22 New Years resolutions for more responsible travel

Press release November 30th, 2006

22 New Years resolutions for more responsible travel

It's never been harder for those of us who love to travel and care about global warming, and about conservation and local communities in tourism destinations.  There are no easy answers here, but we've prepared some tips and suggestions - 

 
Before you book a holiday

1. Being responsible is a choice that we make across our whole lives and not just travel.  If your holiday involves a flight, train or car journey then it will contribute to global warming - as does pretty much everything else that we do in our lives.  We all need to reduce our total CO2 emissions.  Read how to make some changes at home that could save twice the amount of C02 of a return flight to Egypt here.  More information on how to reduce your CO2 here.     

2. Although airline travel is currently a relatively small contributor to global warming (less than 5%) it is growing fast. As we need to reduce our total CO2 emissions very quickly this means that we need to fly less than we do now.   Take fewer flights per year - this might mean fewer, longer holidays. 

Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights (see our section on trips using local transport here). Try our lower carbon travel holidays, or there are some great ideas for train travel almost anywhere in the world on this web site: http://www.seat61.com/  

3. Minimise flying time and stopovers (a high proportion of carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing). For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon emissions of your flight using our carbon calculator . That way the money is invested in CO2 reducing initiatives around the world, offsetting the emissions caused by your flight. 
  
4. Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism. All responsibletravel.com members have to have one.  Make sure it explains how they minimise local environmental impacts and support the local economy.  Responsible tourism contributes significantly to employment and local economies - particularly in developing countries.  Without jobs, education and incomes these countries will find it harder to invest in their own lower carbon technologies.  Finally, income from responsible tourism supports CO2 absorbing forestry conservation in protected areas.     

5. Ask your hotel/accommodation our 10 simple questions to see if they really are eco!

 

Before you travel

6. Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect

7. Remove all excess packaging  - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries

8. Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination 

9. Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools

10. 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 

11. Switch off your central heating, fridges and all electrical appliances.  This will help save wasted energy and associated CO2 emissions while you are away.  

 

While you are on holiday

12. Buy local produce in preference to imported goods.  This will both support local economies and reduce food air miles (and CO2 emmissions)

13. Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income

14. Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts

15. Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit

16. 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

17. Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people

18. 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).  For more ideas on deeper and more responsible travel see here .

19. Check that your operator or hotel is living up to their promise for responsible tourism (number 4)

 

When you get back   

20. 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.  You will find independent holiday reviews from travellers on many responsibletravel.com holidays.

21. If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive!