“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” -Leo Tolstoy
Traveling is a marvelous thing that everyone should do not once, not twice, but as often as they can. It opens the mind, stimulates the brain, and shines light on the beauty of the world. However, tourism has a lot of negative impacts caused by the increased number of global travelers. Conscious travel and overtourism are two main things that current and future travelers should keep in mind to counteract these problems.
What is conscious travel?
Conscious travel is being mindful and considerate of the world and its people while traveling. It’s about thinking differently about how you travel, and allowing yourself to see a destination through locals’ eyes.
What is overtourism?
Overtourism happens when an influx of tourists overwhelm a destination, making tourism unsustainable. With overtourism on a consistent rise throughout hundreds of destinations around the world, taking a moment to think and be a more conscious traveler can positively change everything about not only your experience but the experience of the locals living in these destinations, too.
Why is conscious travel important?
Many destinations around the globe are experiencing an influx in tourism. While this may generate a large boost economically, there are concerning implications that come with this amount of tourism. The World Travel & Tourism Council and McKinsey & Company partnered to conduct a study on the effects of overtourism. There were five main challenges found with overcrowding:
- Alienated local residents
- Degraded tourist experience
- Overloaded infrastructure
- Damage to nature
- Threats to culture and heritage
Tourism has a bigger impact on communities than many may realize. Increases in rental properties and shops in touristic locations makes it more difficult for locals to make a decent wage to pay their rent every month, as salaries remain low. Profits from tourism often ends up in the hands of big businesses and major tour operators instead of the locals themselves.
What’s more, communities are concerned about the impacts of overtourism on the environment and the well-being of the people. Cities such as Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam are among the worst in regards to issues with overtourism.
Local authorities in these cities have felt immense pressure from unhappy residents due to the disruption that overtourism brings. Barcelona residents have put up signs in popular neighborhoods where tourists tend to flock demanding a stop to overtourism, noise, and Airbnbs, too. They’ve also been known to take to the streets in protest. In Amsterdam, higher tourist taxes are already being implemented. Also, the city has also started advertising campaigns for other cities in the Netherlands to try to combat overcrowding in Amsterdam.
The tourism industry has a long way to go before a kinder world-wide travel experience is possible, but that’s where conscious travel comes into play. Being aware of where your money is going and the impact your visit has on a culture is already several steps in the right direction.
What can you do to be a more conscious traveler?
1. Pack reusable shopping bags instead of taking plastic bags from shops.
2.Shop local and get souvenirs from handmade sellers and boutiques.
3. Visit local coffee shops and avoid chains.
4. This applies to fast food, too. Go local.
5. Avoid staying in hotel chains. Rent bed and breakfasts or stay in a hostel, for example.
6. Ride a bike or walk.
7. Learn words and phrases in the local language.
8. Respect the culture and do your best to dress appropriately for the destination you are visiting.
9. Don’t engage in unethical tourist activities (basically anything involving animals.)
10. Use local tour guides instead of major companies. They’ll show you the real side of the destination and you know the money is benefiting the local community rather than a major corporation.
11. Go off the beaten path.
12. Be kind and patient with locals.
13. Pack your own reusable water bottle, spoon, fork, and knife. For other tips on using less plastic, see my article here.
14. Talk to locals.
15. Be respectful.
16. Dive into the culture and keep an open mind.
17. Volunteer while traveling. This doesn’t have to be long-term. You can spend an afternoon at an animal shelter, for example, if you don’t have time to commit to weeks of volunteer work.
18. Visit the local farmers’ market instead of shopping at a chain.
19. Visit lesser-known cities and towns.
20. Travel during off-peak periods.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
38 Responses
I’m totally with you on this one. We should all be more considerate of other countries, their culture and history. It is the little steps that can make a big difference.
Yes, little steps 🥰
It is so important to be more conscious when travelling nowadays. I always try to eat local and avoid chains when buying stuff.
Awesome! Then it sounds like you’re already on the right track to being a kind and conscious traveler! 🤗
very nice tips. I believe it will also help you to know places better and make your whole trip more memorable and special.
Wow! That is such an interesting read! I’ve not been to those highly populated places but I can so see the side of the locals and how it could mess things up for them.
Thanks for sharing these useful tips. I will consider some of these on my next trip.
I never thought of any of this. It’s great information for those of us that travel.
Aw, well then I’m very happy that you stumbled upon this article! 🙂
This is an important issue to discuss! It reminds me of how everyone went to see the pigs swimming in the Bahama’s and sadly, it was overtourism that wiped them out.
Those were a very great guide. When you are travleing should have to be being more concious of the place you are going. make sure to be a good citizen.
This is such a great thing to highlight. I happened to be looking at someone’s photos from a trip to Paris and I noticed so much trash on the grounds of the Louvre. So sad; thanks for opening the discussion!
Oooft! Yes – exactly. It’s still a city, not a stomping ground for litter. 🙁
i love these tips. i believe you really should learn as much about a place and its culture before you go, as you can
Yes <3
Thanks for this post, I liked your take on the matter! These are definitely some new things to consider
I’m glad to hear!
I totally agree with you on this suggestion. We really have to respect the culture and values of the place that you’re visiting.
When in a foreign place, we always see to it to taste its delicacies but also respect the people’s traditions and ways of living.
Then you’ve got it down <3
I’ve never heard of overtourism before, but when we travel, we avoid places that are busy. We recently took the kids to Mexico and rented a car so we could see places that were off the beaten path. I also like being able to support local businesses and not just the big businesses that are in the tourist areas.
Yep! Overtourism bites! But it’s nice to hear you’re going off the beaten path too. 🙂
This is such a good post. Most people wouldn’t even think of or realize the importance of this. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it. 🙂
I try and use local shops and restaurants when I am travelling and always take a refillable bottle
These are great tips and ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of…I hope to travel this year or start planning for next…it’s been so long since I’ve been on a vacation. Thank you for sharing!
This is so important to remember and we are always respectful with locals and try to be mindful of our impact x
I love the reuseable bag tip! I try to use them as much as possible at home, but never thought to bring them when I travel too!
Great tips for practicing conscious travel. I think it’s important to experience the country from a local.
Loved all the ideas shared here. I’m also an eco friendly mom whenever I go, I bring a lot of them. 🙂
That’s awesome to hear! ♥️
I am increasingly trying to be a conscious traveller and only visit sustainable tourism destinations. Loved your thougths on the topic, too
When I heard people travel long term and they do it by hitchiking,
I liked the idea of roaming around, travelling slowly, discovering the
local life this way..
Thanks for the tips..
You’re such a great writer! Also, I love this article. It definitely put things in perspective with the locals. A simple action can help a lot.
Such a interesting and important post. Will bookmark this one!
Really interesting topic! I am not sure that many people consider your tips so it’s always great to learn something new. Have a lovely day, Iga https://www.igaberry.com
Great tips and reminders for us all. Love your tip about being patient with locals. I’ve seen too many people become frustrated with locals because of a language barrier or a slower way of doing something. It’s so important for people to remember we’re guests in their community!
Also, love the tip about local guides and tours. In Ho Chi Minh I used a free walking tour offered by local university students who used the tour they provided as an opportunity to practice their English. A win-win for both of us!