Backpacker Travel: Responsible Travel Holidays

Every day it seems to be getting cheaper to travel overseas. Discount airfares from Australia to countries such as Japan, Vietnam and Thailand are advertised all the time. There are great savings to be had buying items such as your travel insurance online and avoiding paying commissions. What it all boils down to is that taking an exotic holidays is becoming more affordable than ever before.

But while we rush overseas in droves eager to sink our toes into tropical sand (and our teeth into tropical delights), few of us stop to consider the impact that our holiday might have on the country we’re visiting.

Eco tourism is a movement that asks travellers to think about the effects their presence has on the people, environment and culture of the country they’re visiting. It encourages people to look beyond the stereotypes presented in tourism campaigns. With images of smiling children and unspoiled beaches, we’re often sold an idealised view of a culture, one that ignores the social and economic realities many of these countries face. Destinations are simply presented as beautiful places there for us to enjoy.

Now you may be thinking this is a bit much on the doom and gloom side to be a consideration for your next holiday. But it's easier to follow the principles of responsible travel than you think. And the experience you'll bring home will be much more fulfilling than the glowing tan and dirt cheap goodies most tourists leave with.

Put simply, responsible travellers focus on offering a positive contribution to the places they visit. This can start even before you even leave home. By reading up on the local culture and customs, and learning as much of the language as possible, you're able to demonstrate a real respect for the country you're visiting. This knowledge will help you understand and engage in the lives of the locals.

You can even go a step further and look into conservation or social projects you could visit on your trip, and ways you could help. This pre-trip research for such projects and related tours may encourage you to get off the beaten track and see how the locals really live. 

There are insurance policies designed to provide cover for just this type of adventurous travel. A single trip insurance policy will give you comprehensive cover and the peace of mind of having 24 hour emergency assistance wherever you go. You will also save on commission if you purchase direct rather than through a travel agent. With all these worries taken care of, you’re free to get away from the main tourist centres and really explore. 

Wherever you end up, strive to support the region you’re visiting by buying local produce instead of imported goods and hiring a local guide to show you around. Consider the environmental impacts your visit will have. Don’t buy products made from endangered species, dwindling resources or artifacts. Show the same respect for the environment as you would back home - avoid wasting water, catch public transport where possible and take your rubbish with you.

It’s undeniable that tourism brings valuable dollars into many countries. But it’s important to recognise that it can also take a heavy toll. So while we enjoy the cheap prices on offer for overseas travel, take the time to adopt a few practices that will help preserve these beautiful destinations for both the locals and future generations of backpackers.