A few years ago I visited Thailand for the very first time. At one of the stops, we asked the concierge to help us book an unforgettable experience that was truly Thailand. Before we knew it, we were at an Elephant Sanctuary and hopping on the back of an elephant for a guided ride through the forest. Very soon into the ride, my gut told me this was wrong. And with every step, my heart sank. I should have been more aware of my impact to the environment. To the community. I should have picked responsible travel experiences above all else. That moment hit me like a slap. I knew that I would NEVER do anything like that again.
The reality is tourism can help a place flourish or slowly wreck it. It’s up to us, the visitors of these great places, to make a difference. Responsible travel is about small, conscious choices. Picking a locally run inn instead of a resort. Skipping the elephant ride. Eating where the chef buys fish from her cousin down the road. These moves may feel tiny but together they shape how destinations survive.
If you love to travel, you should know that your next trip can either help preserve a culture or quietly damage it. Let’s make sure you land on the right side of that choice.
Responsible Travel: How to Make Every Trip a Force for Good
Unless you’ve been under a rock, you have certainly heard the stories of countries like Italy and Spain being fed up with tourists. In some places locals have taken some not so kind steps to deter tourism. While I don’t agree with the tactics some have chosen, I can understand the pain of watching “others” destroy what has made your home special.
We want to see these special places but we all should do this with a sense of wonder and appreciation. Responsible travel is about making conscious choices and traveling with purpose. Here are practical steps you can take to ensure your next vacation helps more than it harms.
Choose Locally Owned Stays
I will be the first to admit that I love a posh hotel. Put me in the Ritz Carlton and all my troubles seem to float away. While this may help my Marriott Bonvoy status, with few exceptions, it does little to support the community.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for you to never stay in a major chain. There are quite a few that are eco-certified and offer a wide range of support to the community. It’a a part of their commitment to sustainability. Providing jobs, making investments in the community and leveraging services of local providers are all ways they help with intention.
Yet we all know of hotels that build on sacred land or impose on animal habitats with no regard for the environment. Africa has seen an explosion of luxury resorts making less and less space for the animals to roam freely.
Steps to being a more responsible traveler: Where possible book family-run guesthouses or locally owned boutique hotels instead of international chains. I did this in Marrakesh and it was phenomenal. If locally owned is not an option, take a look at the “Responsibility” section of the hotels website to see what they are doing to invest in the community before you book.
Respect Wildlife and Say No to Exploitation
In recent months, I’ve seen the horrifying scenes of tourist crowding the shores of the Mara River during the Great Migration in Tanzania. Animals being forced back in the waters risking injury and an almost certain death because their route was blocked. It pains me to even think about this.
It’s pretty disturbing to see what people are doing for the perfect viral instagram post. Sadly, these selfish acts are becoming more and more common having an irreversible impact on the environment.
Many of us get caught up in the moment thinking “When will I ever have this opportunity again” and cave in to the pressure of the moment. But there are better options out there if you do your homework. I spend an incredible amount of time researching outfits for experiences I want to have in a destination. Yes, it might cost a bit more but it is worth it when you think of the real cost.
Steps to being a more responsible traveler: First, you must do your research before you arrive in the country. Learn about the organization and their practices. Avoid attractions offering elephant rides, dolphin shows, or photo ops with drugged animals. Instead, choose sanctuaries or wildlife reserves that prioritize rehabilitation and release. Follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking or snorkeling. Check the chemicals in your sun protection before going in the ocean. These simple steps can have a big impact.
Support Local Artisans and Businesses
I decided a long time ago, that I would not shop in major department stores when traveling. I don’t buy mass produced souvenirs and I look for every opportunity to dine in local restaurants. This might be an unpopular opinion but I feel like I can buy the same Gucci belt at any store around the world (unless of course you are in Italy).
Being thoughtful of where you spend your dollars abroad is one of the most important decision you can make to be a more responsible traveler.
I had the most amazing birthday dinner in Taipei at a locally owned restaurant where the chef personally shared where every major ingredient was sourced as he presented the dish. He had so much pride in the ingredients and the stories behind the preparation made each bite that much more delightful. I learned so much. I’ve shared my experience below.
Steps to being a more responsible traveler: This one is easier than you might think. Simply shop at local markets for handmade crafts instead of mass-produced souvenirs. If you check the tag and it says made anywhere but where you are, leave it. Dine at neighborhood restaurants serving locally sourced food. Take a cooking class taught by community members to learn and give back simultaneously. Each of these steps are simple ways to be more responsible.
Treat Ancient Sites Like Living History
Ruins aren’t playgrounds. They’re time capsules. It’s hard to think that an ancient site that has withstood wars, famine and years of torrential weather gets taken out by tourists grabbing pieces of it as souvenirs. Or by the person who believes that carving their initials is cute. Seriously.
I visited the Haga Sofia in Turkey a few years ago and could see where people chipped off parts of the gold foil from the walls as far as their hands could reach. A total disrespect for the site.
We get to benefit from the beauty of these places because others respected their history and what it has meant to the community. Some sites have been well preserved and others suffer from the lack of respect of tourists.
Steps to being a more responsible traveler: When visiting ancient sites, choose a local guide. They know which areas are sacred or fragile and which are photo-friendly. Hire certified local guides for tours to keep revenue in the community. When exploring a site, stay on marked paths and never ever pocket souvenirs. A single loose rock is part of the story. One simple move can crumble centuries-old statue. And you certainly don’t want to be known as the tourist who broke one of the Moai statues on Easter Island.
Be a Cultural Ambassador
You’re a guest. Act like it. Every country has its own set of customs and traditions. Some of them might feel quite dated and others very progressive. Either way it’s up to you as a visitor in the country to be respectful.
Learn a few basic greetings and customs before arriving. Saying hello, goodbye, please and thank you go a very long way to show respect. Even if you don’t get it right, the locals will appreciate the effort.
Steps to being a more responsible traveler: Show an appreciation and authentic curiosity for things that are different. Make efforts to understand why this is a part of the traditions of the country. You’ll find that many locals are happy to share. Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and pay attention to societal norms when interacting with the public. Ask permission before photographing people or their property. Always remember that you are a guest.
My Perspective
Responsible travel means making mindful choices that protect the planet and uplift local communities. Small actions like where you sleep, eat, and shop add up to a major positive impact. Every one of us can be an agent of change by researching destinations and choosing ethical activities and operators.
Support local artisans and avoid exploitative attractions to protect wildlife and preserve cultural heritage. Being intentional with your choices helps to ensure we preserve the things that we love for generations to come. Now think. What’s one small change you’ll make on your next trip to travel more responsibly?
FAQs About Responsible Travel
What is the difference between responsible travel and sustainable travel?
Responsible travel focuses on the immediate choices you make—like supporting local businesses and avoiding animal exploitation—while sustainable travel looks at long-term environmental and economic impact.
Is responsible travel more expensive?
Responsible travel is not necessarily more expensive. Staying in locally owned accommodations, eating at neighborhood restaurants, and using public transportation can often save you money while benefiting the community.
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