What is "responsible travel?"

You can enjoy adventure, nature and/or culture, and be socially and ecologically conscious. Responsible travel is about having fun, while also giving back. It is ethical travel that strives to reduce negative impacts of our journey while creating long term benefits to the environment, local people, and their communities.

A handful of responsible travel tips to enhance your journey . . .

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Choose a travel provider that best meets your needs and demonstrates best practices for responsible travel and sustainability.

• Request to see your provider's responsible travel policy.
• Ask relevant questions, e.g., are local guides hired, are group sizes limited (to minimize environmental and social impact)? Are accommodations they use locally owned, do they purchase locally, recycle? Does the tour operator participate in a carbon offset program?

Be an informed traveler.

• Learn a few words of the local language to be polite, e.g., hello, please, thank you.
• Do as much research as you can via the internet and guidebooks to learn about the local culture and environment.
  - Traveling with understanding and respect earns you respect

Recycle/leave as much excess packaging at home as you can, e.g., film boxes, plastic wrapping.

Consider your transportation options. Can you take a train rather than fly?

Offset your carbon emissions (visit carbonfund.org).

If traveling to developing countries, ask your tour operator or hotel what might be useful gifts for local people, e.g., pens, pencils, writing pads.

WHILE YOU'RE ENJOYING YOUR TRIP

Go local.

• If looking for a guide, hire a local person or participate in a group that employs a local guide.
• Purchase local food and products.
• Eat in local restaurants rather than international chains.

• Use public transportation, hire a bike, or walk when you can.
• Avoid littering.
• Stay on existing trails.

Conserve resources.

• Use water sparingly.
• Avoid wasting food.
• Re-use towels and bed sheets.
• Don't litter.

Demonstrate respect for the local culture.

• Be sensitive to cultural differences, and show respect for differences in customs, e.g., dress codes.
• Understand the differences in concepts such as personal space and time, and with non verbal communication.

Avoid obvious displays of wealth or handing out of money, which may result in jealousy and resentment.

Understand bargaining; know when it is appropriate and when it is not.

UPON YOUR RETURN

Provide feedback to your tour operator. We can make a difference, creating positive impact towards environmental and economic sustainability, and to supporting local communities and cultures around the world!