If you want to be a responsible & eco-friendly traveller, here are some tips on How to Travel Responsibly
But first of all, why do we need to support and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable travel?
Why do we need to promote sustainable tourism?
There are many biologically diverse yet threatened terrestrial areas and biodiversity hotspots worldwide. For example, A biodiversity hotspot is a special place on earth with at least 1500 endemic plants. Over 70% of its original habitat is already lost but still essential and critical for many bio-organisms. There are 36 Biodiversity hotspots worldwide, covering only less than 2.4% of the earth’s surface. These are unique places on Earth that need special attention. These hotspots are powerful scientific tools to help measure the pressure on the world’s biodiversity, which we can use to enhance species richness.
Join the most noteworthy, a growing movement of travellers worldwide who are taking action to support environmentally friendly and sustainable travel.
Follow your best travel etiquette while you visit these beautiful attractions and hotspots.
What are the things that you do to support sustainable tourism?
Minimise Plastic Use
Try to minimize the use of plastic as much as possible. Avoid throwing plastic bags and other products in the open, which take years to degrade. Use dustbins /trash cans for proper disposal of waste.
Take Only Memories Leave Only Footprints
Don’t pick up “souvenirs” from natural and heritage sites. Always remember the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Use Local Products
Using local products during your stay helps the local economy to grow and gives you a chance to befriend locals and experience the local way of life. Munching on local delicacies can make your trip worth remembering. You can соntributе tо thе local есоnоmу bу buying ѕоmе giftѕ fоr friends аnd family: оf course сhооѕе hаndmаdе goods made by local аrtiѕаnѕ! You can stay with locals, allowing you to know their culture and lifestyle better. It will make your travel experience more authentic.
Memorize Some Frequently Used Local Words & Phrases
Even though most people are comfortable with English, it’s advisable to learn at least basic, frequently used words from the local language. It will help you to connect better with locals and gives you a sense of belonging.
Take Permission, Respect Local Culture, Rules & Customs
Take requisite permissions/permits before visiting a place and follow the rules applicable to a particular place. Ask permission before taking pictures, and respect people’s privacy. Please also be aware of the dress code of the place or area you visit.
For example, when you enter Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, you need to remove your shoes & caps while wearing a dress that is not too short.
Be a Sustainable Tourist & Respect The Environment
Try to minimize the use of plastic as much as possible. Avoid throwing plastic bags and other products in the open, which take years to degrade. Use dustbins /trash cans for proper disposal of waste. Rеѕресt the еnvirоnmеnt: dо nоt pick uр ‘ѕоuvеnirѕ’ frоm national parks, rеѕеrvеѕ оr archaeological ѕitеѕ. Dоn’t аbаndоn your gаrbаgе: kеер it with you until уоu find a trаѕh саn and rесусlе when роѕѕiblе.
Also, think of the judicious use of natural resources like water, as the danger of water scarcity is looming worldwide. Support those who practice sustainable tourism services.
Project the Flora & Fauna
Avoid single-use plastics and products that harm the local flora & fauna.
Dоn’t buу itеmѕ оr ассеѕѕоriеѕ has mаnufасturеd with lеаthеrѕ, furѕ and аnimаlѕ’ parts. Dоn’t support harmful activities such as food made out of еndаngеrеd аnimаlѕ, еvеn if it’ѕ соnѕidеrеd a lосаl dеliсасу. You can always be informed via the Internet to avoid such situations.
Travel Light & Try to Use Publick Transport When Convenient
Good move as you can travel with ease all around the places. Less carbon emission as each extra kilo leads to more pollution. Public transportation saves cost and time and allows you to connect with people and know more about the place. It gives certain authenticity to your journey. Eco-sustainable transportation solutions, inеxреnѕivе аnd often mоrе fulfilling. Most countries have a very efficient public transport system, including trains and buses, which can give you a convenient and comfortable experience while reducing your carbon footprint.
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