How to Be a Responsible Traveler

Since teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg eschewed air travel to sail across the Atlantic to urge world policy makers to address climate change, we’ve become educated about how much air travel contributes to climate disruption. “Flight shaming” has entered our vocabulary. KLM., the Dutch airline, recently made headlines by encouraging travelers to fly less.

As more affluent Americans have the time and resources to travel the globe and Instagram encourages bragging about our destinations, it’s time to re-think our travel plans.

So… writing for The Washington Post, Hannah Sampson (1/18/20) addresses the issue with “You want to be a responsible tourist.”

“Traveling in an age of heightened concern about climate change, income inequality, over-tourism, animal welfare, corporate greed and exploitation can be fraught. Those who want to see the world while also being kind to the planet face pitfalls, especially as public consciousness shifts and awareness of the potential harms of global jet-setting evolves.”

This does not mean we should not travel but that we should carefully vet our choices about how much to fly, were to stay, and what activities to pursue.

Travel Care Code:

1. Are you respecting your hosts?

2. Are you reducing waste, including energy consumption?

3. Are you making sure the money you spend goes to the local community?

Beyond these general principles:

·         Cut back on flying

o   Take fewer vacations

o   Fly non-stop when possible; fly on newer planes

o   Consider train travel, close to home getaways, or staycations

·         When you fly, offset emissions

o   Buy carbon-offsets through reputable non-profit organizations

o   Buying offsets is NOT a “get out of jail free card” if you continue flying extensively

·         Be thoughtful about lodging

o   Stay in locally-owned hotels that use renewable energy

o   Think twice about Airbnb and similar vacation rentals that may drain the local community of affordable rental options for residents and destabilize the local economy

·         Mind what you eat

o   Dine at locally owned restaurants,

o   Choose locally-sourced items

o   Eat less meat and dairy that are carbon-intensive to produce

·         Choose activities carefully

o   Avoid the “bucket list” mentality which contribute to over-tourism

o   Hire a local guide

o   Walk and bike as much as possible

o   Find local environmental, conservation, or social projects to visit or support.

o   If you choose to volunteer be sure you aren’t taking jobs away from locals, that the project is something the community wants, and that you are qualified to do the work.

Details at: http://travelcarecode.org/

Other resources: https://www.responsibletravel.com/