Everyone loves to travel and make memories. While vacationing and
globe trotting is fun, let’s add a new dimension to the good times by
being a responsible traveller.
IT’S CALLED ETIQUETTE
It is uncouth to inconvenience others at the expense of having your
own fun. Jostling in lines to get ahead, creating a commotion, and
being discourteous to the elderly count as irresponsible behaviour
especially when you are on the go. Accept that there will be delays
and glitches when you are on the move. Remember to lend a helping
hand to the juniors and seniors. Be kind and gracious, it costs nothing.
PACK SENSIBLY
Keep a personal linen shopping bag handy while you are on the move.
There are sneakers shaped from discarded plastic bottles, swimsuits
shaped from recycled fishing nets to invest in the next time you are up
to make a purchase. A bamboo toothbrush, menstrual cups and bio
degradable sanitary napkins, and diapers, set the tone for your
sustainable travel. Streamline the plastic consumption too. Carrying
your own water bottle does away with buying mineral water bottles.
ENJOY SLOW TRAVEL
Don’t give in to over tourism – going to overcrowded, touristy
locations. Discover undiscovered locations when you travel. Leaping
around many places in two days enlarges your carbon footprint
sizably. Offset this by booking homestays, tents and eco-lodges, and
spending more time at fewer locations. Experience the local flavour
while moving around, volunteer for activities like planting saplings at
the resort you are staying, making pottery, or teaching kids a skill.
Learn to give back in some way. Lifechanging experiences can arrive
at smaller places you visit and stay at, without spending extravagantly.
GO LOCAL
Shop for locally made handicrafts and souvenirs. Prop the economy of
the place you visit, support the eco system there. Browse through
hand made soaps, candles, scrubs, essential oils and curios. Post
pictures on your social media, encouraging others to buy locally. Eat
the fresh, seasonal local produce, like the kachri chutney over a
packaged Chinese sauce. Enjoy the fruits and vegetables, and recipes
indigenous to the region. Respect the customs and traditions of the
place you visit, observing the dress codes at heritage sites and
religious locations. If you are required to cover your head, or be
appropriately clothes, do comply.
BE DISCREET
Exercise your discretion when it comes to investing your resources.
Be mindful. Rowing on the backwaters is preferable over a motorised
chug across the waters. Avoid one-time use items. Go paperless and
carry digital copies of your tickets and documents. Cycle, waveboard,
choose an electric vehicle as opposed to hiring a car and driving
around, or mounting camels and horses. Nature brings in the best
therapy – make the most of the outdoors rather than staying cooped
up in airconditioned rooms. Preserve nature. We owe it to our planet to care for our environment.
LEARN TO CARE
Avoid ruthless bargaining while shopping
Skip the use of plastic
Leave no trace – ensure you do not litter
Observe protocols for clicking pictures
Respect the wildlife
Shilpi Madan for DHWknd