How can I travel responsible?

12 June 2015

The most important questions about what responsible travel means for you as the traveler. 

As the dictionary says: responsible travel is “travel that minimizes negative impacts, brings economic benefits to host communities and preserves the cultural and natural resources of the destinations”. 

How as a traveler can I travel responsibly?

You are most likely thinking: “responsible travel seems like more work, stress, and quite frankly, just too much more to think about than is really necessary.” Travel is supposed to be fun and the truth is, to enjoy a meaningful travel adventure that will take you beyond destinations of your wildest dreams. The only real work required will be to pick a destination and to choose a travel company that holds a passion for sustainable tourism.* A company dedicated to ensuring you enjoy a fully beneficial and rewarding trip. Once in Africa, you experience new people, cultures and places. If you respect and preserve the cultural integrity of the people and the natural state of the environments you visit, together with you’re positive contributions and awareness to the needs of people, places and the environments, you can classify yourself as a responsible traveler.

A short Responsible Traveler Code of Conduct List

And now that you have arrived in Africa, things to keep in mind… 

Environment

NO matter your destination, don’t litter. Recycle whenever possible (or if available), re-use if you can (i.e. water bottles) be respectful and delicate with lesser known species of fauna and flora. Take care where you walk,– stick to established paths and leave things as beautiful and untouched as you find them. 

Responsible Social/Cultural

Consideration should be taken of the customs and beliefs of the people you meet on your travels. You are a guest in a new place, in someone’s home. Treat it as it were your own. Trying to understand the customs and beliefs of the people you meet will enhance your travel experience and broaden your perspective.

Responsible Economical

Wherever possible, try to directly support the economies of the many of the smaller local shops and restaurants. (i.e. if you are in Africa avoid Burger King). Choose a travel company that has invested interests in community projects and that give back directly to support efforts towards economic growth in the countries you visit.

What does responsible travel mean for me as the traveler?

In truth, responsible travel does seem like it is a lot to think about. But really, it’s just based off one single thought. One thought that brings on a new awareness to the kind of impact sustainable tourism will have on not only isolated internet tourism companies or on-ground tour operators. It also brings peace, social/cultural respect, poverty reduction, growth of more structured economies and environmental regulations and positive changes, all on a global scale.

Wow!! Sounds pretty far reaching and maybe for now, world unity and peace through sustainable tourism and responsible travel is still something one can only write about. But sustainable tourism does exist in order for you as a traveler to sit back, relax and let your next trip take you to a better understanding that does not require work. Just a willingness to try something new, something rewarding, something that may ultimately change your ideas on how you ever traveled any other way.

* Remember not all travel companies are created equal, ask questions and get answers directly from a company representative. Do not rely solely on flashy banners and wordy policies. If you aren’t made to feel special and accommodated, then you are just another number. That does not fall in the conduct reasonable of sustainable tourism or responsible travel.