Traveler's Code for Traveling Responsibly

Guidelines for Individuals

Cultural Understanding

• Travel with an open mind: cultivate the habit of listening and observing; discover the enrichment that comes from experiencing another way of life.

• Reflect daily on your experiences and keep a journal.

• Prepare: learn the geography, culture, history, beliefs, some local language; know how to be a good guest in the country or culture.

Social Impacts

• Support the local economy by using locally-owned restaurants and hotels, buying local products made by locals from renewable resources.

• Interact with local residents in a culturally appropriate manner.

• Make no promises that you cannot keep (sending photos, helping with school)

• Don't make extravagant display of wealth; don't encourage children to beg.

• Get permission before photographing people, homes & other sites of local importance.

Environmental Impacts

• Travel in small, low impact groups

• Stay on trails

• Pack it in, pack it out; assure proper disposal of human waste

• Don't buy products made from endangered animals or plants

• Become aware of and contribute to projects benefiting local environments and communities. (A social benefit as well!)

Compiled by Partners in Responsible Tourism  March, 1995.

Please feel free to copy and distribute these guidelines, with attribution to PIRT.