Each one of us can start today with small changes to become a more responsible tourist.
Traveling isn’t the picture-perfect activity that can often be displayed on social media.
It can be messy and difficult, especially when you start to take a closer look at the impact of over-tourism.
Serious damage has already been done to certain cultures, environments, local economies, etc., which creates an urgency to change what we typically know as ‘travel’ to responsible, sustainable travel.
Here are 11 ways to start being a responsible tourist, even if you are only traveling locally or not at all.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. This helps me continue to offer helpful tips. Thank you so much for your support.
11 Ways To Start Being A Responsible Tourist
1. Think Before You Act
First and foremost, to be a responsible tourist, you have to think before you act.
Most of the travel practices that are considered ‘normal’ can be destructive in ways that people do not realize.
Before you take action, it is essential to learn about common travel mistakes that can keep you from having meaningful experiences.
Stop to think about how you can start to apply these practices in your own life.
2. Find Local Activities & Experiences
In 2020, many people who normally traveled internationally started exploring their local area.
I think it was surprising for many people when they realized that they had some amazing places in their backyard the whole time.
If you haven’t hopped on the local travel bandwagon, I suggest that you do.
Take advantage of whatever you have nearby. There is probably more than you think that is just begging to be uncovered.
As you are being a tourist in your town or region, make sure to think outside of the box too because there are probably a lot of activities you didn’t know existed.
3. Look For Locally Sourced Gifts
Since more people are looking for safer ways to travel that are close to home, gifts for van life and road trips are becoming popular.
Plus, it always feels like birthdays and holidays are always right around the corner too, so why not try to support the local economy while you’re at it.
Finding one of a kind, local products might seem daunting at first but it is all about where you look.
Think about what your area is known for.
For example, when I was living in Ireland, a great present to give would be local whiskey or gin, locally made products from wool, coffee from a local roaster, sea glass jewelry, or some locally made soap.
Check out local boutiques, local markets, and you can even find amazing handmade presents online through Etsy.
4. Leave No Trace Principles
Leave No Trace (LNT) are guidelines to follow as you travel and explore the outdoors.
7 LNT principles that will help to preserve and protect the beautiful places that you will explore locally:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors/travelers.
There are a lot of small mistakes that could be made if you aren’t versed in LNT.
Though I say ‘small’ mistakes, they have serious consequences to ecosystems, historical structures, archaeological sites, etc.
5. Try Housesitting
Though many people jump to hotels or Airbnb nowadays, there are so many ways to score free accommodation that needs to be talked about, housesitting especially.
Believe it or not, Housesitting is a legitimate way for responsible tourists (who also love pets) to save on accommodation costs during a staycation.
The great thing about house sitting is that you can find them close by which makes them perfect to save a buck while locally traveling.
The experience does more than save money on your staycation though, it is a sustainable and safe way to explore nearby but with a different twist.
Check out housesitting opportunities near you.
6. Switch To A Sustainable Drinking Source
One of the easiest actions to take towards being a responsible tourist is to rethink your drinking sources.
By not buying single-use drink bottles and coffee cups, you will be making an important step towards being more sustainable.
For the rugged adventurers, I always suggest Nalgene water bottles since they are BPA free and can withstand practically anything. Throw it off a canyon, I dare you.
In case you are unsure of the water quality, carry around this small but powerful LifeStraw water filter or even their nifty filtered water bottle.
If you are a coffee fiend like myself, then you can understand the importance of having that morning cup(s).
Make a sustainable investment into a reusable coffee mug; it’s handy for everyday life and when you’re on the road too.
Here are some more ideas for going plastic free!
7. Support Local Food
One of the biggest parts of any travel adventure is the food.
Responsible tourists should think about where they grab a coffee or eat out for dinner because these actions are crucial to helping the local economy.
Checking whether a cafe or restaurant is locally owned, operated, and staffed is more important than you might realize.
When you support these businesses, you are putting your money into the local economy.
Usually, when you support a national or international chain restaurant or cafe, the money will leave the place where you spent it and end up lining the pockets of some bigwig far away.
Whether you travel internationally or locally, this is essential to keep in mind, plus it wouldn’t hurt to pass up Starbucks and McDonalds for some wonderful local cuisine.
An amazing online platform to help you get into the local foodie scene is Eatwith.
Connect with locals by visiting local markets together, attend a local taught cooking class, or share a meal in a local home.
They even have virtual classes which are great if you can’t travel right now. Use code CD2C35BB for €10 off!
8. Treat Yourself
Not everything about being a responsible traveler needs to be about rules all the time.
You have to enjoy your travel adventures too.
Even if you are traveling locally, getting yourself a fun travel gadget can help to spice up your adventures.
Treating yourself to a new hiking pack or even a mini drone can lift your spirits, invigorate your sense of adventure, and give you a different perspective on familiar places.
If you are heading once again to your favorite tried and true local hiking spot, a drone will give you a new viewpoint too.
9. Follow The Rules
Now that I’ve told you that responsible tourism isn’t all about the rules…
No, but seriously, it needs to be said.
Trespassing on other people’s property, throwing waste along the side of the road or into the water, interfering with wild animals for photos, not taking safety seriously at dangerous tourist attractions, trashing accommodation properties, etc. are all things that are the opposite of being a responsible traveler.
Usually, these types of things are warned against with signs and yet those are easily ignored.
So if you see others blatantly disregarding tourism guidelines, please *kindly* say something or report it.
Responsible travel is not only following the guidelines but speaking up when others aren’t.
Responsible travel means that no matter what you believe about masks and COVID, if you choose to travel (even locally), please adhere to any guidelines put into place.
10. Make Your Health A Priority
Whether you’re into responsible travel or not, health can fall by the wayside for any traveler that gets caught up in experiencing and adventuring.
For far too long, I was concerned about saving money to travel more instead of taking care of my health while traveling.
I look back now and regret how I ate because I would return home and feel terrible and drained.
Unfortunately, cheap food tends to lack nutrients (there are some exceptions) that you would get from a balanced diet.
Maybe it’s because I am older now, but I value my health over saving money.
I would prefer to spend fewer days if it means I don’t have to eat like a college student while traveling. That might sound crazy to you, but to me, it sounds responsible.
Being a responsible tourist doesn’t just pertain to how you treat others and the environment, it also applies to how you treat yourself.
11. Shop Locally
We’ve already talked about eating out locally and buying gifts that are locally sourced, but one of the biggest things you can do is something that you have to do to survive anyway – purchasing food.
When I say shop locally, you might think I mean the extreme of only purchasing from small local stores.
These places often have to charge higher prices to make a profit and stay open.
I know and understand that not everyone can afford to pay those prices, though if you can then you definitely should.
A more affordable alternative that I propose is #15 in How To Be A Slow Traveler.
If you do need to shop at bigger chain stores, try to buy products and brands that are produced near you in your state, region, province or country.
Many products will be the same price or a small bit more expensive to purchase the local brand.
For example, I used to shop at Aldis in Ireland.
It was great about stocking local brands and products so I could shop affordably and still support local businesses.
Love This Post? Pin It For Later!
