Responsible tourists aim to travel with as little harm as possible. This could mean reducing harm to the environment, local communities, natural habitats, or all three while exploring our planet. As tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, it’s important that all of us who possess a spirit of wanderlust make an effort to travel more eco-consciously. 

Here, we explore three easy ways you can protect the planet and support local communities while travelling. 

Being a responsible tourist doesn’t mean you have to stay in hostels and avoid luxurious hotels, but it does mean considering the eco credentials of the places you choose to stay at throughout your travels. Many hotels pride themselves on being environmentally friendly, implementing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and waste reduction, which can significantly lower the carbon footprint of your visit. 

To take it a step further, why not look into volunteering programmes? Whether focused on building schools, reforestation projects or any other honourable efforts, these allow you to both protect the environment and give back to local communities whilst exploring new places. Some such programmes offer free accommodation as part of your stay, while for others you could look to book sustainable rooms from local family-run businesses rather than big chain hotels.

Many parts of the world rely on tourism as a key pillar of their economy, so refusing to travel to disadvantaged or developing areas does not help support them. Even if you’re travelling to a popular destination, be sure to look a little deeper and explore surrounding areas that could benefit from your custom – whether it’s visiting a market or shopping in local artisan stores, this all helps to support the local people. 

One of the easiest ways to support local communities on your travels is by eating like a native – opting for locally owned eateries or street food stalls rather than dining at international chain restaurants. With so many delicious authentic dishes to sample, and new connections with locals to be made, these experiences are often far more fulfilling than having the same old burger you could enjoy back home. 

When it comes to enjoying the natural beauty of the new destinations you travel to, the Leave No Trace principles reign supreme for responsible tourists. Especially in protected areas such as national parks, exploring new vistas responsibly helps to preserve the landscapes, habitats and ecosystems that you’ve come so far to admire. 

The Leave No Trace movement includes seven key principles to help travellers enjoy their adventures responsibly. Two that are particularly relevant when seeking ways to protect the environment and local communities are planning ahead and disposing of waste properly.

Planning ahead: Knowing the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit enables you to respect the local environment and any communities that may live there. This also means planning your route to avoid trespassing on delicate or at-risk terrain and being prepared for any emergencies when exploring remote areas.

Disposing of waste properly: Ensuring you take all rubbish and food remnants away with you is key to preserving and protecting the natural environment and the wildlife that calls it home. Food scraps can encourage animals to interact with humans and put them at risk, so be sure to pack everything up before you leave.

By following these tips, you can continue to explore the wonders of the world while minimizing your impact on the environment and demonstrating your support for local communities. 

About the author:

With a passion for both travel and conservation, Halley seeks to educate and inspire others who share the same wanderlust. She enjoys volunteering in developing countries and aspires to help local communities build long-lasting businesses that can thrive with the advancements of eco-tourism. out CHN’s work.