When
we travel to
beautiful
places it's
natural to
want our
holidays to
have a
positive
impact on
local people
and their
environments.
Before
you book
your holiday
- Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights to get cheap tickets.
- Minimise flying time and stopovers - the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing.
- Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism. Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impacts and support the local economy.
- Ask your hotel/accommodation
- Travel insurance
Before
you travel
 Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect - Remove all excess packaging - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries
- Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination
- Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools
- Ask your tour operator whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them
 While
on holiday
- Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
- Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
- Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
- Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
- Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
- Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
- Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers).
When
you get back
 Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday, and especially include any suggestions on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities. - If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive!
- Enjoy the memories, reflect on your experience and start planning your next trip!
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