Responsible Travel Guide: How to Travel with Respect, Curiosity & Purpose
Our Perspective
As a citizen of the world, a level of responsibility comes with traveling to different destinations. You should be open-minded of other cultures, peoples, ways of living and perspectives. Travel allows us to step outside of our comfort zone, build empathy and expand our world view. In our opinion, it’s what makes every trip so memorable. We’ve learned a lot about how to travel responsibly and meaningfully on our adventures. There are many lessons that hold true no matter where we travel.
Respect Local Culture
Customs, Traditions & Laws. Many regions of the world have vastly differing customs, traditions and laws that may not seem obvious. Read up on local customs, traditions and laws prior to traveling and be respectful of them while there. Having an understanding of the culture before arriving will make your experience more authentic.
Be Open-Minded. Many cultures and societies live differently than our own. Our differences are what makes us all so unique. Use these opportunities to learn, build empathy and expand your world view.
Language & Conversation. Knowing a few words and phrases in the local language goes a long way. Simply learning how to say hello, thank you and goodbye shows locals you have an interest in them and their culture. Don’t be afraid to mispronounce a word or let a local correct you. Often, people in the tourist or hospitality industries will enjoy conversation and practicing speaking your language with you. Be patient and open to the conversation.
Local Food & Cuisine. Seek out and try the local dishes, food and cuisine while traveling! Shop at local markets, try the street food, take a cooking class and ask locals where they like to eat for recommendations. Depending on the location, forget the Western utensils and use the chopsticks or eat with your hands.
Get Cultured. Visit local museums and learn about your destination’s history, art and heritage. Take a walking tour or bike tour with a local to experience a place through a local’s eyes and point of view. Find restaurants with live music. Get outside of the resort or hotel to experience local life. Break away from the large tour groups and get lost exploring on your own.
Photography & Videography. Always be cautious when taking photos or videos of people, government sites, infrastructural landmarks, sacred or religious places and inside of museums. You should ask first if you’re unsure. Watch for no photos signs.
Support Local Communities
Support Local Businesses. Whether a family run cafe, a neighborhood hostel, local tour guide or small boutique, local communities often thrive on a healthy level of tourism. Avoid mass produced souvenirs and buy something handmade. Avoid staying at large hotels or dining at non-local chain restaurants.
The Road Less Traveled. Try to visit off the beaten path places to avoid over tourism or consider traveling to trendy destinations during the off season. Get out of the tourist zone of city center. Stay in a local area for more authentic experiences.
Avoid Poverty or Disaster Tourism. Avoid traveling to places to see how impoverished they are or the lingering results of a disaster. Only visit these places if you plan to engage with locals, give back to the community or offer genuine support.
Leave Reviews. Tourism thrives on helpful and positive reviews. Make sure to let restaurants, hotels, guides, etc. know if they provided a great experience. Avoid leaving negative reviews or comments for things outside of a person or place’s control.
Research Your Destination
Entry Requirements. Don’t just show up in another country without knowing the entry requirements. Know if you need a visa, ETA, vaccine or proof of departure.
Stay Informed. Keep up-to-date on recent headlines and news in the country or destination you’re visiting. It often helps provide context to cultural events, current affairs and natural disasters.
Don’t Talk Politics. Going hand in hand with staying informed, it’s best not to talk politics or about a country’s leadership as a guest in their country. Always be open to listening to people’s opinions, beliefs and experiences.
Avoid Comparisons. Don’t compare everything to your home country, especially with locals. It can come off as judgmental or resentful of their unique culture, history or cuisine.
Cash & Currency. Always carry some denominations of the local currency on hand. Have some US Dollars or Euros but don’t assume you can pay in those currencies by default.
Credit & Debit Cards. Know if your credit or debit card will work in a foreign country. Carry local cash for times when credit or debit is not accepted or available.
Tipping. Know if it’s acceptable to tip after meals or drinks. Research how much to tip. Always make sure to tip your tour guides for their service.
Take Care of the Environment
Leave No Trace. Don’t litter or leave waste behind, especially in the outdoors. Don’t take rocks, shells, soil, plants, etc. while visiting natural places. Never touch or feed wild animals to avoid harming yourself or them.
Waste Management. Recycle, compost, and manage your personal waste responsibly. Pollution is a serious issue around the world and we can all do our part to reduce it. Avoid single use plastics like water bottles, cutlery and straws.
Electricity Usage. Be mindful of your energy usage. Turn off the lights, air conditioning, heaters, etc. before leaving your room or accommodation.
Water Usage. Be mindful of your water consumption, especially in drought stricken regions or places with water scarcity. Take shorter and less frequent showers and don’t let the faucet run.
Don’t Waste Food. Order or take only what you can eat and take away any leftovers.
Healthy Travel Habits
Disconnect. Put down your phone and pay attention to everything happening around you. Practice being present and truly experiencing the moments that make travel so important. Remember that you may never be back at this destination again.
Have Patience. Service in many places of the world is slower than what you might be used to. Have patience during check in, placing orders, waiting for meals or paying for services. Always allow yourself extra time.
Stay Hydrated. Carry a re-usable water bottle and stay hydrated while traveling. Whether in transit or at the destination, drinking water is key to staying well.
