Tourists can engage in responsible travel by learning about the local culture, purchasing locally produced lodging and food, and refusing to purchase items made from endangered animals. When a traveler visits a foreign country, the locals may dress differently than the traveler and find the traveler’s attire offensive. In this case, a 10-minute research session can save travelers from embarrassment or outright rejection. Purchasing a hotel room for the night or food for the day can also be done locally to benefit the local economy the most. Travelers can also assist the local government and endangered animals by refusing to buy products made from heavily poached animals.
Travelers can research appropriate ways to dress and communicate before arriving at their destination to avoid offending locals. There can be a significant amount of culture shock for many people, especially those who have never traveled outside of their own country. The traveler suddenly dresses strangely and receives worried or disapproving looks because he or she is doing things that no local would ever do. These issues can be avoided by conducting basic research on responsible travel to the specific country, and locals may even respect the traveler for taking the time to learn their customs.
Responsible travel also entails safeguarding the community from threats that aren’t always obvious. A traveler who is a foreigner may be tempted to eat at large, well-known restaurant chains and stay in luxury hotels. While these actions help the local community in some ways, there is more that travelers can do. Staying in locally owned hotels and eating where the majority of the locals eat are the best ways to practice responsible travel. Not only does this put more money in their pockets, but it also allows the traveler to have a more authentic experience of the destination.
It’s helpful to know what kinds of items are widely available but illegal to possess. People hunt and kill certain animals to the point of extinction in some parts of the world, but the government either does not actively enforce laws against it or is overwhelmed by the number of poachers. Locals use the animal’s body parts to make sunglasses, rugs, and other souvenirs, which they sell to tourists. Many tourists are unaware that these items are made from endangered animals, and as a result, they may not be permitted to pass through airport security with them. To practice responsible travel, travelers should become familiar with the types of items that should be avoided.