What is responsible travelling?

My previous entry against spending holidays in luxury summer resorts was, looking at your comments, pretty controversial. I stated there that travelling only to sunbathe by the pool is not actually travelling, because sunbathing in Egypt or Turkey does not make any difference. Many of you asked what would be the "perfect holidays" for me; if not relaxing and doing nothing - so what? 

I don't know how many of you came across the idea of responsible travelling. Responsible travelling is not only about relax and having a good time, but it also takes into consideration the environment and the culture. Travelling by plane or by car is much more polluting than for example travelling by train and public transport. What is more, it is better to take fewer and longer holidays, not only to decrease the amount of greenhouse gases but also to know better local communities and increase benefits for them by eating in local restaurants, buying local products and supporting local institutions and projects. Very important part of responsible travelling is showing respect for other people, their habits, customs and traditions. Before going anywhere, it is good to learn some basic words in language of the country we want to visit and get to know something about culture of these people, for example what is offensive for them and normal for us, but every traveler has to be open for new things and do not consider reading something on the Internet or in a guide as a sufficient source of knowledge about people, because the most crucial part of travelling is to meet people.

If you are interested in responsible travelling, you may visit

http://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/tips-for-responsible-travel and learn more about this idea. If you have some stories about your voyages, you may share them in a comment under this entry.