Let's imagine one of the following travel scenarios: you arrive in a city by bus as part of a tourist group and then check into a hotel; then a short tour of the typical places (also with a guide who came with you), a snack at McDonald's, free time to buy souvenirs of dubious quality; and a pizza or pasta dinner.
It doesn't seem so bad, except you have "passed by" your destination. You have not visited other fascinating places, except for popular tourist routes, have not tasted local cuisine, or have not learned about local traditions, culture and the lives of locals.
What impressions will you get from such a trip?
To rethink past habits and the way tourists often travel, we have prepared some tips on sustainable practices that will help you not only get to know the destination better but also become more environmentally and socially conscious travellers.
What is responsible tourism?
Responsible tourism is an approach to travel that demonstrates responsible behaviour from the point of view of tourists and their actions and the businesses that provide travel services.
Tourists should consider their impact on the destination and take responsibility for every aspect of the trip, from the hotel and transport to the choice of travel companies and the purchase of souvenirs.
How to be a responsible tourist?
Before your trip
- Plan your route. Determine how you will get to your destination. If possible, use the most sustainable way - train or bus.
- Book hostels, hotels or guesthouses that support sustainable practices and green initiatives. The Booking service offers accommodation with the Travel Sustainable label.
- Read more about the destination: history, culture, gastronomy and local traditions.
On arrival
Accommodation.
During your stay, please follow the environmentally friendly rules and use resources rationally.
- Save water. Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. Reduce the time you take a shower.
- Use energy responsibly. If your hotel has no automatic control system, don't forget to turn off the lights and electrical appliances when you leave.
- Do not change towels, bathrobes or bed linen regularly unless necessary. Also, limit the daily cleaning of your room. Some hotels are overly concerned about their guests, which increases the amount of water and energy.
Staying in the city
- Learn more about the destination and explore it. Join local excursions, visit museums, markets and restaurants, and interact with locals. After all, what's the point of leaving home and travelling such a distance if you don't want to try to feel the atmosphere of the destination?
- Get off the beaten tourist path. Increasingly, tourists are becoming more interested in learning how the locals live, and to do this, visit other parts of the city, take a walk in the park or watch a play in the theatre. Also, find out what events will be in the city during your stay.
- If possible, walk, cycle or use public transport. It will not only help you get to know the place you are in better but also reduce your carbon footprint.
- Shop in small shops and buy products from local artisans. By doing so, you will support local businesses. After all, who needs another tourist souvenir made in China when you can buy a masterfully crafted, unique product that truly reflects the place you are in?
- Dine at local restaurants and enjoy traditional dishes prepared with local seasonal produce.
- Minimise the use of plastic. Use reusable bottles and bags. For example, you don't have to buy drinking water in a plastic bottle every time; you can get it from a drinking fountain.
- Reduce your use of paper products. Download maps and guides to your phone.
- Sort your waste. You will find garbage cans and containers for paper, plastic, and organic waste in the city.
After the trip back
- Share your experience and talk about responsible tourism practices on social media.
Responsible tourism maximises the positive benefits of tourism for all. It applies to tourists, businesses, residents and the environment. We should rethink the usual norms and travel habits for sustainable tourism development. So we hope you'll find these tips helpful when planning your next trip.
Learn more: WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
