Be a better tourist! 28 ways to have a fantastic holiday – without infuriating the locals

28.05.2024 - 11:27 / theguardian.com / Justin Francis

Tourism is almost back to pre-pandemic levels – which is good news and bad news. However much holiday destinations rely on them, no one wants badly behaved tourists blocking views, partying wildly in the streets or pricing local people out of their own cities. Overtourism, carbon emissions, nature depletion and plastic pollution are all huge concerns. But that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your holiday. Here are 28 ways to be a better tourist this summer.

When planning a holiday, the first thing most people do is pick a destination. But Justin Francis, the co-founder and executive chair of Responsible Travel, says: “Ask not: ‘Where do I want to go?’ but ‘What do I need from this holiday?’ It might be excitement, relaxation, learning … Think back to your favourite trips – what made them enjoyable?” Anne de Jong, co-founder of the Good Tourism Institute, says: “What kind of traveller do you want to be? What sort of experiences are you looking for? You might think you want to go to Barcelona, but maybe San Sebastián is a better fit for you.” This approach could lead you to alternative cities to the overcrowded tourism hotspots.

Some residents in Barcelona have taken action against overtourism by getting a bus route removed from Google Maps – the buses would often end up too packed with sightseers for people to get home from work. But that is not to say the city is off-limits. Dr Peter Robinson, the head of the Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Management at Leeds Beckett University, says: “It’s not as simple as saying: ‘You shouldn’t go.’ But try to understand what is driving the protests and upset of local people. Your responsibility is to make a positive contribution to the destination.” Francis says: “You can travel anywhere with a desire to reduce the negative impact of your trip and increase the positives.”

“Think local about everything you do and be sensitive. This isn’t just the right way to travel – it’s the most enjoyable,” says Francis. He recommends hiring a local guide. “They will help you to avoid the crowds, for example by taking you on night walks; they know the best views and the cruise ship timetables [when the city will be flooded with extra visitors]. They can also help you avoid unintended consequences, such as causing offence in religious places.”

Do research before you go – you’ll get more out of the destination and it will be appreciated. “Remember you are taking a holiday in someone else’s home,” says Francis. “Travelling with respect earns you respect. Learn a few phrases of the local language – it’s a gesture, but gestures do matter.” Robinson adds: “A little bit of understanding goes a long way.”

“Food is a fabulous gateway into culture and history,” says Francis. Look out