Top Questions About Responsible Travel, Answered

We all know that travel opens our eyes to incredible places, people and ways of life — from spectacular natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to unique celebrations like Holi in India. But did you know that you also have a responsibility to preserve the rich cultural tapestries and diverse environments that make the world so amazing? 

That’s where responsible travel comes in.

• What is responsible travel?
• Why is responsible travel important?
• Who can practice responsible travel?
• How can I travel more responsibly?
• How can I support companies that prioritize responsible travel?

The term “responsible travel” is used to describe vacations, activities and experiences that have a positive impact on the world — whether socially, economically or environmentally. It’s about making sure that you leave a place better than you found it and therefore has a lot to do with your behaviours as a traveller. 

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest in the world, making it a massive force for change — both good and bad. As society has become aware of the effects tourism can have on a destination, businesses and tourists alike are embracing more thoughtful travel. 

By working to create lasting economic, social and environmental benefits on the places we visit, we can all help tip the balance towards good.

You don’t need to be working in the travel industry or at an NGO to play your part. More than being a set of rules, responsible travel is a philosophy that guides our behaviour. 

While some people will volunteer or educate others about the environmental impact of their decisions, others contribute by simply becoming more conscious of how their actions affect the places they visit. There’s no one set path — we can all get involved in our own way.

Believe it or not, only a few small changes in behaviour can make a big difference. For example, you can choose to buy and eat local while travelling or pack a reusable plastic bottle to take on your adventures. The trick is to get into the habit of thinking about what’s best for the local environment and communities when you’re planning where to stay and what to do. Eventually, it will become second nature and the positive effects will start to add up.

The great thing is that responsible travel doesn’t take away from the joy of seeing the world — it actually leads to more rewarding, authentic experiences.

Many companies play up how eco-friendly they are, but it’s important to see if they actually walk the walk. Don’t just trust what’s on their website — a bit of research can help you spot the real deal.

• For larger hotel chains and global tour companies, it’s wise to check if they are accredited or partnered with a recognized sustainable travel organization such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Conscious Travel Foundation.
• For smaller or independent travel business, try to find out whether they are locally owned. You should also confirm that the experiences they offer don’t exploit wildlife or have the potential to harm the environment.

Don’t be afraid to ask your travel provider questions about what they are doing support the local community or environment. Those who are committed to responsible travel will be honest and transparent — not just about what they’re doing right, but about what they can do better.

Feeling ready to do good while you experience new places around the world? Get in touch with our travel consultants to find a hotel, cruise line or tour operator that practices responsible travel.