Getting Started with Ethical Travel – My Journey
So, I started thinking more about how I travel a while back. It wasn’t one big moment, more like a slow burn. I’d see stuff on trips – you know, plastic everywhere, ridiculously crowded spots where locals looked kinda fed up, tours that just felt… off. It got me wondering if there was a better way to do things, something that felt a bit more right.
First thing I did? I just started paying more attention. On my next trip, I deliberately watched where my money was going. Was it staying local, or just flowing out to some big company far away? I also started reading up a bit, not academic stuff, just looking around online and trying to get a feel for the issues. Talked to some folks who seemed to travel more thoughtfully too.
Changing How I Plan
The planning part changed quite a bit. Here’s what I started doing:
- Picking Places: I began looking beyond the absolute top hotspots. Sometimes going slightly off the beaten path meant fewer crowds and my tourist dollars felt more impactful for the smaller communities. I’m not saying avoid popular places entirely, but maybe consider the shoulder seasons or nearby alternatives.
- Finding Stays: This was a big one. I made a real effort to find locally owned guesthouses or small hotels. Took more digging sometimes, compared to just clicking on the first big chain hotel that popped up. I looked at local tourism websites (the official ones for the town or region, not giant booking sites) or even just walked around a bit upon arrival if the place was small enough. It felt better knowing the money was supporting a local family directly.
- Getting Around: I started thinking more about planes versus trains, especially for shorter hops. Trains often give you a better view anyway! And once I arrived, I leaned heavily on local buses, subways, or just walking. Way cheaper and you see more of the real place.
On the Road: Making Choices Day-to-Day
Once I was actually travelling, I tried to keep these things in mind:
Interacting Locally: Tried to learn at least basic greetings in the local language. It’s amazing how much difference a simple ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ makes. Also got into the habit of asking before snapping photos of people. Seems obvious, but easy to forget when you’re excited. Respecting local customs became a priority – dressing appropriately, understanding tipping norms, that sort of thing.
Spending Wisely: I actively looked for local eateries, not the big international chains. The food’s usually better and cheaper anyway! Same for souvenirs – I tried to buy directly from the person who made it, like at a local market, rather than a generic tourist shop. I also became way more critical of tours, especially anything involving animals. I started asking questions: Are the animals treated well? Does this activity actually benefit the local community or exploit them?
Leaving Less Trace: This felt pretty straightforward. Carried my own reusable water bottle everywhere. Said no to plastic bags in shops when I could manage without. Tried to stick to marked paths when hiking to avoid messing up fragile environments. Basically, just tried to clean up after myself and minimize my physical footprint.
Was it Worth It?
Honestly? Yes. It sometimes takes a bit more effort upfront, especially the planning. You can’t always just click and book everything in five minutes. But the trips themselves felt richer. I felt more connected to the places I visited and the people I met. Eating at tiny local spots, staying in family-run places, buying crafts directly – these led to some great conversations and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
It’s not about being perfect. I still make mistakes or take the easier option sometimes. But consciously trying to travel more ethically has definitely made my travels more meaningful. It’s an ongoing process, learning as I go, but I definitely prefer travelling this way now.
