Responsible Travel

Get a little bit more out of your travels, and give something back to the places you visit and the people you meet.

No matter where your travels take you this year, travelling responsibly maximises the benefits and minimises the negative effects of tourism. You can start thinking 'low impact' before you go, even if you're not travelling abroad. Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - go by train and public transport where possible, rather than driving or flying.

For the flights that you can't avoid, offset the carbon emissions through one of the many carbon balancing schemes around. Examples include reforestation schemes, providing low-energy light bulbs to poorer households, or developing community based hydro-electricity.

If you are using a tour operator or travel agent ask to see their policy for responsible tourism. Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impact and support the local economy. Find out whether there are local conservation projects that you could visit, and how you could help support them.

OUT AND ABOUT

It sounds obvious, but a lot of people don't do it: show respect for other people's culture and customs. Ask permission before you take photos of people or sensitive buildings. Be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites. If you hire a local guide you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income.

WILDLIFE

One of the pleasures of travelling is the variety of wild plants and shells you will see. These should remain in their natural environment, so don't be tempted to collect any. Take care not to touch coral reefs and do not feed animals or fish. Wild animals and farm animals can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they're with their young - so give them plenty of space.

LITTER

Litter and leftover food spoil the beauty of the countryside, can be dangerous to wildlife and farm animals and can spread disease - so take it home with you. In areas where there are no recycling facilities, the less you create, the better. Take a reusable bottle for water, keep packaging down to a minimum and avoid disposable goods.

WATER AND ENERGY

In many destinations natural resources are precious and local people may not have enough for their own needs. Help out by turning off (or down) heating, air conditioning, lights and the TV when you're not using them. Let staff know if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather having them replaced daily. Monitor the water you're using. If you have to wash in streams or rivers, don't use detergents or other chemicals - go for an eco soap instead. Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - it's a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution too.

PROTECT THE LANDSCAPE

Discover the beauty of the natural environment and take special care not to damage features such as rocks, plants and trees that are the homes and food for wildlife. In fields where crops are growing, follow paths wherever you can. Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them.

Hotter and drier weather conditions recently have made wildfires a problem in some rural areas, and they are devastating to wildlife and habitats as well as to people and property. Don't drop matches or cigarette ends and if you're planning a barbecue, make sure it is allowed in that particular area; be sure to extinguish it carefully.

Keep dogs under close control. Don't let your dog scare livestock or disturb nesting birds and other wildlife. Always clean up after your dog - get rid of the mess responsibly and keep your dog wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people.


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