Each of us can contribute to being a responsible traveler, attentive to the world and its inhabitants, by following a few tips before, during and after our trips.
Before your trip: preparing for a trip means first of all taking an interest in your destination
- Be well-informed about the local people and their way of life, heritage, religions, environment and economy, and learn a few words in the local language.
- Choose professionals involved in responsible tourism to support: travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, guides, local activities, accommodations, restaurants, etc.
- Pack only the essentials, and leave room in your suitcase for locally-made souvenirs. Find out about the practice and limits of haggling over prices and local tipping policies for professionals: restaurants, accommodations, guides, craftsmen, shopkeepers, etc.
- To leave with a light mind, keep a critical eye. Ask yourself about the real risks of your destination, and get information from the relevant organizations, without letting yourself be overly influenced by certain media or preconceptions.
"A journey leads to encounters, encounters lead to knowledge, knowledge leads to trust." -Bambara proverb
During your trip: respect nature, people and their culture
- Be attuned to the habits and customs of the destination, without imposing your habits or lifestyle, paying attention to the way you dress, especially in places of worship, but also to signs of wealth that may contrast with the local standard of living. Taste the local cuisine, and be curious about authentic accommodation.
- Before photographing someone, take the time to ask their permission, and take the opportunity to establish a dialogue. For children, ask their parents for permission.
- As at home, sort waste, save water and save energy. Respect the rules posted in natural areas to preserve their balance, as well as in museums, cities and on beaches.
- Do not take souvenirs from natural or archaeological sites, and do not encourage theft or damage by buying sacred objects or products from protected species. Prefer donations to competent associations, schools and village chiefs, rather than encouraging begging, especially by children. Denounce the sexual exploitation of children. In several countries, including France, laws are in place to prosecute sexual offences committed abroad.
"We don't inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." -Native American maxim quoted by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
After the trip: fostering dialogue between cultures to make tourism a factor for peace
- Honor your commitments to the people you meet during your trip, by sending photos for example. If you notice any serious or intolerable situations, report them to the agency that sold you the trip, or to the relevant authorities.
- Offset all or part of the emissions linked to your trip, particularly air travel, by contributing to climate solidarity projects. Support local initiatives by donating to development associations, getting involved with NGOs, or buying fair trade products.
- Share your travel experience, with family and friends, or on social networks, to bear witness to the riches and fragilities of our planet, and give others the benefit of advice on how to travel more responsibly.
- Prepare for your next trip, near or far, by realizing the many virtues of tourism, not only economic and social, but also cultural and environmental. Tourism adds value to our heritage and encourages its protection.
"Only the imprint of our footsteps should remain behind us, let us leave the best of memories to our hosts." -Quote from the first ethical charter for travellers, written in 1996
