What is responsible travel? It's all about making a conscious effort to use the power of travel as a positive influence. It means being aware of your impact on people's home, and aiding in creating a better and stronger place to live and explore. So, with this in mind, here are some easy tips to help you travel responsibly:
Dine and Shop Local
Not only do local restaurants and markets offer the best when it comes to authentic food, but supporting local businesses such as these is a great way of investing into the destination. The money that you spend on your breakfast Bánh Mì, fresh fruit and veg at La Vega Central or your fresh clam chowder will all be paying back into the economy. Many countries rely on tourism to strengthen their economies, so staying local will have a long-term effect on protecting their people and habitats!
![Small Greek restaurant on street in Mykonos]()
Small Greek restaurant on street in Mykonos
Choose Sustainable Experiences
There are so many unique experiences to be had that will help rebuild, protect or grow parts of the community. From planting a tree in Barbados (and be sent updates as it grows!) to visiting a sustainable bee sanctuary with Chablé Yucatán, you can have a positive impact whilst creating unforgettable memories. Even unmissable sights such as national parks and marine sanctuaries are key to protecting the planet's resources and ecosystems, and by visiting you can help preserve these places and animals.
![Mala Walk, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia]()
Mala Walk, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Reduce Waste
There are easy ways that we as travellers can reduce our plastic waste: carrying a re-usable water bottle, opting for locally filtered water, bringing a tote bag or rucksack when you shop. But when choosing where to stay, many hotels are having a big impact, such as Sani Resorts who divert 56% of their waste from landfill and are free from single use plastics, and Soneva Fushi who became one of the first resorts in the world to ban the import of branded bottled water, replacing them with its own Soneva Water in reusable glass bottles.
![Sani Resorts]()
Sani Resorts
![Water bottle]()
Water bottle
Consider Your Transport
Who we fly with, and how we fly, can help with travelling more responsibly. Selecting direct flights, choosing more energy-efficient aircrafts and flying with
airlines that have sustainability initiatives will help reduce our carbon footprint. And you can even offset your carbon production when booking with Elegant Resorts due to our partnership with Trees4travel!
Once at your destination, taking some of the more sustainable options like trams, trains and metro are not only better for the environment, but much more immersive too.
![United Airlines]()
United Airlines
![Tram with a view of Milan behind]()
Tram with a view of Milan behind
Avoid The Crowds
Heading off the beaten track and towards quieter areas will not only help you have a more authentic stay. Choosing the destinations less travelled also helps counter overtourism: where excessive tourism to a destination has a negative impact on quality of life or visitor experience. Our portfolio is filled with exclusivity and authenticity that has rightly earned a spot on the bucket lists of many discerning travellers; Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Necker Island and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley just to name a few!
![One&Only Wolgan Valley Landscape]()
One&Only Wolgan Valley Landscape
Pick Sustainable Souvenirs
Souvenirs made of shells, corals, precious wood or any endangered species require taking these materials away from the natural ecosystem, so trinkets like these should be avoided. Opting for sustainable souvenirs not only helps protect delicate ecosystems but also supports local communities and artisans who create eco-friendly products. By selecting items made from recycled materials, sustainably sourced resources or supporting fair-trade initiatives, travellers can make a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
![Decorated tagine and traditional Moroccan souvenirs in a Medina souk]()
Decorated tagine and traditional Moroccan souvenirs in a Medina souk
Pack for Purpose
Travelling with Elegant Resorts allows you to transform any vacant space in your suitcase into a force for good. We proudly support Pack for Purpose, an initiative that inspires travellers to make meaningful contributions to the communities they visit by bringing much-needed items with them. Whichever destination you are heading to will have a well-researched list of items that would help the community, from school supplies like crayons and chalk or medical supplies to deflated footballs. Just ask our team about this project when booking and we can help with what to pack, and how to make the donation!
![Person with suitcase]()
Person with suitcase