Some Tips for Responsible Travel in UK
Responsible travel will ensure your holiday experience is an authentic one, as taking responsibility can maximise the benefits of travelling at the same time as minimizing the negative aspects. You can start taking responsibility before you even leave for your holiday destination and this is simply by ensuring you choose a responsible tour operator.
Indeed, tour operators are obliged to let you see their policy towards responsible travelling and this is the first thing you should do upon contacting your tour operator. Specifically, any information on the company's policy towards responsibility should include factors such as how they minimise the tourist impact on the environment and how they support the local communities and economies.
In addition, you should contact the accommodation you are considering in an attempt to ascertain their eco-friendly levels. You could do this by asking your proposed hotel or resort questions such as whether they have a written policy on the environment, how they contribute to the conservation of the local area, whether they employ many locals and whether they support any local charities.
However, you should also ensure you do your bit by doing what you can to reduce your own carbon footprint. For example, you could take one long holiday rather than several shorter ones, travel shorter distances on occasion, ensure you book direct flights only and use public transport at your holiday location as much as possible.
When you are there
An easy way to act responsibly when on holiday is to ensure you buy local products as often as possible and, of course, by ensuring your items are not produced from endangered species, rare plants or important artefacts. Also, should you need the services of anyone such as a guide, for example, ensure you employ the services of a local.
As noted above, when at your destination you should try to use public transport as often as possible should the need arise. If you are travelling shorter distances, walk instead or hire a bike. Indeed, this is often the best way to get around and a great way to meet the locals.
Finally, you should be aware that in some countries water is at a premium and tourists are notorious for using far more water than the locals themselves. Therefore, you should always try to use the water as sparingly as possible.
These are just a few tips on how you can get the most out of your holidays, whether they are adventure holidays, culture holidays or skiing holidays, at the same time as ensuring you give a little something back. In addition, if you have had a fantastic time on your holiday, why not donate something to a local project or charity in the area upon your return?