Escape + Explore – Top Ten Responsible Travel Tips from ASTW
The Bay of Fires walk was certainly a low impact way to see that spectacular and scenic part of Tasmania.
Just a quick post from me today as I’m jet lagged and feeling quite unusual. Really, though, the journey from Glasgow to Sydney was easy. I was able to spend a week with Mum in Scotland only because I was able to use my husband’s many air miles and upgrade to Business Class on Emirates. I’m telling you it’s bloody luxury.
But I’m still a touch jet lagged… and there are always piles of washing when mums get home.
Recently I was approved to join the Australian Society of Travel Writers, starting as an Associate Member. This is a wee thrill for me as I remember hearing about the ASTW when I first came to Sydney at 23 and hoping one day to join. Didn’t expect it to take quite so long, but life got in the way.
Anyway, the ASTW has a page on the website with responsible travel tips, you can read the whole page here.
I thought I’d look at the headings and see how I’m going with them:
1. Fly wisely
No, I’m doing badly, see this past ten days away. I do always offset the travel, but it always feels just a bandaid solution. In truth I prefer to live in a country than to travel around so much, but still, I do fly a fair bit. Score: 2/10
2. Travel light
Oh dear, I’m definitely a 3/10 at this. I use suitcases with wheels. Maybe I need to carry a backpack again, that would make me travel lighter.
3. Go greenly – chose low impact ways to travel when you arrive
Well, I do love to walk and would always prefer to travel by horse, mule or even camel. Buses are a great way to see countries too, when you drive you need to look at the road too much. But when I have four kids with me, car is the only way to go. 6/10
4. Save energy and water
Yes, I don’t need to change towels very often and I’m good at switching off aircon, fans, heaters etc I never leave taps running… maybe just a bit naughty as I love a long ot shower after swimming. 6/10
5. Be aware of local environmental issues
Yes, I try to read up about places and to find out what is endangered, what trinkets are to be avoided, what foods are farmed well. I eat a very veggie diet which generally is helpful I think. 6/10
6. Shop well
Buying locally made goods is de rigeur, who wants a souvenir that was made in China (unless you’re in China!) Markets are my favourite and buying direct from farmers and crafters is ideal. 7/10
7. BYO water bottle
Eek! I need to improve on this. 1/10
8. Respect the natural environment
Yes, pretty good here. I was never the type of traveller who’d climb Uluru or indulge in turtle or seahorse harassment. Look and don’t touch is my motto, and read up on local issues. 7/10
9. Respect the local culture
I know when to cover up and don’t mind that at all. And when in France, go topless. At least attempting the local language is always a thrill. Sometimes I do worry about snapping photos of locals and I do ask when appropriate… but all those longer shots are intrusive. 6/10
10. Support the local economy
It’s good to be a spendthrift and I am and always have been. I do try to support local and small businesses, and to know who owns what. Tougher in Dubai, though. 7/10
When we lived in Pakistan, I often wore shalwar kemeez, though I found the scarf (dupatta) very annoying and only wore it when out.
There are certainly A LOT of ways for me to improve my travel lifestyle. I can tread upon this planet much more lightly, if I work at it. I must re-visit this post in a year’s time.
Do you try to travel wisely?
Can you tell us about one way you travel responsibly?
