While over-tourism is a fact of life today, it’s equally true that it’s here to stay. There is a huge trade off between the benefits of tourism and its negative impacts on the environment and society. Even while knowing of the demerits of over-tourism, authorities often find it difficult to discourage tourists from visiting a place, sometimes because of rights issues, and sometimes just because of economics! However, the travellers can themselves solve the problem to a great extent. In this article, I’m sharing my views on the subject, and suggesting 12 ways of Responsible Travel one may keep in mind while planning one’s trips.
Further related reading: Sustainable tourism: Role of government
Responsible Travel
Before discussing the 12 ways of Responsible Travel, let me first clarify what I mean by the term “Responsible Travel”.
Though Responsible Travel became a point of discussion at the turn of the second millennium, a more serious discourse started at the Cape Town Declaration alongside the World Summit of Sustainable Development in 2002. As per this declaration, Responsible Tourism is about “making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.” Read more: Cape Town Declaration on Sustainable Tourism
Responsible Travel essentially aims to reduce the negative impacts of tourism, and focuses on creating positive experiences for the tourists, and local communities as well while keeping the natural and manmade heritage unharmed.
Moreover, Responsible Travel requires that all stakeholders in the tourism industry, from operators to hoteliers, and from governments to local communities and tourists take responsibility, take action to make tourism more sustainable. Though it’s not too difficult to understand, some confusion arises because of similar concepts such as sustainable tourism, ethical tourism, ecotourism, etc.
Responsible Travel Vs. Sustainable Tourism
To make the comparison simple, let’s put it in the words of Nombulelo Mkefa (Director of Cape Town Tourism): “While responsible travel is a journey, Sustainable Tourism is the destination”. In other words, Sustainable Tourism is a broader concept that encompasses smaller concepts like ecotourism and ethical tourism.
While Sustainable Tourism entails a complex set of activities and actors, Responsible Travel is inward looking. It appeals to everyone to look inwards and ask themselves how they can contribute to sustainable tourism. Though government and private sectors can play important role at macro level, the individual’s role at micro level is paramount.
Responsible travel has two major aspects: responsibility towards society, and responsibility towards environment. In order to dispel any confusion regarding similar concepts, here’s a further reading suggestion: “Sustainable Tourism is the order of the day“.
Responsible travel is not boring
Some people think responsible travel is boring. I assume, this perception comes from the word ‘responsible’ itself, which kind of sounds preachy. In reality though, responsible tourism planned well, can be much more interesting than otherwise.
“Responsible Travel is not only better for our world; it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible Tourism is the future of Travel.”
– Simon Reeve | Explorer, author, TV presenter
Let me share my own experience of how I realized the importance of responsible travel. In my earlier days of travel, I was hardly aware of the consequences of over-tourism. However, in course of time, as I started working on issues of sustainable development, I began to see how travel and tourism contribute to global environmental issues. Determined to reduce my carbon footprints, I started planning my trips in a way to minimize consumption while maximizing quality experiences.
Now, I consciously try to consume products and services which have local origin. While planning for activities at the destination, I ask whether they lead to any harming of the local cultural or natural heritage. The answers to these questions are often simple, and they provide me immense satisfaction.
I no longer look for fake experiences like artificial (arranged) hunting scenes in forests, or cheap cultural shows at destinations. I do a bit of research to differentiate authentic local experiences from artificial tourist centric experiences.
Read more on my travel perspective: Travel is the essence of life
12 Ways of Responsible Travel
In this article, I am largely focusing on the demand side, i.e. the consumer or the tourist/ traveller. The major consumption points while travelling include: transport, food, accommodation, shopping, and fun/ leisure/ adventure activities. Thus, if we analyze each of these aspects a bit, and apply a bit of common sense, we can save a lot of costs for ourselves, enjoy more, and also save the local environment. Every activity, every consumption uses some resources, and creates a little bit of pollution.
The idea is not to reduce consumption per se, rather it’s about cutting down on over-consumption or avoidable consumption or show-off consumption. Consumption itself is not bad; it actually runs the tourism industry providing millions of people their livelihoods. However, a little bit of reflection on the type/ nature of consumption can make a big difference.
There are hundreds of ways of promoting and practicing responsible travel. To make things convenient, I am sharing 12 ways of Responsible Travel that I am generally mindful of. Please share your ways/ ideas of Responsible Travel in the comments section so that I pick up new ideas.
1. Use public transport, walk, cycle
In my list of the 12 ways of Responsible Travel, using public transport is the most important. Instead of taking a car/ taxi, we generally try to take a bus or train. There are a number of great comfortable options of public transport available now-a-days as per budget.
For example, an overnight bus to Shimla is more comfortable, safer and cost-effective than say a car or taxi. Plus, it means one less car in Shimla the next day, which improves the traffic condition, and reduces vehicular pollution. All this is good for us as travellers, right?
Similarly, we always choose a 5-6 hour train over a flight. Flights definitely contribute to depletion of ozone layer. Besides, a train journey in India costs less than a flight. At the destination, why not use a public transport like bus, or a more comfortable metro in cities?
While roaming around the destination, it’s really nice to explore the locality by foot/ cycle rather than taking a taxi. Maybe a taxi/ autorickshaw can drop from point A to point B; but we avoid taking it throughout the day. At times, we end up walking about 10-15 kms a day!
That’s great for our health, and we explore the place far better than say if a taxi shows us around. You may walk less as per your ability, but I’m sure you will enjoy your trip far more this way. Of course, this is not possible all the time, but we look out for such days, always.
2. Eat traditional food where locals eat
Food is an important part of the travel experience, perhaps the most important part for some. So, next on my list of the 12 ways of Responsible Travel is the choice of food.
We try to eat traditional local food at the destination, especially places which are popular among locals. There is no point eating our favorite modern food wherever we go! Traditional food gives us a feeling of the culinary culture of that place. A little bit of googling or asking the locals leads us to the right restaurants or cafes. We do visit popular cafes for modern or fast food, but only some times, and mostly for bakery products.
Eating at smaller traditional places means some earning for the local ordinary people (big restaurants are often owned by outsiders, or local-rich). Besides, they prepare their food from fresh local ingredients, unlike the big restaurants who use imported, packed, processed and frozen ingredients. Yes, hygiene can be an issue at times, but a little bit of prior research can help.
3. Stay with locals
This one is definitely doable for everyone. A little beautiful house by the river or a big hotel in the town? Which one do you prefer? We for sure, love the former; we have loved our home-stays every time. Taking a stroll down the river or in the woods and talking to the local villagers while having your morning paratha with chai is as good an experience as the best luxurious-hotel experience.
So, staying with locals has to be among the top ways of Responsible Travel. It’s more enjoyable; it enables locals to benefit from tourism, and contributes to local economy.
Yes, one has to compromise a bit on the luxury aspect. But believe me; stay at a local’s house for two nights, and it will overcompensate your luxury part. These days it has become easy through sites like Airbnb. Besides, you can google for good blogs recommending home-stay options.
Here’s the link to my tips on lodging: How choice of lodging can make a difference
4. Shop local: Buy from local artisans
I observe people unmindfully engaging in shopping factory-made products in the tourist markets. It’s beyond my comprehension why someone would do that when all these products are available in our own cities in malls! Further, the tourist markets are flooded with cheap Chinese products which look like handicrafts, but are not.
So, always look for authentic shops of local artisans, artisans’ societies or handicraft entrepreneurs, or government owned shops. They sell products made by local artisans.
When you buy these products, you contribute to the local economy, especially the livelihoods of the poor. And yes, please do not bargain too much!
It will give you a sense of happiness and will encourage the artisans to carry forward their craftsmanship to the next generation.
5. Engage in activities only that interest you
We don’t try out all sorts of activities on a trip. We choose only those things that really interest us, and not because it’s fashionable to do so. For example, practicing yoga is a great idea. But do you really need to do a course in an ashram just because you are in Rishikesh? Ask this to yourself. If you want to practice light yoga, youtube is there; books are there. But if you want to do serious yoga, maybe you need to join such a course.
Similarly, do you really want to do river rafting or paragliding or bungee-jumping? Or, it’s just a demonstration effect? I have seen videos of people screaming in fear and not enjoying their paragliding, but they were forced by a friend or a partner to experience it, presumably because ‘they’ thought it was a ‘cool’ thing to do!
All these adventures are exciting, and add great value to the travel experience. But the question is: “are you interested in them?” or, doing it just to post on the social media?
An example just as a food for thought. While in Alleppey, one has scores of options for enjoying the backwaters (Know more: Alleppey backwaters). However, in my view, the most enjoyable is rowing in a country boat in the tranquil waters of the Vembanad lake. The houseboats look gorgeous, but they consume a lot of hydro-carbon based fuel! And are more expensive too!
6. Enjoy authentic cultural experience
Authentic cultural experiences may cost a bit more than their cheap counterparts. But we always have a choice. By declining the cheap options, we make a statement. Because it encourages genuine artists and promotes genuine cultural enterprises.
However, if one is travelling slow, the same authentic cultural experiences can come for free. It needs time to be part of the community, and then experience the same being part of themselves rather than an outsider. What I mean is that make friends in the community, and they might actually invite you to their homes and villages.
Choosing a village to witness a festival is any day better than visiting a club to participate in the festival.
If cultural experience is high on your agenda, you must look up the calendar while planning. Every place has its own major festivals, most of the times very unique. During that time, a number of events and performances happen which one can enjoy for free, or for a nominal price.
7. Respect local traditions and rituals
While travelling, it’s highly probable that one comes across traditions and rituals which are very different from that of one’s own. Though it can be difficult to accept whatever one witnesses, it is imperative that one respects them. Perhaps, this is one of the most important of the 12 ways of practicing Responsible Travel.
That doesn’t mean, however, one must accept all of them, or approve of them necessarily. While trying to understand why something is the way they are, and questioning their essence, one must be open to new ideas. In a way, this is the essence of travel.
For example:
- Adhere to the dress code at religious places
- Have patience with their traditional processes, rituals and timings
- Instructions about taking photographs at certain places
- Check whether one is allowed in the premises.
8. Contribute to preservation of monuments
One of the first casualties of over-tourism is the architectural heritage of the place. Just the sheer pressure of thousands of tourists stepping over the age-old monuments can make them crumble over. Another uncivilized behaviour on part of Indian tourists is disfiguring the monuments. How often we see young people writing their names on the monuments!
So, it’s a natural obligation on the tourists to ensure that they don’t harm the fragile walls and roofs of the monuments. The best way to contribute to the preservation of the monuments is to not touching them at all.
However, a step forward would be to join hands with local authorities in the conservation efforts. It always helps if one can devote a bit of time or resources to the conservation efforts.
9. Don't Litter
Of the 12 ways of Responsible Travel, this one is the easiest to practice. We just need the willingness and a bit of patience. Littering is such a menace in India! It’s so sad to see our people throw their garbage wherever they wish! The same people who wouldn’t litter when they travel abroad, would throw things everywhere! Out streets look so ugly! We need to improve.
So, let’s mindful of where we throw our garbage. While travelling, it’s often unavoidable to buy (plastic) water bottles and food packets. But we must take care to dump them at the place- a dustbin. It’s such a simple thing to do!
What a shame to see tons of garbage floating in the rivers and oceans affecting the aqua bio-diversity and adding to the overall environment pollution. Popular tourist destinations are full of open garbage places that stink.
10. Contribute to environment conservation
Natural environment at the destinations are under tremendous pressure from the demands of tourism related activities. From housing to recreation, every tourism activity needs a bit of vegetation to be cut down, or a bit of river bank to be claimed.
An individual tourist may not be able to do much about the macro issue of over-tourism, one can always help the local communities take care of the nature. Plant a tree (or more), or contribute to efforts on water conservation, soil conservation, pollution control, etc.
For example, mangrove forests are undergoing severe depletion (Know more: Sundarbans National Park). While there are a number of natural and man-made factors behind this depletion, tourism definitely adds up a bit to this stress. So, as a responsible traveller, one can always find out a good organization working on conservation of these forests, and contribute some funds.
11. Volunteer
How about volunteering? Everywhere there is an NGO or a Civil Society Organization engaged in many a developmental activity like education, health issues, child rights, women empowerment, elderly care, environmental issues, etc.
A bit of google will let one know who to contact for joining hands for the cause that one is interested in. How long? It really doesn’t matter. It should be productive though.
Volunteering is a great way of having a great experience at the destination, while contributing to the local economy/ society at the same time. Moreover, volunteering can be a great learning experience as well.
12. Spread awareness among fellow travellers
Last, but not the least of the 12 ways of Responsible Travel is: Talk, don’t shy away!
- Speak your mind out. Let people know that you don’t like certain things. Transform your awareness into demand.
- Appeal to others’ conscience. Help others understand ‘why’ it’s important to travel responsibly. Educate.
- Be angry sometimes (in a positive way inwardly, and not by yelling at people).
- However, it’s crucial to have patience at the same time. It helps to be aware that things aren’t going to change overnight. But small actions do matter.
Miscellaneous Tips
- Planning is crucial. A little bit of research can definitely throw up sustainable ways of travel, and of course, save time, money and energy
- Be careful while engaging in animal tourism because they are often exploited for tourism. It’s true that there are two sides to the issue: exploitation vs. livelihoods. However, if you cannot be sure, it’s good to avoid these activities. Read my perspective on camel tourism in Jaisalmer.
- Keep some reusable cutlery, and reusable water bottle
- If you are hiking/ trekking, it’s good to stick to the trail, and not to harm the flora and fauna of the area
- Don’t feed wild animals; it’s extremely harmful for their health
- It’s respectful to ask people for permission before taking their pictures
- Don’t touch the corals while snorkeling/ diving
- Follow the mantra of reduce-reuse-recycle. Use as little water/ energy at destinations, especially at hotels.
A Concluding Note
Though we are not luxury seekers (actually can’t afford it), we don’t advocate anything against it. Of course, if you have the money, you would like to spend it and enjoy your life. However, just being mindful of your consumption behavior, and asking a question to self before spending, will make a difference for everyone.
Of course, the government, and other stakeholders have a role to play in sustainable tourism as well, but this article focuses only on the role of the travellers themselves. I have delved into the role of other stakeholders in separate blog posts; please find out in the menu (top of page).
Why stick to these 12 ways of Responsible Travel! Of course, this is just a list that came top of my mind.
Remaining truthful to our needs and being natural will help everyone around. I hope you liked these 12 ways of Responsible Travel. Please don’t forget to share your thoughts and ideas on the subject in the comments section below.
Nayan Kakati
Wonderfull information on a very serious topic for all, because eveone travel whether as tourist or as professionals for work. So, no matter what the purpose of visit. But all should be responsible for pervation of ecosystem, conservation of environment and respect tradition & culture.
stampedmoments
Very well said, Nayan. Whether it’s for tourism or for professional reasons, we must be mindful of sustainable ways of travel.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep reading, and sharing your feedback.
Ritesh
Very nice tips on responsible travel.
Thanks for sharing.
stampedmoments
Thank you, Ritesh.
Keep connected.