What’s not to love about traveling? Whether it’s through discovering new places or meeting new people, you’re making memories that genuinely last. Unfortunately, not all our travel habits are good for the places we visit—some of them are quite damaging. Let’s look at 10 unethical travel practices to avoid and why.
Featured Image Credit: kues/Depositphotos.com.
Voluntourism Without Vetted Programs
You might think you’re helping out by building a school on your vacation. But if the program isn’t properly set up to benefit the community in the long term, then it’s all for show. Always check that these programs genuinely help & that you’re not causing problems for local workers.
Visiting Orphanages
The thought of bringing a smile to an orphan’s face sounds great—until orphanages turn into tourist stops. When that happens, it’s the kids who suffer because they’re not zoo animals to be observed. In fact, fleeting attachments they form with visitors can actually mess with their heads. Worse still, some places keep kids in poverty to attract more tourists & their wallets.
Wildlife Selfies
Who doesn’t want a selfie with a cute monkey or a majestic tiger? Sadly, it’s not good for the animals. Many wildlife selfie spots have stressed & mistreated animals that are living in conditions far from their natural habitats. True wildlife appreciation involves watching them from a distance in their element. Don’t disturb their peace.
Supporting Animal Entertainment
Similarly, elephant rides & dolphin shows seem fun but the reality is often anything but. These creatures are trained harshly and kept in places that don’t meet their basic needs. Instead, try going to sanctuaries that actually care for the animals without making them perform tricks for treats.
Buying Souvenirs Made from Endangered Species
There’s no denying that ivory trinkets & tortoiseshell bracelets look pretty. The truth is quite ugly, though. It supports a dark industry that’s pushing some species to the brink of extinction. You should always check what your souvenirs are made of and where they come from, especially since many ethical alternatives are far better.
Disrespecting Local Customs and Dress Codes
Walking into a sacred site dressed for the beach is only going to rub locals the wrong way. Every place has its own set of rules & norms—and showing respect involves following them. Rather than simply blending in, you’re acknowledging that you’re a guest in someone else’s home. You’d want them to do the same in your country, wouldn’t you?
Leaving a Large Carbon Footprint
Flying here, there & everywhere is part of the thrill yet it’s also a big reason why our planet is heating up. Skipping flights altogether isn’t exactly doable—but there are ways to lessen the impact. For example, you should choose direct routes and research ways to offset emissions. Don’t forget to use public transport once you land.
Over-Tourism
Visiting a place so crowded you couldn’t actually see or enjoy it is never fun—that’s over-tourism for you. It strains local resources & damages the environment while also making life difficult for residents. So why not try spreading the love? Try visiting less popular places or traveling during off-seasons—who knows what secrets you might find this way?
Wasting Food and Resources
It’s easy to over-order in a restaurant or leave the hotel room lights on all day when you’re in vacation mode because you think you’re not paying for it. But all that waste adds up—it’s even worse in places with scarce resources. You should be mindful about how much food you order and conserve water & electricity. They’re small steps that make a big difference.
Taking Cultural Artifacts
You might be tempted to take items that are actually cultural artifacts, like ancient stones or pieces of pottery from historical sites. However, this is often illegal. These items are part of a place’s heritage & history, so taking them means taking a piece of the story that belongs to everyone. Stick to buying them from legit stores instead.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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