Responsible travel

Travel Specialist M.J. Kietzke spends time on her own journeys gathering information about responsible travel so that The Travel Specialists can educate others about the issues and concerns regarding tourism and development around the world. The responsible traveler contributes to the protection of natural places and local cultures and avoids doing them harm. Responsible travelers also help support local economies while fostering peaceful, positive cultural exchange.

Guidelines for responsible travel:
• Travel in the spirit of humility and with a genuine desire to meet and talk with local people; travel to meet, not conquer.

• Reflect daily on your experiences; seek to deepen your understanding. Remember: What enriches you may rob or violate others.

• Be environmentally friendly; conserve energy, water, and other resources. Only bring necessary technological gadgetry. Try not to bring any containers that you don’t plan to take out, and participate in local recycling programs where available.

• Don’t create barriers. Walk, bicycle, and use other forms of non-motorized transportation.

• Acquaint yourself with the local customs. Be culturally sensitive, especially with photography.

• Realize the differences people have in other countries, such as different concepts of time and different thought patterns.

• Be economically efficient. Spend money so that it stays in the community. When buying, remember that a bargain may be obtained because of low wages paid to the producer. Don’t purchase products made from endangered species.

• Cultivate the habit of listening and observing. Discover the enrichment that comes from seeing another way of life.