NIKKY.HOULIHANHave you ever found yourself speeding through three cities in five days just to say “You’ve done Italy!”? Let’s face it: when is travel not trending? And how many of us feel we need to win at travelling? We are constantly bombarded with “inspiration” content, FOMO-inducing stories, exciting top 10 lists, travel videos, exotic foods not to be missed… so we find ourselves rushing to check all the boxes of an ever growing list of targets, only to return home exhausted, with no real memorable moments and perhaps feeling a little empty (and your pockets are now empty too for your troubles!).
Between catching the perfect Instagram shot and hitting all the alleged unmissable destinations – the travel industry can get a bit out of hand, and us along with it. In this guide, I want to set some standards of how make travel a bit more soulful for you the traveller, and ethical for the places and people who will be welcoming you.
1. Slow travel
First things first – slow down! Gone are the days where travel was a once in a lifetime thing, so why the hurry? Do not over plan, leave some time in our itinerary for a bit of spontaneity, a bit of chance and a bit of magic! Want to venture off the beaten path to explore a cute neighbourhood you happened upon? Do it! You spot a salsa night on the way to that trendy but overpriced restaurant you booked? Skip out on it and join in on the dancing! Who knows what opportunities for connection these little moments will bring you. Which brings us to our next point;
2. Choose connection over consumerism
Look, we get it — that fifth “I ❤️ [City Name]” mug was calling your name and you need it for your collection. But often travel gets tangled up with over-consumerism: chasing Instagrammable spots, buying knick-knacks we’ll eventually dump, or worse, treating every destination like a theme park for our amusement. Don’t be that tourist.
Because here’s the thing: the best souvenirs are never the things you can pack in a suitcase.
They’re the late-night laughs with locals, the weird snack you tried on a dare, the shared sunrise you watched with a stranger-turned-friend. Who knows, you might even fall in love – we certainly did!
Remember, you are a guest visiting your neighbour. Be kind, be respectful and be open: ask the hostel receptionist where their favourite bar is, acknowledge that person next to you on a long train journey, treat shopkeepers with respect as you would back home! These little moments make the world of difference.
Shift your focus from collecting stuff to creating moments. Not only is it gentler on the planet and local economies, but those memories? They won’t break in your luggage on the way home. By all means, take the selfies and buy the handmade bracelet if it speaks to you — but let your real treasures be the stories you bring back, not just the fridge magnets.
3. Go Local!
Skip the global chain stores and dive into local cafés, shops, and markets. Handmade souvenirs and grandma’s home-cooked meals? Yes, please. Not only is it more authentic, but you’re also putting money directly into the community instead of massive businesses which are likely harmful to the local community as a result of over-tourism. Win-win! Avoid using AirBnBs which are known to disrupt local housing markets and explore alternative and ideally locally-run arrangements as much as you can.
4. Learn a Little Lingo and respect the local culture
You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing how to say hello, thank you, and where’s the bathroom in the local language goes a long way. Locals will appreciate the effort — even if your accent is slightly “interpretive.”
Do a little research on where you are visiting, especially local dress codes. Modesty can vary alot depending on where you are, so be mindful of local sensitivities. Consider if there are any types etiquette that could be important to know, for example when certain gestures (think bowing, hand gestures, showing the soles of your feet) are appropriate and when they are not.
5. Photographs, children and consent.
Generally, you should ask everyone for consent before taking their photograph. It’s basic courtesy. For children, I would go further and insist not to take their photo at all. You would be surprised but in our online world, there are plenty of risk factors including child trafficking, so just don’t do it. Think of it this way, would you like it if someone you didn’t know started photographing your child and posting it online? Creepy AF.
6. Be aware of animal welfare
If you see a selfie stick and a sad-looking tiger, back away slowly. Ethical animal tourism is real, and your choices matter. Choose sanctuaries that rescue and rehabilitate, not ones that treat animals like Instagram props. Yes those elephant riding photos look amazing, but that is often a major red flag.
Most tourist activities involving animals are abusive. Elephants are trained to give rides by being whipped until their spirit is destroyed. Photo-ops with tigers and cheetahs only work because the animals are sedated. Dolphin shows and swimming with dolphins involve keeping a wild animal in captivity. Opt for experiences where you are observing the animal in their habitat, such as safaris, snorkelling or dolphin-watching from afar. Those are all beautiful and safe experiences!
7. Respect the environment
Pack your reusable water bottle like it’s your passport. Say no to single-use plastics, and leave nature just as you found it — preferably with less litter and more love. Even if you see people around you, including locals throwing trash around, you are better than that. Bonus points for learning how to say “recycle” in the local language!
8. Political sensitivity and conflict voyeursim
This one can be a little tricky but if you happen to be visiting somewhere affected by conflict, occupation or tensions, avoid opening sensitive subjects with locals. Conversely, if someone decides to share a story or an opinion with you, listen with an open mind, as they have decided to trust you with a deeply personal insight into their world.
And whatever you do, absolutely do not visit places just to watch forms of human misery, oppression, and suffering play out. Bearing witness to human rights violations is one thing, but seeking them out of a misguided sense of adventure or curiosity is profoundly problematic, so just don’t do it.
Final Boarding Call…
In short, you get the message. Travel isn’t just about ticking off bucket list spots — it’s about connection, growth, and mutual respect. So next time you’re out there exploring this beautiful but complex planet, remember: travel like you’re visiting a friend’s home. Because in many ways, you are.
