Being a responsible tourist...

The visited country and its culture

• do some research about the place before you visit
• each country is unique, so be aware of religious and social customs
• dress and behave respectfully, according to the local habits, especially in villages, religious and cultural areas
• learn key words in the local language
• respect the dignity and privacy of others – ask before taking photos
• visit the visitor centre on arrival for local information
• don't do anything you wouldn't do at home

Minimise the environmental impact - think of your carbon footprint

• dispose of rubbish carefully, recycle where possible, reuse your drink bottles and shopping bags
• you can refuse plastic bags at supermarkets or shops
• minimise water and energy use
• choose environmentally responsible tour operators
• follow the principles of slow travel: use slower forms of transport where possible and take one long holiday rather than a number of trips per year.
• hire a bike instead of a car
• if you need to hire a car, choose a model with a small engine to cut down on your fuel consumption

• purchase local products, arts and crafts
• eat local rather than imported food
• stay in locally owned accommodation
  

• bargaining for goods may not be appropriate behaviour everywhere
• if the price is negotiable, pay a price that is fair for the seller and maker