Is Adventure Travel Also Responsible Travel?
If you missed L.A.’s Travel and Adventure Show last month, have no fear. You can still attend one of the other shows coming up:
- March 6-7 in Washington, DC
- March 20-21 in Chicago, IL
- October 2-3 in New York, NY
We’re planning on attending the DC show this weekend. We haven’t attended in the past so don’t consider this post an endorsement of the event. In fact, adventure travel is very clearly not the same as responsible travel. There are aspects of responsible travel that may be included in adventure travel and in fact, with mindful and concerned travel operators, it’s possible to create adventure travel that meets all responsible travel specifications, but it’s going to up to the individual traveler to find those particular trips and not make assumptions about the adventure travel trip you are considering.
Adventure travel features that would probably also be considered responsible travel include:
- Ocean or river kayaking
- Whitewater rafting
- Hiking
- Rainforest ziplining
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Rockclimbing
- Hang gliding
- Bicycle tours
On the other hand, there are some adventure travel features that are certainly not responsible tourism:
- Shows with animals (eg, petting a dolphin)
- Tours getting up close to wild animals (eg, petting sharks in the Pacific Ocean)
- Helicopter tours
- ATV rainforest tours
- Anything aboard a large cruise ship
And then there are the many gray areas that may or may not be responsible tourism – you’ll have to make your own call. Regardless, we’re pretty confident we’ll find a few vendors and potential trips at the show that meet our responsible travel specifications, and we’re psyched to go to Petter Potterfield’s seminar on “Classic Hikes of the World.” Maybe we’ll see you there?
I’m glad that you note that there is a clear distinction between responsible travel and other forms of travel and tourism. I would also clarify that any of the activities listed as “responsible” may or may not be conducted as responsible travel/tourism. It is as much how it is done as what is done.
Travelers should check with the company they are considering traveling with and ask to see their responsible travel policy. We post ours clearly and prominently on our website (http://www.theinsideandout.com/responsible_travel.html) because it is a primary element in what we do. If a tour operator is unwilling to provide a detailed policy, they are probably not committed to practicing responsible travel.
Thanks for bringing up the topic.
Zoe Katsulos
founder
inside/out Adventures — Humanitourism™: journeys for your inner self in the outdoors
http://www.theinsideandout.com
Indeed not all adventure travel is necessarily responsible adventure travel. In the river rafting industry, not all river outfitters take stewardship for the environment as seriously as others.
I know our company is trying our best to “take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints” on all of our trips.
Many years ago, we decided to use only recyclable or reusable dining utensils and plates and move away from disposable items and paper products. We compost and recycle on all of our river trips — day and overnight.
Our next step is to try and purchase local foodstuffs for our day trips. Needless to say, this will be our greatest challenge yet.
Hey James - these are great steps - thanks for writing in to tell us about your company!
There is definitely a clear distinction between responsible travel and general adventure travel and tourism. I would also clarify that any of the activities listed as “responsible” may or may not be conducted as responsible travel/tourism. It is as much how it is done as what is done.
Travelers should check with the company they are considering traveling with and ask to see their responsible travel policy. We post ours clearly and prominently on our website (http://www.theinsideandout.com/responsible_travel.html) because it is a primary element in what we do. If a tour operator is unwilling to provide a detailed policy, they are probably not committed to practicing responsible travel.
Thanks for bringing up the topic.
Zoe Katsulos
founder
inside/out Adventures — Humanitourism™: journeys for your inner self in the outdoors
http://www.theinsideandout.com