We saw it all over social media a few months ago: YouTube star Logan Paul doing and saying some really stupid shit of and in Japan, a country whose culture is known to be reverent and deeply spiritual.

Normally I would usually say we shouldn't pay attention to Paul (which is what he and people like him are after, and how they make money), but I think it's important to discuss why his actions are so repulsive and highlight the importance of being a responsible traveler. It's one of the easiest ways we can be of service (or disservice) to the location and people that host us when we travel. 

Although I'm dedicating this year's Earth Day (Happy Earth Day, by the way!) post to discussing it, responsible traveling (or conscious travel, ecotourism, sustainable travel, whatever you want to call it) involves more than the practice of conservation and protection of ecological resources.

What is responsible traveling?

Even if we're wired to think otherwise, traveling is about so much more than ourselves. Responsible traveling is the recognition of that fact and the intentional actions carried out by an individual traveler to have a positive effect in the country he/she visits, to give more than what he/she takes during this time of physical and emotional connection with a foreign culture. The travel industry is becoming aware of the increasing trend of travelers equipped with knowledge and intention when traveling, and are slowly changing their ways of doing business to adapt to a new generation of socially conscious wanderers.

Why should you care about it?

Well, first of all, it's the right thing to do. You would not appreciate inviting people over to your place and having them completely disrespect you, your belongings, or your rules. Traveling follows the same logic. Your adherence to the law, the way you spend your money, your production of waste, your transportation choices, and many more variables have a profound effect in the social canvas of your host country, and you should realize it's your duty to find a way to make your impact a positive one. Travel has done much harm to many ecosystems and human communities all over the world, but time's are changing and our practices need to reflect that.

However, there's something in it for you too. Being a responsible traveler opens up the doors to many positive life-changing experiences that are yours to keep forever. To travel responsibly means you engage in meaningful interactions with locals, you are educated on socially important topics, and are willing to go the extra mile for what's right.

How can you contribute to more conscientious travel?

Fully sustainable travel is hard to pull off, especially if you're traveling internationally and will be relying heavily on fuel-consuming transportation to move around. However, responsible traveling encompasses many things, and you can take in one or more areas at a time to slowly change your ways to that of a conscientious traveler. Here are a few off the cuff tips:

before your trip

• EDUCATE YOURSELF. It's 2018, we have almost whatever information we may want to look for in the tip of our fingers. I've taken up a habit of researching culture, history, significant events, geography, and political issues of the host country before visiting, and I've found it gives me great both conversation topics with locals and an important learning advantage over regular tourists. I start using WikiTravel and TripSavvy, then branch out to read blog posts and recent news.
• When planning your trip, choose less environmentally taxing transportation options. This is a tricky one and I struggle with it a lot. However, just like I mentioned in a previous post, sometimes renting a bike or taking public transportation gives you a very unique perspective into life in the place you're visiting. It's all about making small, consistent, conscious choices for the better.
• Some hotels promote sustainably sources practices and invest significant efforts in promoting social and environmental stewardship. Consider these lodging options for your next trip.
• When choosing tour operators, try to hire a local tour company instead of a foreign owned company. It might be a little more difficult to find, but I guarantee you'll save some dollars and help the local economy. Also, do your research on the environmental and hiring practices that these companies partake in.
• Pack lightly, and if you must take many things, consider having a plan to give some things away efficiently.
• Bring environmentally friendly toiletries, especially if you're heading out backpacking. My go-to brand is Lush.

during your trip

• Follow proper travel etiquette, which will require you to have done your research prior to your trip! Some ethical considerations are not common sense! For example, using certain words in English may be taken as offensive. For ladies, Western style dressing may be viewed as vulgar in certain locations. Tipping is repulsive in Japan. People will, for the most part, understand you're an outsider, but you should still make an effort to respect the customs and blend in positively with your surroundings.
• Know fair trade regulations.
• Do not support begging, even if children approach you. It might seem counterintuitive and heart breaking, but many times children are exploited for money and trade. If you feel uneasy about this, research ways you can end child trafficking and outsourcing in your host country before visiting.
• Skip the MADE IN CHINA gifts (unless you're in China). Buy goods from local artisans. When I travel within the states, I almost always try to hit up the farmer's market, and you bet that every time I go home to Puerto Rico, I spend money buying handmade soaps, locally branded apparel, and other knickknacks I can bring people.
• Learn to embrace the local culture, which include food, music, daily traditions.
• LEAVE NO TRACE.
• Save water.
• Be a steward of righteousness. If a local tries to sell you an illegal item or a service that is not sustainable, know how to stand your ground. Even if it's legal, consider the effects of your touristy actions on the impacted (indigenous communities, animals, ecosystems, etc.). A great example is swimming with dolphins, which I did in Riviera Maya and felt terrible afterwards.

after your trip and all the time

• When local guides ask you to review them on TripAdvisor, don't ignore them. This is how they get more publicity to grow their small business.
• Educate others, both on responsible traveling and the location that you visited. In the United States, people have exaggerated misconceptions about many countries and cultures. Use your knowledge to provide them real facts and lead them to their own responsible. Share this post or others on the matter. Spread the word.

Conscious traveling is more than our responsibility, it is a gift we give ourselves and the people we visit when we're abroad. It is an art that must be learned and mastered with very intentional actions, but like art and many other things in life, the more you do it, the better you get at it. So with that, now it's time to book your next trip (preferably solo hehe), and do a world of good! Peace out! I have some packing to do since I leave for California in a few days.

Note: One non-profit organizations devoted to sustainable tourism around the world is Sustainable Travel International. If you're interested in travel and want to know more about how to support purposeful projects and become a responsible world traveler, visit their page now. I also found some great information to compliment my write-up on Green Global Travel.