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    Family Travel Advice > Raising global citizens > Conscious Travel: How Travel Impacts The Environment And The Communities We Visit!

    Conscious Travel: How Travel Impacts The Environment And The Communities We Visit!

    • By Alison
    • September 14, 2021
    • Reading Time: 3 minutes
    • Please note that the article may contain affiliate links. Bébé Voyage may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
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    ©Liz McEachern Hall/Three Twelve Photography

    We cannot talk about conscious travel without talking about its impact on the environment and the communities we visit. But how do we travel more consciously — both environmentally and socially — to minimize our footprints? As travelers, there are things we can do before, throughout, and even after we return home from a trip. As you check this list and reframe how you travel, consider this a journey, not a destination. We encourage you to try one new thing and build from there. Finding ways to apply this to your travels will take time, as will changing your habits. But if you can start with just one idea, you are already improving your footprint. Those small changes will add up. 

     

    This article is the final installment to a three-part series on becoming a more socially and environmentally conscious traveler: (1) planning your trip, (2) while on holiday, and (3) extending your impact once back home. 

     

    Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

    DONATE TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES 

    When you learn about or visit communities, issues, and causes, keep an ear out for ways to contribute once you are back home. You will undoubtedly interact with groups that could use financial contributions. What can you sacrifice in your daily life to give back for the ways this trip has enriched your life? 

     

    KEEP TALKING TO THE KIDS

    As you return home, continue the discussions around responsible travel and global citizenship with your children. They are never too young to have these conversations and start building this lens. With some travel under their belt, this will start to make more sense. Seeing tourist sites alone or seeing diverse communities is not enough. Help them connect the dots between your pre-traveling advice and their experience.

     

    SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE LOCALLY

    In addition to your own family, start sharing your conscious travel experiences with your other loved ones and in your social circles. What experiences opened your eyes? Did you make any changes that will stick? What changes are also realistic and important for your community to try out too? Your family and friends can also make changes to their lives that will have big impacts. Your advice can ignite their journey. 

     

    SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES ONLINE

    Use your social networks to share real stories of the communities and people you met, not the prepackaged version sold to make tourists most comfortable. There are likely untold stories or perspectives you can highlight and amplify.  If there are social issues that other responsible travelers or caring citizens can contribute or donate to, share those too. 

     

    MIND THE APPROPRIATION 

    As you craft these narratives, be sure to mind the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Avoid co-opting or fetishizing communities, and especially partaking in activities or dress just for the ‘Gram. Consider the significance of the practice, which may be far deeper than you experienced during your travels. Ensure your language is respectful, avoiding comparing and contrasting where possible. Travel has the greatest power for transformation when those involved act respectfully and sensitively. 

    ©Tourism Cares

    FOLLOW TRAVEL ORGS FOR THE GREATER GOOD

    Follow and share content from other socially-conscious travelers and organizations to keep generating new ideas for positive impacts, such as the Center for Responsible Travel (website | Instagram), Impact Travel Alliance (website | Instagram), Book Different (website | Instagram), Sustainable Travel International (website | Instagram), Regenerative Travel (website | Instagram), Tourism Cares (website | Instagram), Tomorrow’s Air (website | Instagram), Tourism Declares (website | Instagram), and the Destination Stewardship Center (website). 

     

    KEEP REFLECTING 

    Becoming a more responsible traveler is a journey, not a destination. New issues will arise, as will new approaches. Keep educating yourself and connecting the dots between what you read and what you experience. Make sure to keep your eyes and mind open to the possibilities and your own power to enact change.

     

    If you have other ideas for our like-minded community, please share them in the comments section below.

    You might also like these articles on the Bébé Voyage Blog:

    From Planning To Cultural Considerations, A Journey To Socially Conscious Travel

    7 Tips On How To Minimize Your Social and Environmental Footprint When Traveling.

    • conscious travel, socially conscious travel
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    Alison

    Alison

    This Wisconsin mom has crisscrossed the globe with her husband and two children, documenting it all on her @FindingSalas Instagram feed and YouTube channel. Alison has lived abroad, taken a round-the-world trip, and travelled full-time with her family. Now living back in the United States, she jumps at any chance to get on a plane, train, or automobile to max out her leave time. With her family, she hopes to also bring an Indigenous lens to the travel community.
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    About Author

    Alison

    This Wisconsin mom has crisscrossed the globe with her husband and two children, documenting it all on her @FindingSalas Instagram feed and YouTube channel. Alison has lived abroad, taken a round-the-world trip, and travelled full-time with her family. Now living back in the United States, she jumps at any chance to get on a plane, train, or automobile to max out her leave time. With her family, she hopes to also bring an Indigenous lens to the travel community.

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