THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
Tourism is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries causing stress on remaining biologically diverse habitats and indigenous cultures, which are often used to support mass tourism.
The responsible traveller is the concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society and economy. As a responsible traveller, you must be sensitive to environment and social issues, seek to protect destinations and can reduce the impact of tourism in many ways:
Informing yourself of the culture, politics and economy of the communities visited
Conserving resources by seeking out destinations that are environmentally conscious
Respecting and supporting local cultures by favouring destinations which conserve cultural heritage and traditional values
Supporting local economies by purchasing local goods
TIPS FOR THE RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
Pack smart and less
Buy electronic tickets to reduce paper waste
Book non-stop flights or one-stop flights
Book your tickets with airlines that are carbon neutral (Visit International Air Transport Association website)
Walk, bike or explore in group whenever possible
Choose and support responsible restaurants and accommodations. Explore this guide as we highlight only places who are acting responsibly
Carry your own reusable water bottle (you can use water refill stations everywhere) and reusable bags everywhere you go
Say no to single use plastic
Refuse extra packaging
Try to use more natural products during your stay
Take short and cold showers: Live in the tropical life
Reuse your clothes as much as possible before thinking laundry
When in an hotel, hang up and reuse your towel as much as possible
Always turn off lights, AC and television when leaving a room. Closing your curtains and blinds can help keep out the heat during the day
Leave the “do not disturb” sign on the door of your room when you don’t need cleaning
Return our printed guide, maps, brochures and other tourist information’s once you’re done so that they can be reused by future travellers or recycled
Buy locally made products
Seek out local artisans when you can; when you buy directly from an artist, you’re not only supporting them and their family, you also contribute to preserve the local culture
Eat and drink local as much as you can
Don’t take any tour that promises hands-on encounters with wild-animals, such as riding elephants
Learn a few basics of Bahasa Indonesia. You’ll be amazed on how knowing simple phrases such as “terima kasih” will impact the way locals treat you
Give back. Sign up for voluntary projects or non-profit organization to help the community as much as possible
Immerse yourself in the local culture. Be a participant, not just an observer.
Use a natural insect repellent daily
Wash your hands or use a natural hand sanitizer often to avoid bacteria that could lead to Bali Belly
Use (reef-safe) sunscreen daily
When snorkelling or diving, don’t touch/step on the coral as it can damage the reef’s fragile ecosystem
Avoid removing shells and stones from the beach
Respect national parks by always staying on paths and trails as marked
Pick up any trash you see during your Bali experience
Share your conscious experience with people