How to Not Travel Like a… Well, You Know
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In the last few years, the concept of responsible travel has gained a lot of attention as people around the world strive to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit. However, there are still some individuals who exhibit disrespectful behavior while traveling, earning themselves the label of, well, traveling like a ****, (know know what I mean).
In this post, I hope to bring to light how to be a better traveler, provide guidance on how to travel responsibly, and promote cultural understanding, environmental conservation, and local community support. Some things may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people don’t realize what they’re doing is not the best.
If you are surprised by any of these points, have something to add to them, or something I maybe didn’t think of, please comment below so we can all grow as a community and keep exploring the world positively and in the least damaging as possible.
Summary
Research and Respect Local Customs
Embrace Sustainable and Ethical Practices
Be Mindful of Over-tourism
Engage in Meaningful Interactions
Leave No Trace
Educate Yourself and Others
Exit Airplanes Correctly?
Conclusion
Research and Respect Local Customs
One of the things I say the most when talking about travel is, “you are visiting a new place to learn and experience a new culture and how people live their life in this part of the world, not impose your way of thinking onto them.”
Tourism is how many countries and residents of those countries make money. This does not mean they need you there.
One of the essential aspects of responsible travel is understanding and respecting local customs and traditions. Before embarking on your journey, take the time to research and learn about the local culture, social norms, and etiquette. By doing so, you'll be better prepared to interact with locals respectfully, avoiding behaviors that may be considered offensive or insensitive. Take this time to be out of your comfort zone, learn new things, and embrace experiences that may differ from your usual day to day.
Embrace Sustainable and Ethical Practices
Traveling sustainably is crucial for reducing our impact on the environment. It goes beyond the basics of reducing waste and supporting local businesses. Embrace slow travel and immerse yourself in fewer locations for deeper connections. Choose eco-conscious accommodations, prioritize responsible exploration, and respect local customs and wildlife.
Note: I know seeing animals that you don’t normally see can be exciting, and we should take the opportunity to do so! Just make sure it’s done ethically. For example, let’s not visit elephant riding camps in Thailand and go to elephant sanctuaries instead. This goes for the tigers there too who are drugged to allow tourists to take a photo with them. If we don’t participate in these unethical tourist stops, they will eventually no longer exist. A good rule to keep in mind is if an animal is not originally from that area, don’t go see them there.
Additionally, in the wild, enjoy animals from afar and leave enough space to not create a dangerous situation, or make the animals feel stressed in any way.
Leave natural sites as you find them. Refrain from littering or damaging delicate ecosystems and volunteer for conservation efforts when possible. Amplify local voices by choosing their tours and experiences, and travel with purpose by contributing positively to the communities you visit. Share your journey to inspire others and remember, sustainable travel is an ongoing commitment to minimizing your environmental footprint and leaving a positive impact on the world.
Be Mindful of Over-tourism
The allure of picture perfect beaches and iconic landmarks can be irresistible, but the reality of over-tourism paints a less idyllic picture. Destinations bursting with visitors create a lot of negative impacts. Overcrowding transforms serene landscapes into bustling masses. Infrastructure struggles under the weight of increased demand, straining water supplies, sanitation systems, and waste disposal capabilities. The very cultural heritage that draws tourists in becomes vulnerable, suffering damage from foot traffic, pollution, and disrespectful behavior.
As responsible travelers, we must acknowledge the footprints we leave. Instead of blindly following everyone else, consider venturing beyond the usual tourist destination. Explore hidden gems, charming villages, or lesser known natural wonders that offer a more authentic experience. I know you may still want to see the popular attractions that you read about in your history books too, and I say we still can. When visiting, stay on designated pathways to leave the least amount of damage possible, and respect boundaries put in place to protect the area.
Remember, responsible travel isn't about deprivation, but about enriching your experience while minimizing your impact. It's about seeking genuine connections, appreciating local cultures, and leaving a positive legacy. By making informed choices and embracing mindful exploration, we can ensure that the magic of travel remains accessible for generations to come, without sacrificing the well-being of the destinations and communities that make it all possible.
Engage in Meaningful Interactions
Traveling offers a unique opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds. Engage in meaningful interactions with locals and ask about their perspectives, traditions, and challenges. Be open-minded and approach conversations with curiosity and respect. Some of the best times I’ve had while traveling are sparking up conversations with people who live in the area and asking them questions.
Also, a bonus way to connect with more people is to talk to the people traveling around you! The tourists are not just people from your own country. This can be done by going on day excursions, sparking up conversations in restaurants or on the street, and even staying in hostels instead of hotels. Hostels are a great way to meet people who are doing exactly what you are doing. You may even find a new travel buddy.
Leave No Trace
I know this is mentioned above already but I think it deserves a second mention.. just to make sure everyone sees this. Responsible travel also means leaving no trace behind. Respect the environment by disposing of waste properly, following designated hiking trails, and refraining from taking souvenirs from natural or cultural heritage sites. Preserve the beauty of the places you visit so that future generations can also enjoy them.
Educate Yourself and Others
Lastly, embrace the role of an ambassador for responsible travel. Educate yourself about global issues such as climate change, cultural preservation, and social inequality. Share your knowledge and experiences with fellow travelers, inspiring them to adopt more responsible practices. I have learned so much about the world just by being in it. There’s nothing better than seeing things firsthand and learning about them while actually experiencing them!
Exit Airplanes Correctly?
I know some of you just read that and are like what??
I usually don’t have terrible experience exiting airplanes but after a recent trip exploring southeast Asia… I feel extra compelled to add this here. The experience of flying in an airplane has become more of an unpleasant experience in recent years, sometimes even the excitement of where it is landing doesn’t even help this. Can we all agree that when exiting it goes row by row starting in the front and we wait for people in the rows in front of us unless they say we can go or they are taking their time out of the way of the aisle. And if that person in front of you needs to get something out of the overhead storage, just wait patiently while they do so. K, thank you for attending my TED talk.
Conclusion
Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to explore the world, broaden our horizons, and create lasting memories. It has changed my life for the better and I hope others can experience something similar. By adopting responsible travel practices, we can ensure that our experiences have a positive impact on the destinations we visit. Take something away from what I talked about above so we can all avoid traveling like a “you know what" and strive to travel with respect, empathy, and consideration for the environment and local communities. Together, we can shape a more sustainable and harmonious future for travel!
Hi, I’m Karen!Travel Blogger & Photographer + Founder of The Everyday Adventure
Here I share travel tips, packing guides, planning help, and photography from many different parts of the world. I help other working 9-5 adventurers get out into the world and see as much as they can with the little time they have available.
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