8 Ways to be a responsible traveler
Everyone loves to travel, but few actually hit the road. With increased commercialization and availability to all travel information, reviews and Google maps, traveling has never been so easy, places more accessible. More and more people are traveling and touristy places are losing its charm. We live in a beautiful world and we as travelers are responsible to let our future generations enjoy it too. Little things lead to bigger progress. So here are 8 ways to be a responsible traveler.
Carry a garbage bag - Plastic is one of the biggest environmental problem for now. With everything being readily available in plastic packaging, one forgets that it needs to be disposed off properly. So do not litter and carry a garbage bag at all times. Specially, the environment in the mountains is fragile and needs to be preserved. Unlike cities, no one is assigned to clean and collect garbage in the mountains. It stays there forever!!
Lower your carbon footprint - There are a lot of ways to ensure that one lowers their carbon footprint. Instead of taking a private vehicle, check if there is a local bus available. Walk it out if the distance is short, instead of hoping on to a vehicle. Also, one can rent a bicycle.
Respect the local culture - It is extremely important to respect and accept the local culture when traveling. Travel helps to broaden up one's thinking and acceptability. Certain places are very careful about their dress code and one should try and adhere to local culture.
Shop locally - When one shops locally, you end up helping families sustain. Then helping the giant corporate add up more revenue and sales. It is also a good way to end up interacting with locals and experiencing new things.
Minimize your waste - Carry a water bottle, refill it as many times as you can. Refrain from using and buying plastic bags and carry reusable cloth bags. Buy things and food only as much as you need and ensure zero wastage.
Choose sustainable ecotourism - When on a holiday or vacation, choose a homestay over a guesthouse. Engage in sustainable ecotourism. Do not opt for safari that include elephant rides or other animals. These animals go through torturous training and it's not worth it.
Don't give to Beggars - It is one of the most difficult things to do. To hold back and not give when you see a beggar. The thing is that these people are often shown off as worse than they really are in order to exploit the travelers. At some places, children are also not sent to school as they are effective tool for sympathy. Other reason is that they can be a part of a network that extorts money from travelers.
Advise others to be a responsible traveler - When you see another fellow traveler throwing garbage on the roads, or acting like a menace. Advise and explain to them about being a responsible traveler and how it affects the environment, people and experiences.
So next time, you hit the road, make sure you're a responsible traveler.
