Responsible travel: simple ways to travel better

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Responsible travel does not mean giving things up. It means making small choices that keep places beautiful and benefit the people who live there.

Wildlife experiences

• Choose elephant sanctuaries that do not offer rides or shows, such as the ethical sanctuaries near Chiang Mai.
• Avoid attractions where you can pose with sedated or chained animals.
• On safari, follow your guide's instructions, keep quiet and never ask drivers to get closer than allowed.
• On reefs, do not touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Plastic and waste

• Carry a refillable water bottle. Many hotels offer refills.
• Fragile places such as Ladakh, Sikkim and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Islands struggle with plastic waste; take your rubbish back with you.
• Say no to single-use straws and bags.

Respect local culture

• Dress modestly at religious sites and in conservative areas.
• Ask before photographing people, especially at ceremonies and in villages.
• Learn a few words of greeting in the local language.

Support local communities

• Stay in locally owned homestays and guesthouses where possible.
• Buy crafts directly from artisans and cooperatives.
• Eat at local restaurants.
• Hire licensed local guides.

Water and energy

• Reuse towels in hotels.
• Switch off air-conditioning and lights when you leave the room.
• Take short showers, especially in water-scarce desert areas.

Choose the right season

Travelling in the shoulder season spreads tourism through the year and reduces pressure on popular places. It is often cheaper too.

Follow the rules

Permits, timed entries and visitor caps exist to protect places. Respect them, even when it is inconvenient.

We try to build these principles into the itineraries we plan. See Wildlife safaris for responsible wildlife trips.