I\u2019ll be the first to admit my husband and I have made mistakes when travelling. But now that we\u2019ve spent the best part of a decade travelling to all kinds of places around the world together, we\u2019ve learned a lot about how to travel responsibly. <\/p>\n
Not just from our own experiences \u2013 but also through noticing what other people get up to when they travel.<\/p>\n
Things like people taunting the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali<\/a> \u2013 and then wondering why the monkeys attack them. <\/p>\n Or people taking what feels like a million photos of themselves while all you want to do is see the view that\u2019s behind them.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t even get me started on the chained-up monkeys we saw in Morocco<\/a> that are only there so tourists can get \u201ca cute picture\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even though these things anger me, I won\u2019t turn this post into a rant. At least, I\u2019ll try not to anyway. <\/p>\n Instead, I want to take the time to chat about all the different ways we can practice responsible tourism. <\/p>\n Because honestly? It\u2019s not just about protecting nature and wildlife when we travel. It\u2019s also about being considerate towards other tourists and the locals we meet around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the biggest reasons why travelling responsibly is so important to us is because of how much we love nature and the outdoors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only do we love finding natural beauty spots around the world, but we also love watching the local wildlife. Yep, we don\u2019t just people-watch!\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some tips on how we can look after the planet while we travel\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you love beautiful views, natural beauty spots and wildlife as much as we do, then there are lots of ways how you can protect that by respecting nature and local habitats.\u00a0<\/p>\n A big one: avoid disturbing wildlife or getting too close to them. Take your photos from a safe distance and quietly observe them. Of course, some animals are naturally curious and might come up to you, which is different and not really within your control.<\/p>\n Read up on local wildlife protection laws and regulations. Some things might be obvious, such as no trophy hunting or poaching. <\/p>\n But did you know some countries have strict laws about how close you can get to marine life? This is certainly the case in Hawaii<\/a> where various marine mammals, turtles and fish are protected by State and federal laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you love walks and hikes (hey, us too!), then stick with the designated tracks and trails to help protect natural habitats and delicate ecosystems. When you stray from the path, you never know what wildflowers you might be stepping on, for instance.<\/p>\n Just as long as you know things like this ahead of your trip, you\u2019re probably being a responsible tourist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Speaking of sticking to designated trails, sometimes you\u2019ll come across signs advising you (or stopping you) from getting somewhere you want to.\u00a0<\/p>\n These are in place to protect you from harm, but they might also be there to protect a fragile ecosystem.\u00a0<\/p>\n Please don\u2019t be tempted to ignore the signs \u2013 even if you can see other people ignoring them. They\u2019re usually there for a good reason!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While it\u2019s tempting to try activities like swimming with dolphins or riding elephants, are you aware that many of these so-called animal encounters aren\u2019t actually ethical?<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s because the animals are kept in small and confined spaces or because they\u2019re treated badly to make them submit to humans, be careful which activities you book for your trip.<\/p>\n Usually, companies that adhere to ethical practices will make you keep your distance from animals \u2013 unless they come up to you.<\/p>\n In Madeira<\/a>, for example, whale and dolphin watching tours usually stay a certain distance away from the animals. But dolphins are curious and often come and play with the boats or scratch their bellies along the side of the catamarans.<\/p>\n But there are also plenty of ethical companies around that also allow you to get up close and personal with animals. <\/p>\n For example, when we went husky sledding in Finland<\/a>, we made sure to book with a company that treated the dogs well. And this showed throughout the experience \u2013 the dogs were happy to be there and seemingly raring to go.\u00a0<\/p>\n Take some time to do research beforehand \u2013 just to be sure. The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)<\/a> website is a great resource to have a look through.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While you\u2019re researching ethical animal encounters, you might also want to learn about the local flora and fauna of the place you\u2019re travelling to. Especially if you love nature anyway.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only will you know what to look out for during your trip, but you\u2019ll also probably better understand how to respect and look after the local wildlife and habitats.<\/p>\n Some national parks around the world charge an entrance fee. You might think that\u2019s a bit strange because here in the UK, because usually, you can wander around various parts of our national parks for free.\u00a0<\/p>\n But the truth is that some parks and protected areas rely on entrance fees and donations to enable governments, councils, businesses and volunteers to look after them.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re able to support them in this way, please consider doing so. That way, generations for years to come can also hopefully enjoy these beautiful natural spaces.<\/p>\n There are lots of ways to travel more sustainably \u2013 and while this point probably needs its own blog post \u2013 here are some quick and easy things to consider:<\/p>\n Speaking of travelling more sustainably, have you thought about planting trees to help offset your carbon emissions? While this won\u2019t replace companies dramatically reducing their carbon footprint in the first place, it is one thing we can do (as individuals) to try and help.<\/p>\n Carbon Footprint has a handy tool you can use<\/a> to calculate what your carbon footprint is.<\/p>\n While you can physically plant trees in your garden (if you have the space!), various companies and organisations also help facilitate tree planting elsewhere. We personally use National Trust\u2019s \u201cPlant a Tree\u201d campaign<\/a> because we also want to support the work they\u2019re doing generally. <\/p>\n Either way, it\u2019s better if the trees are native to the area or country you\u2019re planting them in because they\u2019re much more likely to grow well there and for many years. Thus, greatly improving your chances of offsetting your carbon emissions.<\/p>\n If you want to travel more responsibly, then one of the easiest things you can do is to not be these people!<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Second tent and its contents removed from the top of #Helvellyn<\/a> in 2 days! Wes\u2639\ufe0f #leavenotrace<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aDe8wqss3w<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fell Top Assessors (@LakesWeather) January 28, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/center><\/p>\n When it comes to respecting nature, enjoying it and allowing others to enjoy it, following the seven \u201cLeave no trace\u201d principles is so, so important.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve not come across them before, then you can read more about them here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n While I think a company in the US came up with the principles, it\u2019s a global initiative to ensure people are protecting nature by following these principles:<\/p>\n In my opinion, these principles are also a massive part of just generally travelling responsibly \u2013 whether you enjoy wandering in nature or not.<\/p>\n Travelling responsibly goes beyond protecting nature and the environment, though.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s also about respecting the local people and their culture and customs \u2013 especially if you\u2019re travelling to places in the Far East, the Middle East or cultures associated with Polynesian beliefs<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some things to keep in mind\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many places around the world have very different etiquette and customs from what you might be used to.\u00a0<\/p>\n For example, you\u2019re expected to cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples in Bali<\/a>. While in Japan, you\u2019ll never receive cash directly in your hand. Instead, it\u2019s placed in a tray in front of you.\u00a0<\/p>\n To avoid offending anyone (or breaking any local laws), it\u2019s worth reading up on etiquette tips before travelling somewhere new. Try searching for \u201cthings to know before visiting X\u201d or \u201cetiquette tips for X\u201d before your trip and I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find plenty of tips for wherever you\u2019re travelling to.<\/p>\n Alternatively, we\u2019ve also started a series all about this for places we\u2019ve been to, such as:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the best ways you can respect local cultures and etiquette is by respecting sacred sites. The sad thing is that you might not always know what is a sacred site or not.\u00a0<\/p>\n When reading up about local cultures, you might notice some have a profound respect for nature. This could mean natural landmarks like forests and mountains are sacred sites to the local people.<\/p>\n This is the case with Hawaii \u2013 where places like the highest point of the summit on Mauna Kea on the Big Island<\/a> and the Volcano National Park are sacred sites. You might see tourists hiking to the top of Mauna Kea, but this is actually forbidden.<\/p>\n Did you know some cultures (such as people in Hawaii) respect nature so much<\/a> that they forbid you from taking home \u201csouvenirs\u201d from nature?\u00a0<\/p>\n This could be anything from a piece of lava rock to a pebble. In Hawaii, they say doing this comes with a curse: \u201cPele\u2019s Curse\u201d<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Whether you believe in curses or not, the locals do, so try to abide by their customs when possible to avoid offending them and to show respect for their beliefs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It can also be surprising when a country\u2019s local laws differ greatly from what you\u2019re used to. And \u2013 in some cases \u2013 punishments can be pretty drastic.\u00a0<\/p>\n For example, it\u2019s forbidden to kiss in public in Dubai<\/a> (holding hands is okay). While chewing gum is illegal in Singapore<\/a> because they want to keep their city and country clean.<\/p>\n We don\u2019t say this to scare you or put you off travelling. In all our travels across the world, we\u2019ve never once gotten into any trouble.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s little nuances like the laws mentioned above that make reading up on local laws an important step to take before you travel somewhere new.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Another way you can be a responsible tourist is by learning a few words in the local language.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not only will this help you if you run into issues during your trip, but it\u2019s also considered a sign of respect \u2013 even if the other person speaks English perfectly.<\/p>\n At a minimum, here are some words and phrases you should find out how to say in the local language:<\/p>\n Now for a tip that\u2019s worldwide (regardless of cultural etiquette): don\u2019t take photos on someone\u2019s property without permission. Yes, even if their house is ridiculously pretty!<\/p>\n Even in places like London<\/a> and the Cotswolds<\/a>, we\u2019ve seen people having their photo taken right in front of someone\u2019s door or even while sitting on their front stoop.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ve often wondered: how would those people feel if someone did that to their house? Wouldn\u2019t it feel like an invasion of privacy? And what if they cause damage to the other person\u2019s property? Wouldn\u2019t that quickly turn their trip from great to rubbish in an instant?<\/p>\n Remember: travel is about more than just cool pics \u201cfor the gram\u201d (i.e. social media).<\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably noticed that a big part of travelling responsibly is to be considerate of others. But this also goes for your fellow tourists.\u00a0<\/p>\n Things like not pushing others out of the way so you can get the best photo. Or not blocking paths and views while you take endless photos of yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n By all means, grab that perfect photo. But please don\u2019t do it at the expense of others enjoying themselves!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Many cities and countries around the world rely heavily on tourism. So, if you can support local bars, restaurants, shops and artisans during your trip, this can greatly improve someone\u2019s life.\u00a0<\/p>\n One thing to be cautious of, though: consider what the souvenir you\u2019re buying is made from.\u00a0<\/p>\n You certainly wouldn\u2019t want to support an illegal poaching trade or animal cruelty \u2013 even if it does mean supporting a local craftsperson.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ll never forget the time I heard about tiny live turtles being put inside souvenir keyrings in Beijing<\/a>. I think that image will haunt me forever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Speaking of supporting the locals, it\u2019s also worth talking about the impact of Airbnb on communities around the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n Unfortunately, some cities are experiencing such an influx in privately-owned rental properties that they can\u2019t actually afford to live there themselves!<\/p>\n While you can\u2019t always avoid using this type of accommodation during your trip \u2013 especially if you\u2019re like us and travel on a mid-range budget \u2013 you can always be more mindful of the issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n Where possible, there might even be opportunities where you can either reduce your reliance on this type of accommodation. Or at least try to offset the issue in some way, such as by supporting local shops and artisans a little more than you usually would.<\/p>\n You probably already know this but \u201covertourism\u201d is getting worse in a lot of places \u2013 and completely unbearable in some places.\u00a0<\/p>\n You might\u2019ve seen the news showing locals in Venice and Barcelona writing on billboards and postboxes: \u201cGo home tourists!\u201d and other related sentiments<\/a>.<\/p>\n This happens when an excessive amount of tourists (particularly day trippers) disrupt the delicate balance between tourism helping that destination versus negatively impacting the local environment, culture and residents\u2019 quality of life.<\/p>\n To help prevent this from happening to the destinations you love, consider the following responsible travel tips\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n There are lots of reasons why some destinations are more popular than others. But are they really that much more spectacular than other places within that country?\u00a0<\/p>\n Take Venice, for example. I hated it there! While the architecture was stunning, I couldn\u2019t appreciate this due to the hoards of people and merchants selling overpriced \u201cI love Venice\u201d t-shirts and hats. It was just completely juxtaposed to the quiet romance of nearby Verona<\/a> where I could wander peacefully by.<\/p>\n While there are still lots of places around the world we love that are popular, we also try to include one or two stops during our trips to lesser-known places, as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n In a recent travel trends report<\/a>, Expedia listed some places that might make good alternatives to more popular places \u2013 or \u201cdestination dupes\u201d as they called it.\u00a0<\/p>\n We\u2019re also planning on writing about this ourselves. Feel free to subscribe to our blog<\/a> if that sounds like something you might be interested in reading about.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Bali](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Bali-Monkey-at-Ubud-Monkey-Forest.jpg-1024x768.jpg\")
How To Travel Responsibly: 23 Tips & Things To Be Aware Of<\/h2>\n
Protecting Nature & The Environment<\/h2>\n
Respect nature and the local wildlife<\/h3>\n
![\"Dolphin](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Madeira-dolphins-watching-1024x663.jpg\")
Don\u2019t ignore safety protocols and signs<\/h3>\n
Enjoy ethical animal encounters<\/h3>\n
![\"Nosy](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Madeira-dolphin-watching-1024x703.jpg\")
![\"On](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/On-a-husky-sled-in-Finland-768x1024.jpg\")
Learn about the local flora and fauna<\/h3>\n
![\"Wild](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Wild-Primrose-in-the-UK-1024x771.jpg\")
Support national parks and protected areas when you can<\/h3>\n
![\"Views](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Views-of-the-Peak-District-from-near-Bamford-Edge-1024x768.jpg\")
Travel sustainably when possible<\/h3>\n
\n
Consider offsetting your carbon emissions by planting trees<\/h3>\n
![\"Admiring](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Andrewshayes-Holiday-Park-Woodland-Walk-1024x768.jpg\")
Follow the \u201cLeave no trace\u201d principles<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
![\"Camping](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Wild-Camping-1024x681.jpg\")
Respecting The Local People & Customs<\/h2>\n
Read up on cultural etiquette and customs before travelling<\/h3>\n
![\"Justine](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Justine-and-Scott-at-the-water-temple-in-Bali-768x1024.jpg\")
Respect sacred sites around the world<\/h3>\n
![\"Mauna](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Mauna-Kea-Summit-min-1024x520.jpg\")
Don\u2019t take \u201csouvenirs\u201d from nature<\/h3>\n
Abide by local laws<\/h3>\n
![\"Gardens](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Gardens-by-the-Bay-in-Singapore-at-night-1024x675.jpg\")
Learn a few words in the local language<\/h3>\n
\n
Don\u2019t take photos on someone\u2019s property without permission<\/h3>\n
![\"Holland](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Holland-Park-Mews-House-1000x1024.jpg\")
Be considerate of other tourists<\/h3>\n
Buy authentic souvenirs from local shops and artisans<\/h3>\n
![\"Balinese](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Balinese-Souvenirs-1024x789.jpg\")
Be mindful of the impact of Airbnb on local communities<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/The-Cleaves-bed-at-Highcliffe-House-in-Lynton-Devon-1024x791.jpg\")
Avoiding Overtourism Issues<\/h2>\n
Consider visiting \u201cdestination dupes\u201d instead<\/h3>\n
![\"Venice,](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/dscf1632_fotor-765x1024.jpg\")
![\"Scott](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Scott-at-Giants-Causeway-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"Justine](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Justine-at-the-top-of-Mount-Faber-Point-1024x762.jpg\")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/wandereroftheworld.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/How-To-Be-A-Responsible-Tourist-23-Practical-Tips-Info-min.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n