Responsible Travel Tips

Whether you are planning a trip of a lifetime or a weekend vacation with the family, responsible travel can make a significant difference in the community and environment you visit.

Being a responsible traveler means more than just offsetting your carbon emissions, it requires thought and preparation. Responsible travel is based on the principles of sustainability and it requires you to examine the environmental, social and economic dimensions of your trip. Responsible travel is all about minimizing the impact of your travel and maximizing the benefits for local economies, environments and host communities.

ROW Adventures, in celebrating its 30 years of service, has created 30 ways you can be a more responsible traveler.

Before you go:

1. Educate yourself about the destination you are visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles: culture, religion, geography, politics, ecosystems and local customs.
2. Learn a few words. It shows a willingness an effort that locals will appreciate.
3. Consider your carbon footprint when using air travel as your flight will do more damage to the environment than any other aspect of your trip. See if your airline is working with organizations like: Carbon Clear, Climate Care, or Sustainable Travel International.
4. Minimize your flying times and stopovers. The worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing.
5. Your soap and shampoo may smell wonderful but are they biodegradable?
6. Travel lightly and leave any excess packaging at home (like plastic wrapping) - garbage disposal accumulating problem in many countries including the United States.
7. Think carefully about what’s appropriate in terms of your clothes you pack. You’ll earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people.
8. See your tour operator's policy for responsible travel. Make sure it also explains how they support the local economy.
9. Ask your lodge or hotel a few questions-
   • How many or what is the percentage of local employees?
   • What is the contribution to conservation or local people you are most proud of?
   • Where do you get your food products?
10. Ask your tour operator about local conservation groups you could visit during your trip.

While you are there:

1. Buy local food in preference to imported goods.
2. Be sure your tour operator has local guides. If you are looking for an extension to your tour or trip, hire local guides. They will give more intimate information on customs, history, and culture and they will earn an income.
3. Before purchasing goods, ask about their origin. Avoid buying products made from endangered species.
4. Hydrate yourself but use water sparingly when taking showers, etc. Water is a precious commodity throughout the world.
5. Use public transport. It is a great way to meet locals and reduce emissions.
6. Respect sacred and holy places. Ask before entering or taking pictures.
7. Do not dispose your batteries. Try and use electronics with solar energy. If it is not an option, use rechargeable batteries and charge extra sets before the trip.
8. When in or under water please follow these tips:
   • Look, don't touch. This goes for animals and plants.
   • Avoid feeding animals. This could disturb the natural eating process and can make some animals aggressive.
   • Know where you are entering the water...coral may be right under you. It could hurt you and damage the coral.
   • Ask your boat captain what type of anchoring they use and if they are sure the reefs will not be damaged.
9. "When in Rome, do as the Romans"...engage in the local culture. Support local activities and festivals.
10. Shop at local markets for your souvenirs.
11. Refrain from "hard bargaining". We all want that great deal but will than extra dollar hurt you or help the local vendor more?
12. When walking or hiking, stay on the trails. This will help preserve the natural beauty of the land.
13. Just because its sitting there, does not make it a free souvenir. Avoid taking archaeological or biological "treasures" from where you first saw it.
14. Smile! You're on camera. Please ask locals before taking pictures of them or their property.
15. Be friendly and open minded. Many customs and traditions that might seem weird to you are entirely normal to locals. Enjoy and embrace your differences.

When you get home:

1. Make true on your promises. If you met a new friend and said you would keep in contact, do it. If you said you would send pictures, do it. These experiences mean the world to many people.
2. Support a program that supports the culture, environment and people of the place your were lucky to visit.
3. Write to your tour operator and tell them how they did. Give them feedback and let them know where they could be better.
4. Actively participate in tourism blogs and remind people to be responsible and ask for new tips on how to be responsible.
5. Start planning your next vacation and get better every time!