Responsible travel is a new way of traveling for those who have had enough of mass tourism. It is about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment – but it is about far more than that.
If you travel for relaxation, fulfillment, discovery, adventure and to learn, rather than simply to tick off places and things, then responsible travel is for you.
Responsible travel suits the curious adventurers of life and enthusiasts.
Getting more out of your holiday
Responsible travel is about bringing you closer to local cultures and environments by involving local people in tourism. It is about doing this in a fair way that helps ensure that they will give you an even warmer welcome!
For example, a local guide from the destination will open your eyes to their cultures and ways of life far better than an expat guide could ever do, besides they will also earn a much needed income from you.
The responsible traveler prefers smaller groups, and to meet some local people (as well as fellow travelers) rather than be surrounded by numerous people from back home. They do not like being herded about in a large crowd like nameless faces and understand that traveling in smaller groups makes local people and cultures more accessible.
The responsible traveler wants to get a little bit more out of their travels, and to give a little bit back to the special places and people that they encounter. They want deeper and more real travel experiences. The responsible traveler values authenticity – experiences integral to local traditions, cultures and rituals of the people – rather than those created for tourism, or those whose existing meanings and uses have become lost as they have been packaged up for tourism. No more ‘Greek nights’ in resorts with the only Greek people that are there to serve food please!
At the same time the responsible traveler understands that some cultural experiences are best kept private, and that their visit would be an intrusion. They believe that traveling with respect earns them respect.
Rediscovering nature
Responsible travel is about rediscovering how to experience nature and to be in it, feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it.
Through this they replenish their souls. They would rather get out on foot than sit in a big bus, and are determined to leave no physical evidence of their visit but their footprints.
The responsible traveler understands local peoples relationship with environments, and that income from tourism can be a powerful incentive for conservation.
The responsible traveler values diversity – diversity of people, cultures and environments. They believe that they can grow as individuals through these experiences, and that their trip can make a positive contribution towards conserving global diversity.
Above all else the responsible traveler wants to cut loose and experience their world. The experienced responsible traveler knows how difficult it can be to do the right thing – and is humble and learns from their mistakes. Whether they travel independently, or through a leading resp