Ever wondered how to make your travels more respectful and less intrusive? Hearing from an owner and director, as well as a CEO, this article gathers invaluable insights from experts. Kicking off with the importance of learning key phrases in the local language and concluding with the significance of supporting sustainable tourism and buying local, the article offers eight actionable tips. Discover how these seasoned professionals ensure their journeys are both enjoyable and responsible.
- Learn Key Phrases in Local Language
- Align with Local Culture
- Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints
- Use Reusable Items to Reduce Waste
- Research Local Customs and Etiquette
- Go Slower and Stay Longer
- Support Sustainable Tourism and Buy Local
- Learn Basic Phrases to Show Respect
How Do You Be Respectful When Traveling?
Learn Key Phrases in Local Language
One travel tip I always follow to be a more respectful traveler is to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Even just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” can go a long way in showing that you respect the culture and want to make an effort. It enables basic communication and avoids the assumption that everyone should speak your language.
For example, on a recent trip to Japan, I made sure to learn basic greetings, expressions of gratitude, and requests for help in Japanese. When I ordered food or asked for directions, the little bit of language I used made locals smile and engage more openly with me. I could tell it was appreciated that I tried to speak even just a few words in their native tongue. This small effort to bridge the language gap enabled me to connect more authentically.
Mac Steer
Owner and Director, Simify
Align with Local Culture
One of the core principles I prioritize as a traveler is being respectful and minimizing my impact on the communities I visit. An approach that has deeply enriched my experiences and interactions is to align myself with the local culture as much as possible. This involves understanding and participating in the norms that define daily life in each destination.
For instance, if a city’s culture is centered around public transit—whether that means subways, tubes, or buses—I make it a point to use those options instead of resorting to driving. By doing so, I not only reduce my carbon footprint but also immerse myself in the local way of life. Public transit offers an authentic glimpse into how residents navigate their routines, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of their world.
Language can often present challenges, but I believe it’s essential to approach this with humility and preparedness. When there’s a language barrier, I rely on tools like Google Translate on my phone to bridge the gap. Instead of expecting locals to speak English, I meet them halfway by showing my phone to communicate my message. This small gesture demonstrates respect and shows that I value their language and culture. I never presume fluency or seamless conversation, but the effort to engage in their language is often met with patience and appreciation.
When visiting smaller cities, I adapt by using cash for transactions whenever possible. This not only makes transactions smoother but supports local businesses that may not have card payment options. It’s a subtle way of respecting the slower, more traditional pace of these areas and acknowledging how things operate on a local level.
These choices-opting for public transportation, using translation tools, and paying in cash-may seem small, but they represent a mindful approach to being a considerate traveler. The goal is to leave a positive footprint, honoring the culture and making an effort to blend in rather than imposing my habits or expectations. Through this mindset, my journeys become more than sightseeing; they turn into shared experiences where respect is mutual and cultural exchange thrives.
Nicole Moreno-Deinzer
Content Creator and CEO, Just Nicole Co.
Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints
One of the most important travel lessons I’ve learned is the idea of “taking only memories, leaving only footprints.” I never take anything from nature, no matter how beautiful it may be. Whether it’s a seashell on a beach or a piece of coral while snorkeling, I’ve come to realize that the true value of a place lies in leaving it as I found it. This simple act helps preserve the destination for others to enjoy in the future. Instead of collecting physical souvenirs, I focus on capturing moments through photos, keeping my memories without harming the environment. I urge fellow travelers to do the same: respect nature, take only pictures, and leave the world just as you found it-beautiful and unspoiled.
Matt Gehring
Chief Marketing Officer, Dutch
Use Reusable Items to Reduce Waste
Working in sustainability has made me hyper-aware of my travel footprint, so I always pack a reusable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bag. During my recent trip to Indonesia, using my own bottle saved roughly 30 single-use plastics from ending up in their oceans. I’ve found that these small habits not only reduce waste but often spark interesting conversations with locals about environmental conservation in their community.
Gus Bartholomew
Co-Founder, Leafr
Research Local Customs and Etiquette
One travel tip that has always helped me be a more respectful and mindful traveler is to research local customs, and etiquette, before arriving at a destination. This means understanding appropriate dress codes, knowing a few basic phrases in the local language, and even small gestures that may be considered rude or polite.
To minimize my impact, I always make a conscious effort to reduce plastic waste. I carry a reusable water bottle, and a cloth shopping bag. In places where tap water isn’t safe to drink, I bring a water purification system like a SteriPEN or purification tablets instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles. This simple habit has greatly reduced my waste and ensures I’m being kinder to the environment.
Sarah Wilson
Travel Blogger, Life Part2 & Beyond
Go Slower and Stay Longer
To be a respectful traveler is very important to me, and I have developed a whole philosophy around it! I have 3 tips to be a better traveler that also results in having a more meaningful travel experience.
1. Going slower—staying longer in one place to make a deeper connection with the area.
And I am not saying everyone has to stay in one place for weeks, I am just saying that instead of going to 5 destinations in 10 days, go to 2! And stay 5 days in each. Go deeper, explore the surroundings, and meet the locals. This alone has a greater economic impact on the micro-destination, and makes the travel experience so much better, more meaningful, and often life-changing! Going slower of course, also means traveling less, which impacts the overall carbon footprint and benefits the entire planet.
2. Choosing to stay at locally owned properties versus international, multi-billion dollar hotel chains. This is one of the things that makes me so happy! To support local families, smaller businesses that already have a hard time staying afloat and compete with the incredibly powerful marketing and loyalty programs those international chains offer. And the benefit for me, as the traveler? Amazing! More authenticity, meeting the owners/managers, and hearing their stories… Choosing to stay at locally owned hotels is the way to go as a respectful traveler, both to support and to have a more meaningful travel experience.
3. Always take some tours or experiences with local guides or specialty service providers. I take a history tour of each destination because I like to get an overview even though I am not a huge history buff. But even more important are the experiences such as food tours, cooking classes, various craft-making classes, winery visits, truffle hunts, farm visits… Those are the experiences that enhance and deepen the understanding of the visited destination so very much as they connect travelers directly with the locals and provide insight into the real local lifestyle. Obviously, in this case, again, it is also supporting small, local businesses.
Just by going slower, you’re minimizing your impact. By choosing to stay at local hotels and taking some authentic local experiences, you make a positive impact on that destination and its people.
Alida Paljevic
Founder & CEO, Vagabonda Travel
Support Sustainable Tourism and Buy Local
As a responsible traveler, I have also made it a habit to be respectful of local cultures and environments. One practice I adopt to lessen my footprint is staying in establishments that have the least impact on the environment and buying from locals. We also remind our clients to travel responsibly and note the need for sustainable tourism in the areas they go to so that the places can be available for future legacies.
Mohd Rizwan
Director, Travelosei
Learn Basic Phrases to Show Respect
I think the best way to show respect for people when overseas is to learn a few basic phrases. While locals can usually pick a foreigner instantly, showing that you’ve taken the time to learn even simple words and phrases, like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” and “Thank You,” highlights how you appreciate someone’s culture and your presence in their community.
Locals in popular tourist destinations often know plenty of English and are happy to speak it with you. Yet it’s disrespectful to assume someone should automatically speak a foreign language just to provide a service or answer your question. Learning how to say “Hello” and a question like, “Can you help me?” in the local language fosters more respectful interactions.
Dean Van Es
CEO, Fast Cover Travel Insurance
