Responsible Tourism Tips

Tips for Responsible or Sustainable Travel


Leave Only Your Footprints

By being a responsible traveler, you’re not creating any negative impacts on the environment, economy and culture of the place and thereby benefitting the local community. Here are a few tips to help you.

Know Your Destination

Before traveling to your destination, get as many information as possible. Go through travel websites, guides, maps etc to understand the culture and environment of the destination. This gives a fair idea on the do's and don'ts at your destination.

Find a Responsible Travel Operator

Make sure that your travel organizer is a responsible tour promoter. Get a list of their activities that helps in the socio-economic growth of the local community.

Get Local

Be a Roman when you’re in Rome — that says it all. Try to stay in a local home stay or a lodge to improve the economy of the locals. Eat local foods. Learning a few words in the local language might interest the locals to interact better with us.

Use Local Products

When we use local products, we are in way, supporting the locals economically and helping the small scale industries to sustain. Buy handicrafts made by the locals. Before you buy, make sure that the products are not illegal and did not use any endangered species. Hire a local guide and you’ll be surprised at how much they can tell you that are not in the travel guides.

Follow Rules

Wherever you travel, follow the local rules. Be vigilant in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and ecologically fragile areas. Don’t disturb an animal or enter a restricted area just because you want a better photography. When there’s a conflict between your interests and rules, always follow rules for your own safety.

Do Not Litter

As a traveller, it’s for us to enjoy the beauty of the location and not spoil it. Please don’t be a litterbug or a graffitist. Avoid using plastic bottles and bags; use recyclable materials.

Respect the Environment and Culture

Do not remove any endangered plants or animals from the destination. Do not damage heritage and archaeological sites. Respect local culture, monuments, temples and dress accordingly.

Engage in a Community Development Activity

Engage in an activity that enhances the socioeconomic growth of the local community. Visit local schools and community centres. Never encourage begging; donate for non-profit organizations.

Consume Water and Energy Wisely

In many places, running water and electricity are still a dream; use them wisely. Using local transport enables us to enjoy and understand the local culture better.

These are some of the major things to follow for being a responsible traveller. Travel responsibly and make your holiday beneficial for you, the locals and the country. Make sure to take only the photographs and leave only your carbon-free footsteps in the destination. Let the future enjoy as much as you’ve enjoyed the place.