Responsible Travel Travel Guide

We live on an amazing planet that has natural beauty and resources, which feed, nourish and entertain us. We don't want to stop travelling the globe and enjoying the world’s wonders, but perhaps we could do more to decrease the impact our journeys have.

At the core of responsible travel is the wish to:

- Respect the environment in which we travel.
- Respect local communities, their cultures and traditions
- Promote methods of travel that directly benefit local economies and promotes fair trade

Carbon Offsetting

Nowadays, most airlines and tour operators offer a carbon offset service. Thanks to this, even before you've left home you can begin contributing to a responsible travel initiative. The way it works is simple: For a small extra fee, your trip operator will donate money to a nominated scheme, which works to promote ecological sustainability. These schemes range from reforestation projects, to the installation of wind farms. By contributing, you can offset the amount of carbon produced from your long or short haul flight.

Local Transportation

Upon arrival you'll soon notice just how many trips you have to choose from. Consider the distances you want to cover and think carefully about which mode of transport you choose. Using local transport as opposed to hiring your own vehicle is one way that you can contribute financially to the local community. Also, if you have to take a car, think about sharing it with other travellers. For shorter journeys consider hiring a bicycle or walking. This can be a fun way to meet local people and soak up the vibe of a country, while moving at a slower pace.

Supporting Communities

The people we meet when travelling make up a huge part of the experience. Our positive interactions with local communities will not only enhance our own personal journey, but also hopefully install a legacy of respect for each other. Details such as observing dress codes and local customs, and managing our behaviour while staying with indigenous people all contribute to making the experience worthwhile and memorable for both parties: it's a two-way exchange.

Responsible travel encourages the use of community residents as activity guides. Porters, instructors, drivers and hosts from the local area have a wealth of knowledge about their homelands. Employing locals creates and sustains jobs, making the community financially stronger. Building authentic relationships with indigenous people brings you closer to the cultures you visit.

Volunteer Projects

Another interesting way to be a more responsible traveller is to do some volunteer work. Building projects and environmental ventures are in place all over the world. Just a few days work can contribute enormously to the local environment and its residents. Teachers are always welcomed in developing countries, so why not share some of your skills with the locals?

Recently there has been an upsurge of businesses that provide ‘eco lodgings'. These establishments offer jobs as well as accommodation, food, and activities. They wholly rely on tourism for their income. Tour operators then pour profits directly back into their business, thus creating a chain of positive funds that help fuel their chosen cause. For example, Selingan Island in northern Borneo allows travellers to witness the hatching of green turtle eggs. Visitors also help collect eggs that will later be installed in the island’s turtle hatchery. Once hatched, the fledgling turtles are helped by volunteers to reach the ocean. Green turtle numbers have steadily increased over the last 30 years, largely thanks to this volunteer initiative - a great example of conservation and tourism working hand in hand.

Responsible travel is a positive exchange between travellers, their hosts, and the environment, something that strikes a cord with a lot of people.

Our travels take us to places that have fascinating cultural heritages, countries with outstanding natural beauty. Responsible travel works to support conservation and encourage local economic development. A little responsibility goes a long way…

Shopping Responsibly

While travelling, everyday heralds a new experience. Through photographs, interactions, and experiences - even in buying souvenirs - we create new memories. But when taking pictures remember: think before you shoot. Be respectful of people who don't want to be photographed. And when purchasing travel trophies, it's key only to buy products that have been produced with fair trade in mind. You will see items that have been unethically sourced. Avoid them; you are here to enjoy, not destroy.