Travel for Good: 3 Ways to Be a Responsible Adventurer

Your trip to Tokyo might have inspired you to advocate for better public transportation in your city. Enjoying fresh meals in Denmark might have inspired you to start volunteering in your local community garden. Even a quick road trip to a nearby national park might have encouraged you to join a regional conservation club.

Travel can be a force for good in the world, and it certainly can change us for the better. While there’s plenty that you can gain from travel, it’s important to make an effort to be a responsible traveler as well. If you love being a guest in other cities, countries, or continents, check out these tips for how to be gracious to your hosts. 

Look for Local Lodging

While short-term rentals can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore unique neighborhoods, and feel right at home in a new place, this type of lodging can negatively impact a town or city, especially popular destinations. When too many short-term rentals crop up in an area, they can raise the cost of living, displace locals, and contribute to overtourism. Luckily, with a little extra research, you can make sure you’re choosing accommodations that support your next destination.

Whether you stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, a locally owned hotel, or a short-term rental that’s managed by a real person rather than a property management company, mindfully choosing your lodging can help you enjoy an authentic experience.

Make Lasting Purchases

Whether you’re browsing souvenirs or replacing your duffel bag, one of the best ways to be a responsible traveler is to think long-term when making purchases. After all, you’ll probably cherish thoughtfully crafted local goods more than a mass-produced keychain, and you’ll get far more mileage out of a well-made, repairable travel duffel bag.

While high-quality purchases can be more expensive initially, holding your purchases to a higher standard when you travel can reduce waste, support ethical businesses, and help you prioritize experiences over objects.

Stray From the Beaten Path

Let’s face it: everyone’s travel bucket list includes a few iconic destinations. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Mona Lisa or the Taj Mahal, you should absolutely check out these popular attractions responsibly. However, a great way to become a responsible traveler is to broaden your list of dream destinations.

By getting off the beaten path and traveling to more remote, unique locations, you’ll not only have unique travel experiences, but you’ll also avoid contributing to over-tourism. Whether you sling your carry on backpack over your shoulder and explore remote villages or look for local attractions in a popular city, you can explore with peace of mind, knowing that you’re adventuring responsibly.

When you travel to gain an appreciation for the world around you, connect with different cultures, and celebrate your adventurous spirit. You know how important it is to use travel as a force for good. With these three tips, you can enjoy more authentic, meaningful experiences and be a great guest.

About Eagle Creek

Whether you take the rugged shortcuts or the well-paved scenic routes, every memorable trip starts with reliable gear from Eagle Creek. In 1975, Eagle Creek pioneered the adventure travel gear industry and has been raising the bar for multipurpose travel equipment ever since. The brand, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is continuously improving upon its classic luggage styles while developing innovative, space-saving packing solutions. Whether you need compressible packing cubes, a carry on duffel bag, or a compact travel toiletry bag, this bold brand has you covered. The No Matter What® Warranty ensures that any piece of Eagle Creek gear can be repaired or replaced, while their high-quality construction assures you that you’ll rarely have to worry about damage. With versatile, reparable gear, you can hit rocky and paved roads alike with confidence.

Find responsible travel gear for mindful adventurers at https://www.eaglecreek.com/

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