How to Travel Responsibly

“Responsible Travel” - We’re willing to bet that you’ve seen these two words a whole lot recently. Travel companies talk about their responsible travel policies, travel bloggers post about how they champion responsible travel on the road. Those entrenched in the travel industry talk about these two words a lot.

But while so many of us “hum” and “haw” over how to be more responsible with travel, the uninitiated are often asking, “But what is responsible travel?”

This is a great question, and one that we sometimes forget to answer clearly and simply. But that’s the thing – responsible travel, at its core, isn’t complicated. Responsible travel is just our way of referring to travel that respects, sustains and limits the negative impact of travel on local communities and environments.

But for a traveller like you, how can you be a champion of responsible travel? It starts with simple but important changes you make to your itinerary – and the team at Buffalo Tours is here to help you do it.

To help you be a more responsible traveller on your next trip, check out this visual primer to Responsible Travel. Don’t forget to spread the word – one share can start an important conversation about changing the way we travel!

Embedded from Buffalo Tours Travel Blog

Respect Wildlife

Remember – people aren’t the only communities that are in danger of exploitation with mass tourism. Make sure you do your research before booking wildlife excursions and experiences. Good companies will have a responsible wildlife policy that guides their operations. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their policy!

Save Every Drop

During your visit, think about ways to limit your water consumption. At hotels, avoid laundering sheets and towels too frequently. Try to shorten your showers, and contribute to local initiatives in your destination that advocate for water conservation.

Change Your Commute

Skip the taxis and tourist buses for city excursions, and head out by foot, bicycle or public transportation instead! Not only are these more environmentally-friendly alternatives for your commute, but they’re also great ways to get in touch with a local culture and get a bit of exercise, too!

Focus on Culture

We all love a beach getaway or a resort visit, but make sure your visit includes some cultural experiences, too. Find ways to learn about local culture during your visit – try food tours, homestays and workshops with the locals!

Ask Questions

One of the coolest things about travel is the ability to communicate with people from entirely different walks of life. Seek out ways to ask questions and talk to the locals. Private tour leaders are a great way to do it – they’ll help you tackle the language barrier and make a true and lasting connection.

Share Your Culture

Learning about a destination’s culture is just the first step. Often times, locals are just as interested in learning about your culture, too. Fostering a sense of empathy and understanding with people around the world helps us build bridges that too often separate us.

Invest in Local Culture

Think about how you spend your travel dollar – and do what you can to make it count toward building up the local economy. Eat at locally-owned restaurants, buy directly from local artisans and use travel companies who champion local employment. Think global, act local!

Empower Communities

Charities can do a lot of good in the developing world, but there are even more ways to contribute to the lasting development of a community. Support initiatives that create sustainable income and infrastructure for local communities – including CBT Vietnam's homestay projects that provide fair and lasting income for communities who rarely have access to tourism dollars.

Donate Carefully

Remember that your travel dollars can contribute to something bigger during your travels. Rather than giving money to children on the street, consider donating instead to programs that provide housing, training and support for their families instead. Check out the amazing work of Friends International for some great options in Asia.

Check out this original story on the Buffalo Tours Travel Blog by clicking here!


Guest Post Courtesy of:

Author: Karen Hewell

Bio: As a Content Lead for Buffalo Tours, Karen helps tell stories about destinations, travel tips and responsible travel. As one of the largest and most established travel companies in Asia, Buffalo Tours is leading the way in making tourism in Asia more sustainable.