10 Ways You Can Travel Responsibly

The wait is over, for real—the comeback of traveling is here and so is our built-up desire to wander off to places far away from the city’s noise and bustle. Finally, after two years of being stuck at home watching travel vlogs or shows and looking at our throwback photos from our previous trips, we can now continue to live our getaway dreams.

But whether we’re going on a domestic tour or abroad, there is one thing that remains the same. With the consistent environmental problems around the world, being a traveler entails a huge responsibility on our end, thus the need for mindful choices when we go.

It’s often the simplest things that we tend to forget, but this time around, let’s pledge to do better and be a more responsible tourist. If you just follow these 10 ways to observe sustainability when you’re on wanderer mode, it’s a step towards healing and caring better for mother earth. Just think of the future generations who should also see the beauty of our world—let’s lend a hand in every little way we can, beginning with the basic reminders that will make a huge impact on the green movement. Read on!

1. Leave no traces

We often see this statement whenever we go traveling—when lounging by a secret beach, hiking up a mountain, and in so many more destinations. You can practice this by, first things first, proper waste disposal. Bring your trash as you go and encourage others to do so. Also remember to leave things as they are, especially the natural fauna and flora.

2. Support local

From purchasing locally made goods as pasalubong to booking tours and activities managed by the locals, this offers a big positive impact on the community you’re visiting.

3. Bring reusable items 

Refuse single-use plastic that fills landmines for decades and centuries. Instead, be kinder by bringing your own tumbler bottles and utensils. Eco bags for your purchases are also a must!

4. Stay in eco-friendly accommodations

There has been a trend in hotels that support the green movement. So make sure to do your research and choose an accommodation that practices sustainability in their products and services. 

5. Be wise in your mode of transportation

Try to reduce the carbon footprint during your travels in simple ways. If you must fly, choose direct flights. If going on a road trip, save on gas emission by carpooling with friends. When going around a neighborhood, there’s no better way to explore than by going on foot or, for extra fun, hopping on a bike!

6. Support ecotourism

From volunteer tourism to basking in the beauty of a protected area, it feels better to go astray the mainstream route and look at traveling in a different perspective.

7. Be mindful of the products you bring/use

Apart from reusable essentials, one must also rethink their choices when it comes to personal care products. There are eco-friendly soaps and shampoo bars now available in the market, as well as coral-friendly sunblock to shield you from harmful UV rays on your next beach vacay.

8. Respect local culture

This not only makes your trip more meaningful and fun, the community or country you visit will also appreciate the effort you put in understanding their way of life. From simple dos and don’ts to speaking their language, educating yourself ahead of time is a must for responsible travel! 

9. Save water and energy

Just because you pay for it doesn’t mean you should use it excessively! Do your part in caring for the environment and practice conservation even when you travel. Save water when you shower, turn off lights when you leave your hotel room, and even avoiding food waste are ethical ways to be sustainable when on a trip!

10. Travel off-season

One of the things that harms a destination is overtourism. So for your next trip, why not go on a different route and choose a place where it’s off tourist peak season? Not only will you get to enjoy the spot with lesser crowds, you’ll also be able to appreciate its beauty more and it will be better for the environment, the businesses, and the whole community.

Photos from Unsplash

Special thanks to First Philippine Holdings Corporation.

First Philippine Holdings Corporation is a management and investment company whose major business is power generation and distribution, with strategic initiatives in manufacturing and property development. FPH is a member of the Lopez Group of Companies. Follow FPH on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.