The Responsible Traveller (simple swaps when abroad)
The Responsible Traveller is a book to help you navigate travel, while being kind to the planet, ecosystems, wildlife and people. And also respecting local cultures. Learn about the environmental and social effects of tourism and gain a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity. Learn simple tips and lifestyle changes to make a difference to reduce your impact.
Never accept rides anywhere. Report animal abuse abroad to tour operators, police and submit reports to Born Free Red Flag. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
The Green Edit (Travel) is another super little guide, from knowing which plane to take to avoiding the mini-toiletries trap. If you wish to still travel abroad, this is the book for you. It doesn’t mean never taking another flight or spending holidays camping in your back garden.
Simple Swaps for Responsible Travellers
- Don’t Drop Litter. Always follow the Countryside Code. You wouldn’t want someone dropping litter in your house and garden, so don’t do it on someone else’s patch. Avoid use of single-use plastic.
- Travel Off-Season. Encourage staggered off-season travel, so hotels and guest houses receive income year-round. Rather than in a short season, which creates too much traffic and noise.
- Avoid Tourist Hotspots. Consider booking in less touristy areas with small independent guesthouses. These are quieter, and likely more relaxing to rest explore.
- Stay a bit longer to know somewhere, instead of whizzing in and out.
- Use Public Transport. This avoid clogging roads with traffic (many big hotels also charge a fortune for parking, so you’ll also save money).
- Treat and Pay Hotel Staff Well. Top hotels (that charge thousands for just one night) often pay minimum wage to staff, with shoddy accommodation. Clean for Good pays staff the higher voluntary London Real Living wage (and uses Delphis Eco cleaning products.
- Donate to local animal shelters, to help with spay/neuter programs, to prevent overpopulation. Never touch or feed wild animals, and avoid buying dodgy souvenirs.
- Learn of local cultures and customs (language, greetings, respectful dress). Ask before taking photos, especially in religious buildings.
Consider a Tourist Tax?
Venice has banned loud speakers, and is bringing a ‘tourist tax’ to fund litter clean-ups. Barcelona is planning the same (council workers have to empty dustbins 14 times daily). And in Tuscany, action is being taken on cigarette litter that has led to wildfires.
Ban Short-Term Letting?
The mayor of Florence has banned short-term lets, to bring down property rental prices for residents. The same is happening in St Ives (Cornwall), where second-homes lay empty for most of the year, while locals are priced out of the housing market.
