Top Tips on How to Be a Responsible Traveller

No matter what you are doing in your destination of choice, kayaking, trekking, volunteering, paragliding or simply chilling out and sightseeing; There are a few things that we can all do to avoid causing offence or harming the environment. Remember, your actions count. Here are up top tips to make you a more ethical traveler!!

• Understand and respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. You would be mortified to think that you had offended anyone when you arrive so it's worth knowing some of the local cultures. For example in Nepal, it is rude to shake hands, exchange money or eat using your left hand (as this is your dirty hand), it is also frowned upon to touch children on the top of their heads and you should always take off your shoes before entering a monastery.



• Buy locally - If you want to buy your own food or get some snacks, get out of the big western supermarket and buy straight from the market. It's the same produce and you will be helping small businesses survive. You will most likely get a better price and you get the fun of wandering around the markets and meeting locals.

• Ditch the plastic- Many countries do not have recycling facilities and if your drinking 3 litres a day for 2 weeks that's a whopping 84 bottles that will end up in a landfill somewhere. Bring (or buy) a refillable water bottle and use it as much as possible. In Nepal, many shops now have clean drinking water that you can get from a jar for just 10 rupees a litre (half the price of buying a plastic bottle)

• Ask before taking a photo- It's common curtsey. You wouldn't like someone taking a photo of you going about your day to day business, so ask. They may say yes they may say no. If they do say no, say thank you and walk away. Most people don't mind. But it's always nice to ask first.

• Carefully think about the souvenirs you buy- Make sure the items you buy have a legal and documented history and that they aren't stolen and are safe to be exported. You should also make sure you are not supporting activities that damage the environment or are a result of illegal activity. Make sure you are not buying a souvenir made from ivory, endangered hard woods, ancient artefacts or endangered animals.

• Respect the environment- Our main goal is to 'leave no trace'. When your trekking, stick to the paths, don't pick any flowers or damage any trees. If your camping out, consider carefully where you will put your campfire and only use drift wood so as not to encourage de-forestation.

• Choose a Responsible Travel Company - When organising your trip, make sure you book your tour, package or activity with a responsible travel company.

• Learn a little language and get involved! - Start with 'hello' and 'thank you'. In Nepali 'Namaste' and 'Dhanybhad'. It makes a world of difference and people really appreciate it.