How to Choose Responsible Vacation Experiences

When we search for "fun things to do in... (insert your destination here)," there is a lot left to decipher amongst the hundreds of results. Which are legit and which are scams? Which is a good match for your interests? What fits in the budget? One question that you might be adding to the list these days is "Which is offered by a trustworthy and responsible tour operator?"

Unfortunately, many tour operators seeking to maximize profit from undiscerning tourists put sustainability and animal welfare on the backburner. This is obviously not great for the planet, but it also tends to deliver a way less interesting and meaningful experience for you too. Instead, opt for a host who demonstrates a respect for their community and that they are committed to running their business ethically. That sounds logical, but... how do you figure that out?

Glad you asked.

Research Sustainability Practices

Before you book, take the time to research the tour operators on your shortlist. Look for operators that clearly outline their sustainability efforts on their websites.

Responsible operators should explain how they minimize their carbon footprint; ideally it will be more than a simple carbon offsetting program. Be wary of things that sound too good to be true. Greenwashing is becoming pervasive where businesses use conservation jargon to make it sound like they're doing more than they really are to protect the environment. Responsible tour operators will clearly describe the practices they use to minimize waste and/or energy use. Also keep an eye out for companies that participate in local conservation projects or have their own green initiatives in place.

Certifications from respected organizations like Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), EarthCheck, or Travelife are good indicators of an operator's commitment to sustainable tourism.

Prioritize Responsible Animal Interactions

If wildlife encounters are on your agenda, choose operators that respect animal welfare. This means focusing on experiences that bring you into the wild to observe the natural behaviors of creatures in their natural habitat. If a tour is offering opportunities to interact with or touch animals or if animals have been trained to do things for your entertainment (think elephant rides or feeding monkeys), that is a red flag to steer clear.

Be wary of commercial businesses that claim to be conservation or rehabilitation centers, as this can sometimes be a branding tactic. In short, the guidance here is 1) go into the wild and 2) look but don't touch.

Evaluate Local Community Engagement

Supporting local communities is a core principle of sustainable tourism. Ask your potential tour operator about their relationships with the communities you’ll visit and how they contribute to local economies. Responsible operators often hire local guides, source materials from local shops, and pay fair wages. If there are opportunities to eat at local restaurants or patronize local shops as part of your experience, that's a good sign you're on the right track. Avoid interactions that might put you in close contact with vulnerable children, even if the objective is altruistic.

Travel Further Afield

Tourist traps are laid where the tourists go... so go somewhere else! When you wander further out from popular destinations, you'll be more likely to find local tour operators who are deeply a part of and invested in being stewards of their communities. This not only helps you find folks who are willing to take people to the quieter corners of the world, it also helps protect popular destinations from overcrowding. Learning how to make pasta with the woman who runs your quaint agriturismo in Torrita di Siena is way more memorable than jostling with hundreds of smelly tourists all trying to flip a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Finding the Right Match

Choosing a responsible tour operator takes some extra work, but it's ultimately so worthwhile. Keep in mind as you do your research that not all companies can afford to meet all the criteria of some of the certification standards mentioned above. Try not to write off an operator just because they don't have the GSTC seal of approval. Rather, the more important thing is whether a business is doing well in adopting sustainable and socially responsible practices most of the time and that they are honest and transparent about where they excel and where they still aim to improve.

Ultimately, you're trying to find your best match and that could manifest in many different ways. There is likely not one single right answer. So don't stress on finding the perfect tour operator, just find one of the many great ones who is also a good match for what you want to experience. Still overwhelmed? Ask for help from a travel advisor! (Psst, I'm right here).