Be a conscious traveller

Travelling is beautiful and a privilege to get to go outside of your own bubble and discover new places. However, with such freedom comes the responsibility to be a “good” traveller. The ethics of travel is a topic that deserves a lot more visibility than this one-pager, but remembering a few basic rules can go a long way in making sure you are being respectful of the people and the place you’re visiting. Please keep these in mind and stay self-aware of your actions and their consequences. 

  • The basic rule: be a traveller that the locals want to share their home with

  • Be respectful of culture, local customs and people in general

  • You should have fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the people living in a place

  • Buy local

  • Don’t be too cheap: hostel travellers are often on a budget, and we totally get it. It’s always great to find a deal and save money, and we really want people to realise that travelling doesn’t need to be expensive if you are willing to compromise on some things. Acknowledge your privileges according to contexts, and contribute to the local economy where you go

  • Leave the place better than you found it

  • As a traveller, you take by default - always think about how you can give back. Besides picking up trash and literal cleaning, think of the other, more or less tangible impact that you have as a traveller, such as your economic impact, knowledge, help or simple experience-sharing with locals, your consumption choices, and more. Don’t take your presence as granted.

  • If standing on a cliff is forbidden, don’t do it. You’re literally the definition of “this is why we can’t have nice things”

  • Be curious, connect with locals, learn about their lives and cultures. As a hostel traveller, you will most likely meet plenty of other trotters from all over the world. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble of fun events with fellow backpackers, but remember that this bubble is not a reflection of the place you’re staying in. Venture out of the bubble sometimes, explore and experience the local culture!

  • Consider social and ecological implications of the activities you pick and the way you travel overall: ethical travel is a complex topic, but stay conscious and aware of what you do and how it may affect the people and the planet. Use your judgment to draw a line on what being a good traveller is.