Responsible travel is a topic I feel the need to talk about as I end this segment on my travels to Central America. It’s not a common phrase and I’ve done a bit of research on it. I’ve come to the conclusion that most of my travels are “responsible travels” and not only am I keeping in line with my moral, ethical, and value system I find that it actually brings me closer to the people and the culture I am visiting.

Responsible travel is a new way of traveling for those who've had enough of mass tourism. It's about respecting and benefiting local people and the environment – but it's about far more than that.

If you travel for relaxation, fulfillment, discovery, adventure and to learn – rather than simply to tick off 'places and things' – then responsible travel is for you.

Responsible travel is about bringing you closer to local cultures and environments by involving local people in tourism. It's about doing this in a fair way that helps ensure that they will give you an even warmer welcome. For example, a local guide from the destination will open your eyes to their cultures and ways of life far better than an expert guide could ever do – they will also earn a much needed income from you.

The responsible traveler prefers smaller groups, and to meet some local people (as well as fellow travelers) rather than be surrounded by 1000's of people from back home. They don't like being herded about in a large crowd like nameless faces and understand that traveling in smaller groups makes local people and cultures more accessible.

The responsible travelers wants to get a little bit more out of their travels, and to give a little bit back to the special places and people that they encounter. They want deeper and more real travel experiences. The responsible traveler values authenticity – experiences integral to local people's traditions, cultures and rituals - rather than those created for tourism, or those whose existing meanings and uses have become lost as they have been packaged up for tourism. No more 'Greek nights' in resorts with the only Greek people there to serve food please!

At the same time the responsible traveler understands that some cultural experiences are best kept private, and that their visit would be an intrusion. They believe that traveling with respect earns them respect.

Responsible travel is about re-discovering how to experience nature and to be in it, feeling it, smelling it and learning about it rather than just looking at it. Through this they replenish their souls. They would rather get out on foot than sit in a big bus, and are determined to leave no physical evidence of their visit but their footprints.

The responsible traveler understands local peoples relationship with environments, and that income from tourism can be a powerful incentive for conservation. The responsible traveler values diversity – diversity of people, cultures and environments.

They believe that they can grow as individuals through these experiences, and that their trip can make a positive contribution towards conserving global diversity.

Above all else the responsible traveler wants to cut loose and experience their world. The experienced responsible traveler knows how difficult it can be to do the right thing – and is humble and learns from their mistakes. Whether they travel independently, or through a leading responsible travel operator, the responsible traveler makes and experiences a difference.

Some of the small things I do make a big impact on the cultures and on the environment. Some of these include the following: Buy local produce in preference to imported goods Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). If at all possible I try to speak their language as mush as possible and assimilate to their cultural, linguist, and religious values. This may mean setting my own values aside for the benefit of getting to bond and build rapport with locals. The most important thing I do is study the history of the county and the people to better understand them and their perspective.

I was once one of those travelers that had a checklist of things to see..The Coliseum, The Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu but as I began to travel I began incorporating this into a more responsible way of traveling which has yielded me some of the best results and fondest memories. Often this has resulted in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the people, their culture, their arts, their way of life. It has lead to knew friends I am still in contact with. It has helped stimulate their own economy and give them a sense of pride in the way they do things. I view myself as a diplomat, that I may be the only American some of these people may meet and I want their first impression to be positive as we only get one first impression. Lastly, it cultivates and open-mindedness and understanding on both sides. I for one don’t litter or throw stuff on the ground. Locals see that and may pick up those new habit simply by watching my action without any preaching. Lead by example. In all, I highly advocate for “Responsible Travel” as a way for bridging gaps, making friends, and implementing positive influences into global relations and global environmental issues.