Ethical Travel

We love to travel and we try to travel as much as we can, but we also try to do it ethically. Here are a few things to consider on your next travel adventure.

Respect the customs 

If the customs go against your morality then consider not going to that country or city. Remember that you are a guest in another country and things will be different from your home country. The people there do not have to conform to what you believe is moral or right.

Do not exploit the people or wildlife 

Don’t be a sex tourist. Prostitution is illegal in most countries so it’s safe to say that these “brothels” aren’t going to be treating their workers fairly. Also, many of these “brothels” are where women and underage girls are forced into prostitution. They are lied to and told that they will be working in a factory. Anyone who visits these “brothels” is supporting human trafficking and rape. Stay away and find a willing sex partner elsewhere or visit a country where prostitution is legal.

If you are going to visit a wildlife sanctuary then do you due diligence and research. You want to make sure that it is a legitimate sanctuary and that the animals are not being abused. There are so many “wildlife sanctuaries” that aren’t legitimate were animal abuse is rampant. Research as much as you can before deciding on where you will visit so you aren’t supporting the torture of animals.

Bring enough money to support you travels

Don’t be a begpacker. Traveling is a privilege and no one has to support your travels expect for yourself. If you can’t afford to travel then stay home and save until you are able to do so. We have seen many begpackers in Seoul with signs asking for money to fund their travels. Thankfully, some countries are cracking down on begpacking(because it is becoming a huge problem, particularly in South Asia) and forcing these begpackers to leave the country. It also takes away from the local people that are actually relying on people being kind enough to spare them some change.

Support local businesses

Buy local and use local tour guides. Many locals make their living from tourism and they support their families from this income. There’s no better way to give back to a country you are enjoying by supporting their economy. However, keep in mind that requesting items that are not readily available locally places a financial burden on the business. If you have a special request please consider something that is local and relatively easy to find and acquire.

Walk more

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and explore a city is to walk around. We have found so many hidden gems and non-touristy spots throughout a city by walking around more. It’s also a great way to interact more with locals and see how they really live.

Take public transportation

We can’t walk everywhere, but for places we can’t walk to it’s better to take public transportation. It’s better for the environment and it’s often a lot quicker and more convenient to take the metro or bus. Many famous sites will have a metro stop nearby so it’s a win-win.

Don’t litter

This one seems like a no brainer, but we have seen so many tourists leave their garbage lying all over the beach and anywhere they can’t find a trashcan. It’s a little inconvenient to walk around with your trash, but the earth, wildlife, and locals will have a cleaner environment if you hold onto your trash until you can properly dispose of it. No one should have to pick up after you and you should respect where other people live.

When it is safe to travel again we hope that you take these tips into consideration. Traveling is fun, enlightening, and it changes your perspective but we should do it ethically. Safe future travels