Written by Jess Tyrrell

The purpose of this holistic guide is to prepare you, a bold traveller, to be an all-rounded expert at sustainable, responsible travel. Sustainable tourism is different to ecotourism in that it does not only consider the environment. Sustainable travel is multidimensional and considers the social and economic aspects of travel too. It asks us to think about the planet and people and to be aware of the footprints we leave behind.

To avoid negatively impacting the people and places we visit, we ought to practice being responsible tourists, and this guide will show you how.  

Culture & People

We believe in the two-way transformational power of travel — where the community visited benefits through economic development and cultural exchange, while the traveller is enlightened and transformed by the experience. Led by respect and curiosity, the responsible travellers pledge to locals and their customs goes something like this: 

I pledge to read up on and understand the local culture in the destination I am travelling to and promise to respect my hosts, their way of life, and their way of dress. 

By respecting the religion, culture and practices of your host country, you will be maximising the authenticity of your trip. Appreciate that travel is showing you a way of life different to your own. 

The respectful travellers’ rulebook:

1. Dress appropriately

2. Ask before taking photographs

3. Be kind and considerate to locals 

Greet, thank and acknowledge the people whose country you are visiting. 

Learn some phrases from local dialects before you arrive, like:

• Thank you 

• Please

• Hello

• Goodbye

• Do you speak English? 

This expresses your interest and willingness to learn about local customs and improves your authenticity as a tourist. You can use Duolingo, Youtube, or even a phrasebook to help out with basic phrases!

Additionally, do not shortchange or bargain excessively with locals as their trade is likely their only source of income. Give seated positions on transport to the elderly and to pregnant women, and offer to help those who need it.

4. Follow local etiquette 

5. Purchase and eat local

6. Volunteer and support ethical, local non-profits 

Environment 

In recent years, responsible environmental practices have gained significant attention. Responsible environmental practices include behaviour and consumption. With the advent of ‘eco-everything’, the phenomenon of ‘greenwashing’ has also arisen. This is when companies or products claim to have 'green' credentials that are actually unfounded, misleading or inflated. In order to be a savvy and informed environmentalist, read these tips, and our top 5 sustainable travel hacks.

1. Refuse plastics (and some of their alternatives)

Some countries have outright banned plastic, however, not all are equipped to do so, and some cannot appropriately manage waste. Bear in mind that some plastic alternatives are not much better for our planet. Do your bit by refusing plastic (and some alternatives as indicated below) when it is offered to you, like at the grocery store, at a market, or in a coffee shop.

One prominent form of greenwashing is the marketing and use of plastic replacements. There are so many falsehoods when it comes to these ‘earth friendly’ alternatives. For instance, paper bag alternatives for your groceries and purchases are actually not eco-friendly. Producing these bags causes more CO2 expulsion than the production of plastic bags! Try to use your own reusable bags made from organic fibres, such as hemp. 

The issue with plastic alternatives is more related to their disposal than it is to the product itself, so make sure you are disposing of it correctly.

Biodegradable products

Compostable products

Degradable products 

A great solution to the disposal conundrum is to practice a Zero Waste lifestyle if it is within your means. It does not have to be perfect, any effort will reap positive outcomes. Why not take on the challenge? 

2. Use a strong and durable reusable water bottle 

3. Use a reusable coffee cup/flask

4. Don’t litter

5. Reduce and offset your carbon emissions

From plane flights, buses, boat rides to souvenirs and lodging, several activities contribute to tourism's carbon footprint, which ultimately contributes to around 8% of global carbon emissions. One way to minimise your carbon footprint while travelling is to fly less and rather use public transport (or walk). For hard to reach places where flying is the only option, opt for airlines that use aviation biofuel, offset their carbon footprints, and fly full, new planes. A great way that responsible travellers can minimise their carbon footprint is by offsetting their carbon emissions, or better yet, making climate contributions. There are several registered and validated carbon offsetting companies (look for some in the country you are travelling to) that will calculate and divert your funds to a sustainable project, be it reforestation, coral restoration, solar and wind technology, or establishing permaculture farms. At Viatu, we make climate contributions on behalf of our travellers for them, for free! 

Here’s a carbon footprint calculator if you’re curious about your emissions!

6. Eat less meat or source ethical meat products 

7.  Save water

8. Book with certified sustainable tour operators and accommodation providers

9. Do not support unethical animal tourism 

As a general rule of thumb:

• Do not support places that offer wild animal petting, walking or riding 

• Do not support places that practice trophy hunting 

• Do not support places that breed endangered animals but are not authorised to do so

• Support places that rescue and conserve wild animals but at a distance to visitors 

Viatu aims to inspire wilder, greener and smarter travel. We aspire to create a community of sustainability-conscious globetrotters who think twice about their own travel choices. Done right, travel is a force for global good - and Viatu would love to show you how.