What is Responsible Travel and How to Join One?

Last Updated: September 13, 2024

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Traveling is one of the rejuvenating activities  for enthusiasts. However, as the world is becoming more aware of travelers' impacts on the environment, cultures, and local communities, many travelers want to be more responsible. This is not just a trend but it is a necessity for the community and nature. It's about leaving a positive impact on the place and community where you are traveling rather than leaving negative ones.

In this article, we will discuss what responsible travel is and why you must become one. Most importantly we will discuss what makes the traveler responsible and what are the common misconceptions about the traveler's responsibility.

What is Responsible Travel?

Responsible travel refers to an approach to traveling that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, respects local cultures, and contributes positively to the well-being of local communities. Unlike traditional tourism which mainly focuses on short-term personal pleasure rather than long-term effects, eco-friendly travelers focus on both personal joy and sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and economic fairness.

Some of the key principles of a responsible traveler are listed below:

1. Sustainability: Choosing eco-friendly travel options and reducing any waste or the use of carbon-emitting products.
2. Cultural Respect: Learning the new local cultures, and traditions and respecting each culture equally.
3. Economic Support: Spending money on buying goods directly from the local communities and supporting local projects.

Sustainability Travel vs Responsible Travel

Both sustainable tourism and responsible travel may sound similar but there are some significant differences between them. Sustainable tourism mainly focuses on environmental factors such as reducing waste and the use of plastic consumption. On the other hand, responsibly traveling focuses on both the environmental aspects and the local communities. They support the regional economies, traditions, and cultures and are polite to the locals.

Why Traveling Responsibly Important?

Responsibly traveling is important to preserve the local cultures, support local economies, and leave a positive impact on the environment. Below is a detailed discussion about them.

1. Environmental Impact

Mass tourism has negatively impacted the environment and destroyed many of the natural habitats. But the responsible tourism encourages eco-friendly traveling by reducing plastic use, friendly accommodations, and enjoying traveling without harming the environment. By being careful about how our actions will impact the planet, we ensure that good nature remains for future generations.

For example, simple acts like using refillable water bottles reduce the trash and plastic that is caused due to plastic water bottles.

2. Cultural Preservation

One of the greatest joys of traveling is experiencing the new cultures. However, irresponsible tourism negatively impacts local traditions and values. In many cases, tourists unknowingly participate in activities that exploit local cultures like insensitive photography or unmanaged hiking and cooking experiences.

3. Supporting Local Economies

It is saying that "tourism has the power to boost the local economies". However, in many cases, only large corporations get more benefits from tourism than local businesses. You can support the local business by eating in the local restaurants, buying local art, or staying in the local accommodations. This benefits the locals as well and you also get the opportunity to experience the local life at affordable rates.

In many cases, responsible travelers make it a priority to book a local tour to experience local life.

What Makes You a Responsible Traveler?

To travel responsibly, you need perfect planning. And while traveling you need to focus on a few key points like sustainable transportation, eco-friendly accommodations, and local cultures.

1. Planning and Preparations

Before going on any trips you need to have better preparation and planning. There are a few steps that you need to ensure to make your travels a eco-friendly and responsible travel.

1. Research Destination: Look for a destination that promotes sustainable tourism and prioritizes environmental conservation.
2. Pack Light and Eco-Friendly: Take reusable items like water bottles, cloth shopping bags, and eco-friendly or metal plates.
3. Travel Off-Peak: Traveling during off-peak seasons can reduce costs and offer a more authentic experience of nature, as popular destinations tend to be less crowded during these times.

2. Sustainable Transportation Options

Transportation is one of the main reasons for carbon emissions during travel. It is expected that 25% more CO2 emissions will be caused by 2030 than 2016. So it is recommended to avoid carbon emission travel like flight or diesel-petrol vehicles for short routes. You can use local transportation like rickshaws, horse riding, or biking for responsible travel.

In regions like the Himalayas, taking a slower mode of transportation like tricycles, and horse riding provides you the natural and local experience while reducing the carbon impact on the environment.

3. Eco-friendly Accommodations

In present days many hotels and resorts promote sustainable options by using renewable energy and reducing water consumption. Do your research and find the places that support eco-friendly accommodations. You can check the reviews and the eco-certification of the resort or hotel to ensure that they provide eco-friendly accommodations.

Additionally, for more enjoyable travel, you can also stay in locally owned accommodations like guest houses or lodges. This not only helps the environment, but it directly helps and contributes to the local economy.

4. Respecting Local Cultures

One of the major key points of responsible tourism is to respect the local cultures and traditions. Before traveling, you can learn some local traditions, dress codes, and etiquette. By using local dress codes, you show respect towards the locals which will make them happy.

Note: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, their attire, or cultural practices. Unintentionally, taking such photos without consent can lead to the exploitation of local cultures and traditions.

Popular Destinations for Responsible Travellers

There are many destinations in the world for travelers and you need to find the best travel programs for you. I have listed the few popular destinations that are best for responsible tourism:

1. Explore the Himalayas of Nepal

Explore the Himalayas of Nepal, a beautiful country in Southeast Asia. It is the home of the 8 highest peaks among the top 10 in the whole world. This also includes the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest with 8848 meters (29,035 feet). You will explore the beautiful snow-covered mountains and the local lifestyles of Nepalese.

The Himalayas can be your go-to destination if you love peace and responsible travel. The people of Nepal (Himalayas) are cooperative and will give you a warm welcome. Once there try to support the locals by buying local art and statues.

2. Visit Pristine Beach in Philippines

Pristine Beach is one of the best and nearest beaches in Puerto City, Philippines. The entry fee for this beach is just 400 pesos ($7.18). Additionally, you can take a tricycle for just 25 pesos ($0.45) and can rent a hut for around 300 pesos ($5.38). So these all make the pristine beach an affordable beach.

You can take your own food or purchase it from the local shops. This way you add the extra curry to your enjoyment while also supporting the local business.

3. Trip to Cultural Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the most beautiful and largest city in northern Thailand full of cultures. It is popular for its beautiful park and different mountainous green spaces. Some popular parks include Kanchanaphisek Park, Lanna Rama 9 Park, and Chiang Mai Railway Park.

Chiang Mai is the go-to destination for those who want to explore the real local life of the Thailand people. Here you can book a bike to enjoy the local cultures and street view.

4. Peace Trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another beautiful go-to destination for responsible travelers. Here you can enjoy the history of Costa Rica along with different natures and animals. Despite the small size of Costa Rica, it is the home of many different animals and plants that are rarely found on the other parts of the world.

One of the popular parks in Costa Rica is Corcovado where you can find all four types of Costa Rican monkey species (like white-headed capuchin, mantled howler, Geoffroy's spider monkey, and Central American Squirrel monkey).

5. Explore Machu Picchu in Peru

Macha Pichu is a beautiful place in Peru surrounded by Andean mountains and lush cloud forests. The combination of ancient and natural beauty tells many things about the history and beauty of Macha Pichu. Macha Pichu was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO to preserve its natural beauty and ancient history.

You can experience the well-preserved and mysterious history of the Machu Picchu. It is said that the Machu Picchu remained hidden for centuries from the outside world.

Misconception about Traveller Responsibilities

There is a misconception that responsible travel means sacrificing personal comfort and luxury. But in reality, it means enjoying the trip on full without leaving any negative footprint on the environment. For example, you can stay in the luxury eco-friendly lodge that will provide you the same comfort as the 5-star resort does.

Another misconception is that eco-friendly travel means expensive travel. In reality, this is just the opposite. Many companies use the "Greenwashing" marketing tactic where they claim sustainable tourism and charge more and charge more. But be careful that sustainable and eco-friendly tourism costs less than regular travel.

Final Thought

Responsible travel is more than it sounds. It is a movement towards sustainable, and positive tourism. It is about exploring the whole world without making it worse for future generations. Whether you are traveling the Himalayas of Nepal or trekking through the rainforest of Costa Rica, sustainable travels make the difference.

As many more people are becoming aware about the benefits of responsible tourism, we will shift towards eco-friendly travel very soon. Keep in mind your every step matters for the changes.

FAQS

What is the easiest way to start traveling responsibly?

You can start traveling responsibly by making small changes on your travel programs like using the reusable items, respecting local customs and choosing the eco-friendly accommodations.

Can I still travel responsibly if I fly?

Yes you can fly for a longer distance from the US to Nepal. While flying has large carbon emissions, try to choose the eco-friendly options. And once after reaching your destination, use the local and public transports like tricycles.

Is responsible travel more expensive?

No, not necessarily. Travel responsibly means staying at the local guesthouses and using public transportation instead of larger resorts or using taxis. And these makes it cheaper than the regular travel