Responsible Travel: How Do You Travel Responsibly and Sustainably?

Quintin Willekens
WRITTEN BY
Quintin Willekens

My best friend loves staying at luxury resorts and spas and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. When I travel, I try to seek responsible travel experiences like staying in traditional lodgings, visiting local markets and trying local food.

Tourism is often seen as beneficial for the economy because it brings significant revenue and creates jobs, especially in developing countries. However, mass tourism can lead to overtourism, straining a country’s infrastructure and natural resources, and making life harder for local communities.

To mitigate the negative economic, social, and environmental impacts, the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has established a global code of ethics for tourism, providing a framework for responsible travel and sustainable tourism. Let’s take a closer look at what responsible travel means.

Topics we’ll discuss in this article:

  1. What is Responsible Travel?
  2. Why Does Responsible Travel Matter?
  3. What Makes You a Responsible Traveler?
  4. How to Be a Responsible Traveler?
  5. What is Sustainable Travel?
  6. What is Sustainable and Responsible Travel?
  7. What are the Three Types of Sustainable Travel?
  8. How Do You Travel Responsibly and Sustainably?
  9. What is the Greenest Way to Travel?
  10. What is Another Word for Environmentally-Friendly Travel?
  11. Why is Sustainable Travel Important?
  12. Do People Want Sustainable Travel?
  13. Is Sustainable Travel a Trend?
  14. What Type of Tourism is Most Sustainable?
  15. Why is Sustainability a Journey Not a Destination?

What is Responsible Travel?

Students in Costa Rica protecting baby sea turtles

Students in Costa Rica helping to protect baby sea turtles.

Responsible travel is a comprehensive approach to travel for individuals to ensure that their journeys contribute positively to themselves, local communities, and the current and future economic health of tourism destinations.

It means being mindful of the direct and indirect impacts we have when we travel. It means being aware of how our actions affect the destination, the local communities, the wildlife, and the natural environment. Responsible travel is a commitment to leaving a positive legacy wherever we go and minimizing any negative impacts.

Why Does Responsible Travel Matter?

Responsible travel matters because, as a traveler, you wield significant influence in shaping the experiences of fellow travelers and host communities. Your actions today can have lasting consequences, especially in the tourism sector affected by climate change, impacting not only the present but also the ability of future generations to enjoy travel experiences akin to your own. Responsible travel is also crucial because it lies at the heart of global sustainable tourism or sustainable travel.

Ocean pollution highlighting environmental impact

What Makes You a Responsible Traveler?

What makes you a responsible traveler is doing your research, planning in advance, and being mindful of your economic, social, and environmental impacts during your travels. Through your actions, you should strive to minimize negative impacts such as environmental degradation while maximizing the social and economic benefits for host communities. You recognize the role of tourism in sustainable tourism development and work towards promoting sustainable tourism policies.

How to Be a Responsible Traveler?

In 2005, the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) published Tips for a Responsible Traveler. The following tips are practical steps to make your travel as rewarding and positive as possible for you and the local people you visit.

  1. Respect the Local Culture and Cultural Heritage Sites: Learn about the cultural norms, traditions, and etiquette of the places you’re visiting. Respect local customs, dress codes, and follow visitor guidelines and regulations when visiting historical sites, monuments, and cultural heritage sites. Avoid damaging or removing artifacts, graffiti, or littering, and support conservation efforts to preserve these sites for future generations.
  2. Minimize Environmental Impact: The tourism industry is responsible for almost one-tenth of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing eco-friendly transportation options, such as walking, biking, or using public transportation. Conserve resources by minimizing waste such as avoiding single-plastic items, conserving water and energy, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability.
  3. Support the Local Economy: Spend money at locally owned businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops, rather than multinational chains. Purchase locally made souvenirs and products to support local artisans and entrepreneurs.
  4. Engage Responsibly with Wildlife: Refrain from activities that exploit or harm wildlife, such as participating in activities that involve captive animals or purchasing products made from endangered species. Support wildlife conservation efforts and responsible ecotourism initiatives.
  5. Promote Fair Tourism Practices: Advocate for fair wages, working conditions, and opportunities for local residents in the tourism industry. Support community-based tourism initiatives that empower local communities, promotes local culture, and promote sustainable development.
  6. Be Mindful of Your Impact: Consider the economic, social, and environmental consequences of your travel choices and actions. Choose accommodations, activities, and tour operators that prioritize responsible and sustainable practices.

Cultural immersion activities in Fiji

Discover how Cate Brown, our 2015 Impact Ambassador and Global Fellow for the Rustic Pathways Foundation integrated responsible travel practices during her trips to Fiji and Southeast Asia.

What is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel is the collaborative effort of stakeholders in the travel industry to ensure long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It involves tourism as a factor for sustainable development in host countries and communities, fostering economic development, community well-being, and cultural and natural preservation.

What is Sustainable and Responsible Travel?

Sustainable and responsible travel is traveling in a way that ensures the long-term sustainability of travel activities and destinations, being mindful of the impact of an individual’s actions on the natural environment, local communities, and cultures, and making choices that minimize harm and maximize positive contributions to the world.

What are the Three Types of Sustainable Travel?

The three types of sustainable travel are:

  • Economic: This type of sustainable travel aims to ensure that the industry generates long-term economic benefits for local communities and businesses. This includes supporting local enterprises, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to the overall economic development of the destination while ensuring that resources are managed efficiently and fairly.
  • Social: This type of sustainable travel focuses on the well-being and empowerment of host communities, ensuring that the travel and tourism industry benefits them positively. It involves respecting and preserving local cultures, traditions, and ways of life, as well as promoting social inclusivity and equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
  • Environmental: This type of sustainable travel involves minimizing the negative environmental impacts of travel and tourism activities. It includes reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and minimizing pollution and waste generation.

How Do You Travel Responsibly and Sustainably?

In order to travel responsibly and sustainably, here are some guidelines:

  1. Plan in Advance: Research destinations and accommodations that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Look for eco-friendly hotels, tour operators, and transportation options.
  2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Opt for eco-friendly transportation methods such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation whenever possible. Consider carbon offsetting for flights. Minimize air travel and choose direct flights when possible.
  3. Conserve Resources: Conserve water and energy by taking shorter showers, turning off lights and air conditioning when leaving your room, and reusing towels and linens. Say no to single-use plastics and carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils.
  4. Support Local Communities: Prioritize supporting locally-owned businesses, artisans, and restaurants over international chains. Buy souvenirs from local markets, hire local guides, and participate in cultural experiences that benefit the community.
  5. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles when hiking or camping by picking up all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and natural habitats.
  6. Educate Yourself and Get Involved: Learn about the environmental and social issues facing your destination and how you can contribute positively. Participate in service activities such as beach or trail clean-up initiatives and leave natural areas as you found them. Share your knowledge and encourage others to travel responsibly and sustainably.
Students in Thailand experiencing simple living conditions during Mekong expedition

Students on Thailand Come With Nothing program which challenges teens to travel while embracing simple living conditions and fully immerse in the local community.

What is the Greenest Way to Travel?

The greenest way to travel is applying sustainable tourism practices by minimizing carbon emissions and environmental impact, and maximize efficiency and sustainability.

Some of the greenest ways to travel include:

  1. Walking and Cycling: These are the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, producing zero carbon emissions while providing health benefits. They’re ideal for short distances and exploring urban areas.
  2. Public Transportation: Buses, trams, trains, and subways are generally more efficient than individual car travel, especially when they run on electricity or renewable energy sources. Opting for public transportation reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
  3. Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric cars, bicycles, scooters, and other EVs produce fewer emissions than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Charging EVs with renewable energy sources further reduces their carbon footprint.
  4. Carsharing and Ridesharing: Sharing rides with others through carpooling or ridesharing platforms reduces the number of vehicles on the road, decreasing traffic congestion and emissions.
  5. Trains: Trains are one of the most energy-efficient modes of long-distance travel, especially when powered by electricity or renewable energy sources. They produce fewer emissions per passenger mile compared to airplanes or cars.
  6. Sustainable Aviation: While air travel has a significant environmental impact, choosing airlines with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and carbon offset programs can help reduce emissions. Additionally, direct flights and flying economy class are generally more fuel-efficient options. In general, avoiding unnecessary flights or long-distance journeys can help reduce your overall carbon footprint.
Commuters on the Tokyo Metro contributing to reduced carbon emissions

Roughly 6.84 million people travel on the Tokyo Metro every day. Will you be one them?

What is Another Word for Environmentally-Friendly Travel?

Another word for environmentally-friendly travel is green travel which is a subset for sustainable travel or sustainable tourism.

Green travel is energy-efficient travel and involves environmentally conscious practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Why is Sustainable Travel Important?

Sustainable travel is important to ensure the long-term sustainability of travel actions and most importantly, the travel destinations.

It’s important as travelers to continue engaging in activities that help preserve the environment, creates jobs, support local economies, and protect cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Students learning about local community and culture in Tanzania

Students learning about the local community on the Tanzania: Culture and Crater program.

Do People Want Sustainable Travel?

Yes, people want sustainable travel. According to Booking.com’s newly released 2024 Sustainable Travel Data, approximately 83% of 31,000 respondents worldwide confirmed that that sustainable travel is important to them.

75% of respondents shared that they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months, and 43% mentioned that they would feel guilty when they make less sustainable travel choices. These statistics signifies a notable trend among consumers towards embracing sustainable travel decisions.

Is Sustainable Travel a Trend?

Sustainable travel is not a trend, and is here to stay. Sustainable travel stands as a fundamental shift in the way individuals approach and engage with responsible travel practices that prioritize economic, social, and environmental considerations. It is widely recognized as a necessary and enduring approach to travel.

What Type of Tourism is Most Sustainable?

The most sustainable type of tourism encompasses all three types of sustainable travel: social, environmental, and economical. It should prioritize environmental conservation, foster socio-cultural respect and preservation, and promote equitable economic benefits for local communities.

Why is Sustainability a Journey Not a Destination?

Sustainability is a journey and not a destination because every living thing on this planet will continue to confront the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. All stakeholders, especially those in the travel and tourism industry, must continually renew their efforts to implement policies that mitigate environmental impacts and promote international understanding and conservation of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

As an active and responsible traveler, your passion for exploration should be matched by a commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable travel practices and leaving a positive impact on the world.

Read more about our Sustainable Travel Code of Conduct.

About the Author
Quintin Willekens
Associate

Quintin Willekens is from Arizona and has a degree in Business Sustainability from Arizona State University and an interest in cross-cultural connections. His passion for global cultures was ignited early, leading him to explore over 20 countries by the time he graduated. Quintin continued his cultural immersion by teaching English in South Korea for 3 years. After getting married in South Korea, you will find him wandering the streets of Seoul with his partner and dog. At Rustic Pathways he brings a wealth of international insight and a dedication to education, travel, and sustainable development.