When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments. Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people.
All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally. Responsible travel maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of tourism.
Before you book your holiday
* Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights. Try our lower carbon travel holidays, or there are some great ideas for train travel almost anywhere in the world on this web site: http://www.seat61.com/
* Minimise flying time and stopovers - the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon emissions of your flight using our carbon calculator . That way the money is invested in carbon reducing initiatives around the world, offsetting the emissions caused by your flight. Read our view on flying here
* Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism. All responsibletravel.com members have to have one. Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impacts and support the local economy.
* Ask your hotel/accommodation our 10 simple questions to see if they really are eco!
Before you travel
# Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect
# Remove all excess packaging - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries
# Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination
# Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools
# Ask your tour operator whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them
While on holiday
* Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
* Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
* Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
* Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
* Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
* Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
* Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). For more ideas on deeper and more responsible travel see here.
When you get back
Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday,and especially include any sugesstions.
# on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities. You will find independent holiday reviews from travellers on many responsibletravel.com holidays.
# If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive!
# Enjoy the memories, reflect on your experience and start planning your next trip !
Source : http://responsibletravel.com/
