I don’t know about you, but when I travel I really try to avoid being a tourist…or at least looking like one. However, let’s face it, when we are visiting a new place whether we are in our own country/culture or not, we are in fact tourists.
There are ways that we can be more curious, respectful and immersed visitors and less ‘ugly’ tourist. Below are TEN of my tips on how to travel responsibly and leave only beneficial traces behind!
ONE
Be Respectful to the Places you are visiting and be present: Not everything requires a photo or video. Sometimes you just need to be present. When you are visiting a sacred or historical place, there are ways to be present in the moment and share your experiences verbally, rather than taking photo and video footage.
Example: Please skip the selfie in front of the place where mass human suffering took place. It may not carry the same meaning to you as to other visitors or locals, but the suffering of others is not a tourist attraction and unless you are a photo journalist, you aren’t going to be getting any awards for capturing the scene on your iPhone.
TWO
Learn some local phrases: When you make the effort to speak the local language, you’ll go from tourist to traveler. When you attempt to speak the language, you will make your time in a new place a little easier and more enjoyable, plus locals will appreciate the effort! (This is true even in Paris)
Pro- Tip: I always try to learn at least a few key phrases before traveling. These include:
- Hello;
- GoodMorning/Afternoon/Evening;
- Please and thank you;
- Good bye; and
- one beer please
Pedi celebration in Limpopo, South Africa
THREE
Learn a bit about the culture and history: This can take place both before and during your trip. It is good to know more in depth about the place you are traveling to, not only to educate yourself more, but also to interact with the locals you meet. They will appreciate you taking the time to learn about their home and it will lead to much more interesting and engaging conversation!
FOUR
Participate in local events or activities: Sometimes you want to just relax and unwind in a vacation destination…and that is fine. However, even if you are staying in a luxury resort, there are always opportunities to take part in local community events or activities. This will not only help you to immerse yourself more into your destination, it will also provide an economic benefit to the community receiving you as a guest!
Swimming elephants in Chobe, Botswana
FIVE
Respect nature and wildlife: Try to leave a place better than when you arrived by respecting the local environment and ecosystems. This applies to the city as well as nature adventures. Don’t play with or try to interact with the wildlife. Animals should be left as they are in the wild and free…unless you are visiting a zoo, but even then…stay out of the containment areas!
Pro tip: be wary of places that call themselves “sanctuaries.” If you are interacting with the animals in any way…they have been trained to cater to tourists and therefore their own well-being is not a priority. You can always view wildlife from a safe distance in a national park or conservation-approved private park. You can also volunteer with a conservation group that is truly promoting the well-being of the animals you wish to see.
SIX
Bring home a souvenir: Yes, you should shop….for yourself, your friends and family and co-workers. Be sure to shop at local and artisan stalls when possible to contribute to local vendors’ economic well-being. And while many of us like to pride ourselves on “getting the best deal possible,” do try to be respectful about it and remember that you would likely not be able to purchase anything as unique and special back home for such a great bargain (even if you don’t try to negotiate on the price). Plus, your purchase is likely feeding not just the vendor, but their entire family.
SEVEN
Remember you are in someone else’s home: While it is always good to let loose and unwind, the phrase “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” actually only applies to Vegas…because that is what it was built for…it doesn’t apply to anywhere else. So a night of drunken debauchery should not end in anyone else feeling insulted or offended or repulsed by your patronage. And if you do something to break a local law…you might find YOURSELF staying in the place much longer than you had planned for!
EIGHT
Go off the beaten path: Sometimes popular tourist destinations can experience “over tourism.” When you visit places that aren’t so trendy or popular, you will have a more unique and authentic experience, interact more with locals rather than other tourists and give the more popular places a bit of a breather. I know its always great to have that selfie in front of the leaning tower of Pisa…but you can always grab a postcard and have a more unique selfie elsewhere!
NINE
Rethink Airbnb: A common myth is that by booking with Airbnb you are staying with a local and contributing to their economic well-being more than by staying in a hotel or inn. This is actually a myth. Increasingly, Airbnbs are being bought up by large property management companies, or wealthy individuals not actually from that area (particularly in popular tourist destinations). The locally owned hotels and B&Bs contribute directly to the local economy, not just their owners, but all of the people they employ! And…you can never guarantee quality standards with the Airbnbs or Vrbos….(I speak from personal experience).
TEN
Be Flexible: travel mishaps can happen. There is always the unexpected on a trip, but don’t fret! As long as you aren’t in any danger, travel hiccups often lead to the best travel stories and experiences and you never know when the pleasant surprises will come your way!
Example: I was once traveling to Siena with friends and we did not book our hotel in advance. When we arrived to where we had hoped to say, there was a large convention in town and EVERY hotel was booked!
We spoke to a woman at the reception desk and she put us in touch with her friend Franchi who happened to own a 14th century castle just off the main piazza in Siena! We ended up staying in a two bedroom apartment complete with kitchen and dining area (decorated in original 14th century design with armor and everything!) for only $45/night!
Remember these tips the next time you travel. Be safe, be respectful and have fun…and leave the place you are visiting even BETTER than you arrived.
If you ever need help in planning a responsible vacation, you can set up an initial Discovery Call with me on my Calendly!
And for even more tips and tricks subscribe to my newsletter!
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