To be a respectful tourist, it is important to learn about and respect the local customs, traditions, and beliefs of the destination. Treat locals with kindness, be mindful of your behavior, and conserve the environment by following the local rules and regulations.
Learning words and phrases like “thank you,” “please,” “pardon,” or “my apologies,” convey genuine interest in the culture you're visiting and go a long way in setting yourself apart as a visitor. Take off your sunglasses when meeting someone. This is applicable anytime, anywhere!
Ethical tourists consider the impact of their actions with regards to the three pillars of sustainable tourism– the environment, the economy and society.
Being a conscious traveller and travelling responsibly matters. By being a responsible traveller, you can help preserve local communities and cultures, contribute to local economies, and help preserve the environment and wildlife too.
Ethical tourists are mindful of the delicate balance of the destination's ecosystem and try their best to leave a place the same way it was – or even better! In fact, there's somewhat of an unofficial motto amongst ethical tourists: 'Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.