Chynna SymoneI consider myself to be an avid itinerant, however as a life long environmentalist I also consider the impacts my traveling has had on the world. Not just environmentally, but also the communities as well. As a result, I have prioritized responsible travel and supporting communities during my trips.
Responsible travel means to consider the environmental or social impact that you’re having when you’re seeing the world. It means making choices that respect the countries that you’re visiting and leaving it with a positive impact so that future generations will have the opportunity to freely travel to these locations. In this blog post I will detail some ways to travel responsibly to ensure that you’re leaving a place better than you found.
Research Before You Go
In many countries, organizations have figured out ways to educate travelers on local customs while also providing a consistent income to the people of that community.
Honolulu, Hawai
During my vacation to Hawaii, I visited the Polynesian Cultural Center and had the opportunity to learn about the different Polynesian cultures and history on the island. Money from the ticket sales, food and merchandise goes towards the college tuition of students who work at the PCC. If you know the history of the islands you’d know that it can be hard for students to fund their own higher education so this would be a fantastic opportunity to support them.
Cuzco, Peru
In Peru, I visited the Manos de la Communidad which included both an alpaca/llama farm and a cultural immersion into the art of weaving. Peru is known for using the finest alpaca and llama pelts to craft beautiful garments. In this excursion I had the opportunity to pet and feed the animals at the farm and learn about the weaving process from native Peruvians. It was comforting to know that the money I spent at the center supported the animals on site as well as the women who worked tirelessly on their handmade creations.
These are only two ways to travel responsibly and ensure that you’re supporting communities when you travel. Be sure to do your own research for the country you’re going to and determine ways to support the community and learn about the culture during those experiences.
Consider Your Accommodations
When booking a vacation the natural instinct is to book the most luxurious hotels and resorts to ensure that you’re getting the best. However to ensure responsible travel, try to find hotels that are eco friendly and clearly state actionable steps the hotel takes to support their local communities.
Look for things like energy efficiency, water conservation, and support for local communities clearly listed on their website. Some major hotel chains may have a global sustainability site, but look for initiatives from the specific hotel location.
Hostels are a great way to also implement responsible travel into your itinerary. They generally have a smaller footprint than hotels and typically encourage travelers to get involved with community engagement. Some hotels organize cultural events, group activities, and volunteer opportunities to make it easy for travelers to get involved. Check out hostelworld.com, which includes a filter for “Sustainable Hostels” in their search engine.
Why Responsible Tourism Matters
It’s becoming increasingly easier to see the world, however it’s important to consider the impact we make when we go to different places. Many countries don’t have the infrastructure to support such a large number of tourists, and many locals are displaced due to increased prices. There are ways to see the world, but still spend money in impactful ways.
If you’re looking for a travel advisor to plan your vacation with responsible travel in mind, look no further! I provide travel advising services (for as low as free!)
Click the image below to learn more!
