The What’s What: To Responsible Travel
As our human population increases, we’re using a lot more natural resource material the earth provides us. According to Global Footprint Network, we used a year’s worth of resources in seven months in 2018. These substances include minerals, forests, water, fertile soil and more. This may not soley reflect on the impact responsible travel has on ecotourism, but its does put in perspective how important it is for every industry to continue to develop sustainable solutions for future generations.
What is responsible travel? It is simply this: Being socially and culturally aware when you travel. Understanding your effect on the places you visit and trying to make that affect a positive one.
Responsible Travel is also no longer a buzzword, in fact new names have emerged for this type of travel style like sustainable travel, and responsible tourism. No matter what name you use, it's one of the fastest growing trends in travel today.
According to recent research by Booking.com, almost seven in 10 (69 percent) U.S. travelers identified sustainable travel as important to them, while just over half (53 percent) said they were more determined to make sustainable choices when looking to travel again in the future.
As more people look to create a sustainable travel styles, organizations like Better Places Travel and World Nomads are creating and providing unapppareled access to local travel experts, and in-depth guides to having a more sustainable travel style.
While many of their findings are promising, there are still obstacles to overcome. World Nomads took a look at The Evolution and Future of Voluntourism and noted that: 41 percent of U.S. travelers do not know how or where to find sustainable travel options and half (51 percent) think there aren't enough sustainable travel options available
Recently I shared my experience in sustainable travel with the WWOOF Program, and how it can be the secret ingredient to a sustainable travel on road trips. WWOOF is an acronym for; World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or Willing Workers on Organic Farms. The network connects people to homesteads and organic farms around the world, where you can give back to the land as a volunteer, and gain important educational opportunities.
After my first farm, I started to research the idea of being more sustainable in my travel style and practices. I quicly realized the importance of experiencing a natural environment, while also protecting it for others to have the same experience. I have been inspired to set sustainable and responsible travel goals for my future trips.
Speaking of goals, as you begin to plan your next trip, think about some goals that can benefit the local population and the environment you will be a tourist in
A great tool to reference is the Checklist for Responsible Travel and Sustainability provided by Better Places Travel. This checklist outlines three goals that can help guide your unique travel experience and give you the chance to do something for the people you meet along the way. Like making use of local drivers, and guides that can help ensure employment opportunities for the local workers.
Your mindset and decision making can and will also make a big impact on the people and the places you will travel to. Another tool to get started is to think differently, and will willingly make new and important travel choices. Be open to support and cultivate your sustainable travel style. Use your dollars to create a positive impact, and try to ensure that locals are benefiting by your travel choices.
One of the most important things about being a more responsible traveler, is to be a leader of positive change. Inspire your fellow traveler, and be an ambassador for this important travel style. Tell your story, and it will help enhance and enrich your travels and at the same time improve the world around you.