5 Ways to Be a Respectful Traveler
When we travel, we’re so grateful to have the experience of being welcomed into another culture, to have the opportunity to explore, to interact with locals, to eat their food, participate in their rituals and enjoy aspects of life so different from what we are used to back home.
To travel respectfully is to travel mindfully. It is to observe and listen and learn and realize the impact of each of our choices—however small—on every aspect of our experience: culturally, socially, environmentally, economically.
Here are five ways we can all travel more respectfully:
1. BE SENSIBLE WHEN TAKING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS. Respect the rules when photographing historical sites or other cultural places such as art galleries where a flash is often not allowed. Consider your surroundings when taking selfies or funny photos or videos and make sure it’s appropriate and won’t cause offence. Consider local people and how your images or videos portray them. Would you be happy for someone to take a photo of you or film you in the same situation? Always ask permission first to capture someone with your camera directly. If they say no, accept their response and move on.
2. LEARN & RESPECT CULTURAL DIFFERENCES. Research cultural differences (and, of course, the laws!) before you travel. Speak to locals, ASA staff or guides to learn about the places you are visiting with an open mind, leaving any judgmental thoughts at home. Dress appropriately when visiting sites of worship. Adhere to cultural etiquette and be aware of body language, superstitions and other quirky aspects of the culture. It’s difficult to understand every small nuance and all of the complexities of another culture, but certainly listening and learning can go a long way when it comes to being respectful of our host destinations and the people who live there.
3. HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT. When we travel, we want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Always ask yourself: Can you leave your host destination in a slightly better state then you found it in? Or at least not leave traces of your own visit behind? Don’t pick the flowers ort take stones from the beaches. Stay on the paths if you’re hiking. Never leave trash lying around. Use a water bottle that can be refilled instead of buying plastic. Turn the lights off. Use a reusable shopping bag. Be aware of how much energy you’re using. Walk, cycle or use public transportation as much as you can.
4. BE THOUGHTFUL. Always be mindful to put yourself in the shoes of the locals. If you’re studying abroad in a location where English is not the primary language, learn at least some basics before you travel and always greet locals in their own language first before asking if they speak English. Especially if you’re living in a homestay, communicate if you’ll be home later than usual so your host family doesn’t worry about you, let them know in advance when you plan to miss a meal, and ask first if you’d like to bring a friend home. Take an active interest in local traditions, praise the food when you’re served something delicious, stay curious, ask questions, and always be kind.
5. SHOP LOCAL. Put your money back into the community and support the local economy when you can, choosing to shop from small businesses and restaurants rather than big international chains. Shop in the markets. Buy souvenirs from street vendors or artisans. Ask a local where their favorite businesses are located. Always tip when it’s customary to do so. Take a walking tour with a local guide. If you’re booking a weekend trip, stay in airbnbs, bed and breakfast style accommodation or hotels run by locals. Leave kind reviews online wherever you can to help boost reputations or share photos of your favorite places on social media so other travelers can find and support them too.
Can you think of other ways we can strive to be more respectful when we travel?