In many places around the world, tourism is an essential industry that plays a major part in sustaining local economies, but it’s not without a cost. Overtourism, especially by, shall we say, less-than-considerate tourists, can have a serious negative environmental impact and cause social disruption among permanent populations. Rather than abstaining from travel altogether, visitors in almost any destination can make tourism a win-win by approaching their adventures with a curious, conscientious mindset. Read on to learn more about how to be a respectful traveler.
Be Sensitive to Culture
As you plan the logistical aspects of your trip, take some time to read up on the cultural norms of your destination. Research factors such as whether you’ll be expected to dress in modest attire, other important day-to-day customs, and sensitive topics to avoid. Bonus points if you can learn some phrases in the local language—a few simple words can go a long way in terms of both making connections and avoiding misunderstandings.
Keep It Eco-Friendly
Rather than get caught up in superficial details such as which brand of water bottle is best suited for flights, we find that one old adage serves as a great guide for eco-friendly travel: leave every place better than you found it. Whether this means cleaning up a few pieces of trash on the beach, avoiding single-use plastics, or observing wildlife from an appropriate distance, you’ll be showing your respect to the community in your destination and acknowledging that you see that you see it as their home.
Support the Local Economy
We can eat at McDonald’s and shop on Amazon any old time, so when we travel, we love checking out independent businesses that are unique to our destination. In addition to ensuring that more of our money is going toward supporting the local population, opting to dine in family-owned restaurants and buy souvenirs at artisan markets is one of the best ways to experience what makes a place special.
