the box, unwrap that packet of new pants and leave the extra packaging at home so your host country doesn’t have to deal with it. Your pack will be lighter as well, so everyone wins!
Planes, trains and automobiles
Consider your transport options in order to cut down on carbon emissions. Is it possible to take a bus instead of a plane? A bicycle instead of a car? Such alternatives are cheaper, environmentally friendly and let you feel the wind through your hair. Of course, we don’t expect you to ride your bicycle all the way to South Africa. If flying is unavoidable, try booking a flight with the least amount of stopovers and connections. Multiple take-offs and landings dramatically increase carbon emissions.
It’s not easy being green
When it comes to the tourism industry, some people care about responsible practices and others don’t. Before you book, find out who’s who. Most tour operators, resorts and hotels have written policies on their green practices. If not, ask a company representative any of these questions:
• Do they offer career opportunities to locals?
• Do they work with the local community and give back?
• Do they minimise social and environmental impact by having smaller groups?
Don’t be afraid to ask this stuff – a company with nothing to
hide will happily answer your questions.
Culture club
You can read every guidebook on a country and still be taken by surprise when your taxi driver spits on his palm and expects you to shake it. If you’re unsure how to act, take clues from the real experts – the locals. It’s quite easy to figure out whether a culture is relaxed or conservative, so make sure to adjust your dress and behaviour accordingly. Lastly, it’s a good idea to keep clean and presentable, out of respect. This may sound obvious, but backpacking for weeks on end can leave you decidedly less-than-fresh. Do the best you can.
Buy local
Hiring local guides and buying local produce and handmade crafts supports your host country’s economy. It’s the closest thing to guilt-free shopping.
Haggle rock
Believe it or not, arguing down the price of a handmade bowl can be a dramatic moment of comedy, suspense and triumph. Haggling is an ancient art, and you should try it out if it’s the accepted way of doing business. While it’s natural – even expected – to get caught up in the game, maintain your perspective. At the end of the day, that extra 50p will likely do more good for the vendor than you.
Dodgy souvenirs
Keep an eye out for souvenirs made from endangered animal products such as ivory and tortoiseshell. Although it’s illegal to hunt elephants and sea turtles, this doesn’t stop thousands of poachers from doing it every day. By walking past these souvenirs, you are choosing not to support this nasty practice. (Dumbo says thank you.)
Trail blaze metaphorically
When exploring jungles and forests, you don’t have to leave the trail to be blown away. Stick to established paths to prevent erosion and to protect delicate plant life.
BYOB
Travel with a sturdy, reusable water bottle that you can fill with purified/boiled water. This cuts down on the number of empty plastic water bottles crowding the planet. Also remember to use water sparingly – in many countries, it’s a precious commodity and tourists tend to use it up much faster than the locals.
For loads more information about responsible travel:
www.responsibletravel.com
www.responsible-travel.org
www.lonelyplanet.com/responsibletravel
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