Embracing Responsible Travel: What is it and how to do it!

You've probably come across the buzzwords "sustainable" and "responsible" travel, but understanding their true meaning is important for making informed choices that benefit the environment and local communities.
With the travel industry contributing around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and dealing with issues like over tourism and tourism leakage—where profits favour foreign multinationals over the local economy—grasping these concepts allows you to ensure your adventures contribute positively, rather than detract from the places you visit.

What is Sustainable Travel?

The Key features are:

• ​Environmental Protection: Minimising carbon emissions and waste.
• Economic Support: Ensuring that the financial benefits of tourism remain in local economies.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and preserving the traditions and heritage of local communities.

---

​Sustainable travel, as defined by the UN World Tourism Organisation, is travel that takes full account of current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

What is the difference between responsible and sustainable travel?

​Whilst sustainable tourism concentrates on companies changing policies and raising awareness to ensure future protection, responsible tourism is about what you, as an individual, can do to minimise negative impacts and support local communities.

In short; responsible travellers make sustainable choices.

​How Can I Travel Responsibly?

Click the READ MORE button to find out how 

Even when you're exploring the world, there are simple ways you can travel responsibly and lessen your impact:

1. Thoughtful Destination Choices:

• Discover New Places: Break free from the Instagram crowd by visiting emerging destinations that offer unique cultural and natural experiences. These often-overlooked spots provide memorable adventures, help reduce the strain on popular areas, and support local communities.
• Travel Off-Season: Enjoy better prices and less hassle by visiting popular destinations during the shoulder or off seasons. This approach means fewer crowds and helps reduce environmental and infrastructure pressures on the destination.
• Support Eco-Friendly Locations: Opt for destinations like Costa Rica and Iceland, both known for their strong ecotourism initiatives. These places offer sustainable travel options that minimise environmental impacts and contribute to conservation efforts.

---

---

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Transport:
 

• Opt for Trains and Buses instead of planes; they're a greener choice and cut a lot of emissions. Plus, they make travelling more interesting, letting you take in the local culture and stunning views, so you really get a feel for the journey and the distance.
• Consider Walking and Cycling: Explore destinations at a slower pace, reducing your carbon footprint and gaining a deeper connection with the locale.
• Air Travel: Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive activities. Whilst it might be unavoidable, aim to fly economy and choose direct flights to minimise your carbon footprint.
• Choose small boat or expedition cruises for a sustainable alternative to large ships. They focus on eco-friendly practices, explore less-travelled routes, and support local economies, offering authentic experiences with lower environmental impact. Large cruise ships harm marine ecosystems through pollution, contribute to overtourism, and often funnel profits to multinational companies rather than benefiting local economies.

---

​3. Sustainable Accommodation:

• Eco-Lodges and Green Accommodations: Opt for lodgings designed to minimise environmental impact, using renewable energy, sustainable materials, and biodiversity conservation. These options provide unique experiences and help preserve cultural and natural heritage while benefiting the local community economically.
• Farm Stays and Community-Based Tourism: Experience local culture through farm stays or community-based tourism, where accommodations are integrated into agricultural or community settings. These provide immersive experiences and directly support local livelihoods.
• Locally Owned and Operated Lodgings: Choose accommodations that are locally owned and operated, such as guesthouses and boutique hotels, to ensure your stay supports the local economy and offers authentic cultural experiences.
• Green Certifications: Select places with certifications like LEED or Green Key, indicating a strong commitment to sustainable practices and environmental standards.
• Volunteering Initiatives: Consider guesthouses or hostels offering beneficial volunteering opportunities, enabling you to contribute to the local community or environment during your stay.

4. Reduce Waste and Consumption:

• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Minimise plastic pollution by travelling with reusable items such as a water bottle, shopping bag, or cutlery set. Consider using a water bottle with a built-in filter in areas where tap water safety is uncertain. 
• Support Local Economies: Enhance your travel experience by purchasing souvenirs from local artisans who craft culturally significant items. Eating at local restaurants that offer seasonal, plant-based menus not only provides a taste of authentic regional cuisine but also supports local farmers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food. 
• Minimise Food Waste: Be conscious of portion sizes when dining out or at buffets. Avoid piling your plate too high; it's better to take smaller portions and go back for seconds than to waste food. This mindful approach respects resources and reduces the waste sent to landfills.
• Opt for Digital over Paper: Whenever possible, choose digital itineraries, and maps instead of printed versions. This reduces paper waste and makes your travels more efficient and organised with everything accessible on your smartphone or device.
• Mindful Souvenir Shopping: Select quality over quantity when purchasing souvenirs to ensure they are meaningful and sustainably made. Avoid products that exploit local wildlife or resources, such as items made from endangered species or non-renewable materials.

---

---

5.Offset Your Carbon Emissions:
​

• Invest in Carbon Offsets: When air travel is unavoidable, purchase carbon offsets through certified projects focused on reducing or capturing carbon dioxide. These might include reforestation initiatives, renewable energy projects, or methane capture activities that help balance the emissions generated by flights. ​ The key is to ensure the offsets you purchase are verified by a third party such as Gold Standard or Verra’s VCS Program.
• Choose Eco-Conscious Travel Services: Book with airlines or travel services that offer carbon offset programs as part of their package. Some companies are committed to sustainability and provide options to automatically offset the carbon footprint of your travel.

---

6. What to avoid:
When travelling, keep in mind the ethical and environmental impact of your actions. Remember, you are a guest in someone else's "home," and behaving accordingly shows respect to the local culture and environment.

Here are some things to avoid:

• Swimming with Dolphins:  Dolphins in the wild can live for 30 to 50 years, depending on the species. However, dolphins in captivity have shorter lifespans, with many not reaching even 20 years. Factors such as stress, limited space, and lack of social structures contribute to this reduced life expectancy.
• Performances with Animals: Avoid shows or attractions with animals performing unnatural acts, as these may involve exploitative practices and poor living conditions.
• Purchasing Wildlife Products: Refrain from buying items made from ivory, coral, or endangered species to help prevent poaching and the degradation of biodiversity.
• Destructive Environmental Practices: Stay away from activities that harm ecosystems, such as careless coral reef diving or using non-biodegradable sunscreens that can damage marine life.
• Cultural Insensitivity: Always respect local customs and traditions. Your actions should reflect an understanding that you are a visitor, aiming to learn and appreciate the host culture without causing offence.

7. Educate and Advocate:

• Share Your Experiences: Inspire others by sharing your sustainable travel stories and highlight responsible practices on social media or blogs, encouraging others to follow suit.
• Support Responsible Companies: Choose travel companies that focus on sustainability, signalling demand for eco-friendly practices and helping raise industry standards (hint: look for Certified B-Corp companies like Intrepid and hence Women Go Travel!)
• Advocate for Change: Participate in initiatives promoting sustainable travel, like petitions or local forums, to push for greener travel policies and practices.

---

---

---

Responsible travel isn't a sacrifice; it's an enriching choice that benefits everyone involved.
​By making mindful decisions, you can continue to enjoy the wonders of the world whilst contributing positively towards the environment and societies you visit. Together, we can explore the planet sustainably, ensuring its beauty and resources remain for future generations.

United Nation Tourism: Tips for a Responsible Traveller

---