Yes, you can and should have fun while traveling – responsible travel does not have to be a stuffy and boring activity, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Contrary to popular belief, responsible travel is not an oxymoron! Responsible tourism does not have to fit in the particular mould of experts’ definition of the term, it should rather be amalgamated into the way you travel, just the way you like it.
So what does responsible travel mean?
It involves ‘making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit’. Simply put, responsible tourism requires aligning all your activities under the realization that one’s actions as a tourist affect the destination, its inhabitants, and its ecosystem.
When everything from booking your tour with the right agency, to trying the local food at the destination is done with this underlying principle, then you can call yourself a responsible tourist.
Why does it matter?
Well, if you do not care much about the environment, issues like global warming, or the simple fact that the future generations have the same rights to witness global cultures through traveling as we do, read no further!
On the other hand, if the thought of rapidly melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and diminishing cultural identities create the slightest of a stir in you, choose responsible tourism. It is the least we can do as travellers to play a little part in the destination’s overall well-being.
Why travel responsibly in India?
The cultural wealth and diversity of Indian people come from its consistent resistance towards oppression at the hands of several foreign invaders and subsequently their ruthless regimes. Despite the unimaginable horrors inflicted upon the country and its people, the nation blossomed into what it is today – a mesmerizing concoction of colours, traditions, and ethnic diversity.
While there are pieces of evidence of the subcontinent’s natives being pioneers in almost every field, be it architecture, agriculture, or medicine; its modern inhabitants seem to wander astray.
For foreign visitors, it becomes even more important than the natural sanctity of the country’s resources – both natural and man-made, to be protected and cherished. Not only because of the demonstration effect (the hypothesis suggesting that young locals emulate behaviour patterns of foreign visitors) but also because of Indian masses generally lean towards placing western tourists on a pedestal.
Wouldn’t you want to give a little something in return to a country that has given so much to the world?
How to do it?
Three of India’s most visited cities, Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, also commonly referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’ suffer significant degradation, pollution, and massive carbon footprint as a direct result of tourism.
Buy local
Indian craftsmen are highly skilled at many art forms that make first-time visitors drop their jaws. In the golden triangle region, you would find intricately carved marble replicas of the Taj Mahal, hand-woven rugs with the quality that outshines the finest ones found in the middle-east and leather bags that put global brands to shame!
When you choose to support a local producer, instead of a giant multinational retailer, it supports the delicate local economy that relies heavily on visitors. Although it is advisable to bargain most of the time to counter overpricing.
Another way to play your little part is to dine in locally owned and operated eateries or restaurants. That big mac can wait!
Detect abuse
Petting tigers and riding elephants appeal to the animal-lover in almost every traveller. However, most of us do not see how these animals are either abused or drugged to the core!
Research where you are going and why it is better we left these poor creatures in their natural habitat.
Right volunteering
Unfortunately, the growing population and levels of poverty in the nation leave many children malnourished. What is more unfortunate is the corrupt practices of some money-laundering fronts posing as NGOs that exploit these kids to scam westerners.
Before you go for a volunteer opportunity to help young kids, the elderly, or even the animals, make sure your donations and time actually go towards the cause.
Set examples
The society in developed countries drills the importance of a clean and safe environment into the minds of kids from an early age. In India, you could find people dumping trash near a gorgeous mountainside. Although many, particularly the youth, are waking up to the traditional values of cleanliness and hygiene, the absence of proper garbage disposal mechanics and lack of government interest in the matter in some Indian states forces people to dispose of garbage at randomly selected spots.
The fact that ‘woke’ western tourists carry their trash in backpacks from a mountain trek (such as the Waste-warriors initiative) encourages many locals to do the same thing.
Being mindful of your practices while in India and having an overall sense of respect for the traditions will make sure you enjoy your trip while being responsible.
Want to travel India safely and responsibly without compromising on the fun? Visit us to find more about our sustainable, eco-friendly tourism practices, or get in touch with one of our experts for a free consultation on a customized tour.
