More and more people are traveling every year according to this article by Statista International tourism has risen steadily since 1950, with the exception of the Covid-19 pandemic. As more people see the world, their environmental and cultural impact increases too. So let’s talk about why responsible tourism is important and the 5 best ways you can practice that when you travel. 

Responsible tourism is having a sustainable mindset when traveling. When we visit other places we often and accidentally have a negative impact. If we have a sustainable mindset we can reduce our negative impact while also promoting local cultures and economies. As the world continues to grow, responsible tourism is becoming more and more important! 

How do you practice responsible tourism?

You can begin practicing responsible tourism before you even take your trip. Keeping this in mind when you are planning your vacation. Read my ultimate guide on How To Plan A Trip for more information. 

#1 Responsible Transportation

  • If you are going to more than one destination then plan your trip so you hit those destinations in order. Don’t backtrack! No matter what what form of transportation you choose you will use up more resources if you backtrack.  
  • Stay in one place longer. The longer you stay in one area the less transportation you will need to use. 
  • Look at the environmental effects of your transportation options and choose the best one. For example, you could take a high speed train instead of a flight when traveling around Europe. Mass transit is generally more environmentally efficient than flying so if you have the time to take the train, take the train!

Fun fact

Flying has such a negative impact on the environment that some European airlines are eliminating short flights. Even the airlines know why responsible tourism is important!

#2 How you spend your money makes a difference

  • Buy from local businesses when you travel
  • Buy from places that use sustainable practices

#3 Environmental Responsibility

  • Follow requests from locals to follow their environmental practices. For example, most tropical places will ask you to use barrier safe sunscreen. This preserves their home so use the barrier safe sunscreen!
  • Reduce use of single use plastics and reuse reusable water bottles whenever possible. 

#4 Cultural Responsibility

  • Follow rules about visiting sites. For example, touring castles in Ireland is really fun, but stay on the approved paths to prevent further erosion and damage of those awesome structures. 
  • Be respectful of the culture you are visiting, try to learn some of their language.
  • Go there with a curious and learning mindset. For example, take a cooking class from a local, and/or visit a floating market.                                                                                                                                

    #5 Respecting the animals too

  • Do not try to touch or pick up wildlife.

  • Do not support open animal abuse (i.e., snake charmers, fish pedicures) 
  • Do not support businesses that keep animals in poor conditions. For example, if you go to Thailand and want to hang out with elephants, make sure you find a place that treats the elephants well. It can be really hard to find places like that. 

These are just a handful of ideas, the list goes on and on and on…..

Try to pick a few new ways to incorporate responsible tourism into your travels!

A lot of people are starting to see why responsible tourism is important. Traveling is about connecting with the world, that’s what makes each trip a soul filled adventure. There is nothing that makes my soul happier than seeing the world and having a positive impact along the way!