How To Pack Light – Six Practical Tips From An Anxious Traveler

How To Pack Light – Six Practical Tips From An Anxious Traveler

This post covers a range of useful, unique tips to help the anxious traveler learn how to pack light so you can focus more on enjoying your trip and less on stressing about packing the right stuff!

pack light with Osprey Sojourn Porter & REI daypack

Traveling with anxiety already poses its own set of challenges. But if you’re someone who likes to pack light (or wants to be one of those people), it can feel almost impossible.

You’re staring at your one pair of athletic shorts thinking through every scenario… “What if these shorts that fit me perfectly suddenly decide to be too tight and I rip a hole right down the crotch?”  or “what if I sh*t my pants five times on this trip even though I’ve never once done that since I was four years old?”. 

Yeah… we’ve all been there. We’ve all ran down the list of crazy ‘what ifs’ that simply never happen (cue the little voice in your head saying “yet…they haven’t happened yet”). 

And to that little voice I say, don’t fear me! I’m not here to tell you to completely ignore and shut down your fear. Rather I’m going to do my best to help you work with that fear instead of against it…or instead of letting it take charge.

#1 Extras… to pack or not to pack?

It’s reasonable to want to pack one or two extras of certain items. However, one thing thats helpful to keep in mind is that in this day and age, you can buy almost anything almost everywhere. Seriously.

Now it may not be the exact type you love, but should you actually sh*t your pants five times on one trip, I’d take the bet that you won’t care exactly what brand of underwear you have to buy. 

Whenever I’m packing I take a look at the extras I want to pack and remind myself, “If I absolutely needed it, I could buy it there”. It’s not a super sustainable method, but the truth is you rarely *if ever* actually need to buy the thing. Plus you can always thrift it. I love finding cute thrift stores wherever I travel!

Additionally, most hostels, hotels and airbnbs have a place to do laundry. If they don’t, there’s usually a place close by to do it at. I typically pack either an empty packing cube or reuse a plastic grocery bag to put my dirty clothes in, then empty out my daypack to bring it to a laundromat. You can also get one of these travel-friendly laundry bags too!

#2 Pack light with packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the holy grail for helping you pack light. Why packing cubes rule:

  • They help you organize different clothing items (shirts in one, pants in another, socks and underwear in the smallest)
  • Help keep your clothing items wrinkle free
  • Help you fit more into your bag: regardless of whether they are designated compression cubes or non-compression cubes, they will allow you to fit at least an extra outfit or two (sometimes more!)

My packing cubes are an odd assortment of brands that I’ve had for many years now. They do the trick just fine so I haven’t invested in new ones (reuse as long as you can!). If you don’t have any lying around, these are probably the most similar to what I use as I can’t find the exact ones.

The few times I’ve traveled without packing cubes have been complete and utter chaos…

packing cubes to help pack light
My odd assortment of packing cubes from over the years!

#3 Start with your ‘must-haves’

My ‘must haves’ fall into categories. The first is that one clothing item you know you’re going to end up wearing 50% of the time. On beach trips this is usually a flowy dress or my athletic shorts and and a loose tee for me. The second includes clothing items you know you’ll need for certain activities (hiking, swimming, running, one nice night out, etc). In order to pack light, really narrow down your must-haves before you even start looking at your clothes (or else you’ll start convincing yourself you have more ‘must-haves’ than you really do!)

#4 Stop packing outfit-by-outfit and start creating mini capsules

You may have seen the Pinterest photos of capsule wardrobes floating around, well these also work great to help people pack light!

I pack 4-5 bottoms and 3-4 tops on every trip. How do I decide which to bring? I start with my essentials. Let’s use my recent trip to Puerto Rico as an example:

I knew I was going to be doing lots of outdoor activities, like hiking, so I packed my athletic shorts, a pair of shorts that are cute but comfy, and some sleep shorts. I brought my linen pants for going out and cooler evenings, my lightweight hiking pants for the rainforest.

For my tops, I wanted to make sure that each top I packed went with all of my bottoms. I picked a basic black tee and white tee, two graphic tees and one tank top. I’m not a big tank top person but if that’s your thing, switch out the graphic tees for tanks.

All in all I only have ten items, but I can make 25 different outfits! That’s the basic principle in how to capsulize your travel wardrobe to pack light and get the most out of your carry on.

carry-on travel capsule wardrobe

#5 Don’t venture too far from your norm when trying to pack light

It’s tempting to start packing for a trip and think about all those cute vacay pics you’re going to snap and start packing a bunch of clothing items that you never wear normally. Spoiler alert, whatever reasons that kept you from wearing it at home are still going to exist on vacation. Pack what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Comfort is huge for me on vacation, I’m there to relax and enjoy myself after all!

#6 Stick with your gut to pack light

Go through the following list of questions, and if you’re hesitant to any of them put that item aside. Once you’ve finished packing as light and essential as you can, you can revisit certain items if you still have room.

  • Is it weather-appropriate?
  • Is it in your top 3 favorite [insert clothing item here]?
  • Will it take up a lot of space in your bag?
  • Do you plan on shopping while you’re there, and if so, plan on getting an item like this?
  • Is it a bright color or unique pattern? If it’s too unique and you can only wear it once, it’s a waste. Keep in mind that unique pieces are easier to spot being reworn in photos so if that’s something you don’t want, don’t bring it (though I think we should really normalize rewearing outfits, even on instagram, in 2024. Sustainability is cool, people!)

If you’ve made it all the way to the bottom of this list… you get a surprise bonus tip!

#7 Wear your bulkiest clothing items on the plane!

This may seem obvious, but I don’t just mean the one item that’s bulkier… I mean totally put aside your ego here and be okay with looking a little ridiculous on the plane (the airport is kinda like a twilight zone anyways…no one cares).

For me this means I usually wear my hiking shoes, sweats, bulkiest t-shirt, sweatshirt, and if I had to pack for cooler weather, my outer jacket on top of this, and my baseball hat (the rim doesn’t pack down as well).

It can feel kinda hefty, but the plane normally gets cold anyways. Even if your destination is hot, you won’t have to be outside long between the airport to the hostel.

travel day outfit
Travel day outfit to Puerto Rico

I hope this list has been helpful, just know you are not alone in your packing anxieties! These are all tips and tricks I utilize every time I pack for a trip, and they’ve really helped me narrow things down and make decisions. 

What’s your favorite tip or trick for packing light?

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How To Spend Two Epic Days In Old San Juan: Slowish Travel Through Puerto Rico 

How To Spend Two Epic Days In Old San Juan: Slowish Travel Through Puerto Rico 

This post gives you a detailed and adjustable itinerary for two days in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. From sipping Piña Coladas at their birthplace and feasting on classic Puerto Rican dishes to exploring the historic forts and colorful streets!

Now, you might be thinking, how the heck can two days in one place be considered slow travel? If that was your first thought, then you’re in the right place. It means you have yet to experience the colorful historic district of Old San Juan!” 

One could walk from one side of the town to the other in just under 30 minutes. And that’s not a fast-paced 30 minutes either. Technically, you could see all the main attractions here in a couple of hours, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should!

What & Where is Old San Juan?

Old San Juan is a historic district located on the westmost portion of Isla San Juan, an island located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. The island is accessible by three large bridges that connect to the rest of San Juan, in addition to its modern day ship port. The Spanish built Old San Juan in 1521, making it the second-oldest settlement in the Americas!

La Isla Del Encanto

In Old San Juan, one can easily see why Puerto Rico earns its nickname, “La Isla Del Encanto,” or “the island of enchantment”. Something about the medley of architectural styles, colorful buildings, and narrow streets reminds me of walking through a very humid Venice!

Day One Morning: The Historic Side of Town

Start your morning at Spiga cafe on Calle de San Justo. This place always has the most mouth-watering treats to pair with your morning coffee. They’ve also got delicious homemade pasta for brunch too.

Paseo De La Princesa

From here you’ll then head towards the main port and walk along Paseo De La Princesa. It’s a picture-perfect boardwalk with food vendors, art, culture, history, and a stop at the Raices Fountain overlooking the sea. It culminates at the San Juan Gate, the oldest city entrance in Puerto Rico. To avoid the crowds, consider walking in the morning or during the evening around sunset for the best experience. To go when all the vendors are up, visit on the weekends or holidays.

At the end of the long row of trees that hug the cobblestone path, you will arrive at Raices Fountain. Raices means Roots in Spanish, which is what the fountain represents, the roots of Puerto Rico. 

Paseo de La Princesa ultimately ends at the red San Juan Gate, where the Spaniards would enter San Juan for centuries. They retired it long ago, and now it stands as a historical monument.

Paseo Del Morro

You could enter the gate here and walk up into the town. However, if you’re up for the steps, I highly recommend continuing on the walking path for more amazing views. From the red gate onwards the path becomes Paseo Del Morro (AKA El Morro). It winds around El Morro’s walls and eventually spits you out at the front entrance of the fort.

This path is where all the stray kitties like to hang out, you may even see some kibble and bowls of water that some locals leave out for them. You’ll also come across many large Iguanas, these guys are not as friendly but they make for a cool photo! 

I’m not sure of the total distance of Paseo De La Princesa/Del Morro, but it took me around an hour. Keep in mind, I stopped every five seconds to photograph the cats so it can be done a lot quicker. P.S., check out @saveagato to support the amazing work done by this nonprofit working to rescue these kitties.

El Morro

Immediately upon seeing the vast beauty of El Morro, you’ll understand why it’s such a special place for Puerto Ricans. A brilliant green field unfolds to either side of the long cobblestone path that leads to the forts’ front gate. On sunny days you’ll see people picnicking on the grass and little kids flying kites in the breeze.

The inside of the fort is akin to San Cristobal, though much larger, and with more ocean views. During its nearly 500-year history, El Morro was an important military outpost for Spain and later the U.S. Due to its long, rich history, it was recently named a world heritage sight. The fort boasts views of Old San Juan, La Perla, and the ocean, so you’ll get some beautiful photos here!

*Tip: Keep the receipt for your ticket, it can be used for San Cristobal within two days of purchase*

Lunch in Old San Juan

There are loads of great places to dine in Old San Juan. For your first day here I recommend La Tortuga Bistro. It’s close to El Morro, so if your feet are tired from the morning you won’t have far to go. Many locals I’ve spoken to have named this their ‘go-to spot’ in Old San Juan, specifically for the empanadas. So grab a seat and take some time to relax out of the heat!

Day One Afternoon: The Historic Side of Old San Juan

Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis 

While you’re still up near El Morro, head over to Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis cemetery. This cemetery overlooking the ocean dates back to 1863. It’s the burial spot of many famous and important Puerto Ricans throughout history.  I know a cemetery doesn’t sound like the ideal vacation must-see, but this cemetery is not like most. It’s ornately and elegantly designed and boasts beautiful views of the ocean, El Morro, and the small, colorful town of La Perla located on the coastline of Old San Juan.

Promenade to Castille De San Cristobal

From the cemetery, stroll along Calle Norzagaray for a scenic coastal walk leading to Castille De San Cristobal. Use your ticket from El Morro to enter. San Cristobal is smaller than El Morro, but you get a whole different set of views from this side of the isle, specifically from the enclosed lookout on the top floor.

After you explore the Castille, I recommend heading back to your accommodation for an hour or two. At this point in the day, the sun is blaring down and the streets will be at peak crowds from cruise ship tourists. While in Old San Juan, I’d return to my hostel to freshen up, cool off, and do some work.

Dinner in Old San Juan

For your first night in Old San Juan, I recommend grabbing dinner at La Raices (not the fountain!) or Princesa – Cocina Cultura. Depending on when you go, you may need a reservation at the latter, as it can get busy. Both restaurants are renowned for their classic local dishes, such as mofongo!

After dinner, you’re a short walk away from the actual La Raices fountain, where you can go to enjoy some of the best views of the sunset from Old San Juan.

Finally, if you’d like to enjoy some drinks and explore the nightlife, you can head to Moreno’s for $1 beers and shots!

Day Two morning: Art & Architecture in Old San Juan

For your second day in Old San Juan, I recommend using Google Maps to find your general direction and then letting yourself wander the cobblestone streets till you find your new destination. The best way to truly see a place is to get a little lost in it! This way you’ll be sure to uncover all the architecture and colorful buildings Old San Juan has to offer! 

Today, I want you to explore all the streets. I’m only going to give these in a loose order and not by what’s closest to the other, so you can wander around a bit more.

Cafe Botanico

Cafe Botanico is an adorable, plant-filled cafe located in a little yellow building. This was one of my favorite spots to stop for a morning coffee and was where I spent all my time working when it was raining too hard to walk around. The baristas were all so friendly too! I felt like I was sitting in a romance movie. Stop here for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up!

Poets Passage

If you enjoy art, poetry, and music, you must make time to stroll through The Poets Passage. It’s run by Puerto Rican poet Lady Lee Andrews and her French husband and painter Nico Thomassin. Also. if you’re there on a Tuesday, stop in from 7 pm-12 pm for their weekly poetry/music open mic night. I spent a lovely rainy evening listening to a mix of Spanish and English poetry and music!

End of Fort Wall

Back down towards the sea is a little secret garden at the End of Fort Wall. Okay…it’s not actually a secret, and it’s got no walls hiding it, but it feels magical. Amidst a stone pathway and a small stone sculpture, rays of light filter through lush trees rife with blooming flowers. Stand under the trees and look up to watch dozens of butterflies and small birds flit around from tree to tree. You may even spot an iguana while you’re there! I stumbled upon this place by accident, but I spent quite a long time here attempting to capture its magic with my camera.

Banco Popular – Old San Juan Location

The curved facade facing the bay is adorned with bronze eagles, while a towering stained-glass window portrays the shield of San Juan. Framing the glass on either side are reliefs of Greek and Roman gods, serving as a fitting tribute to the architectural influences and ambitions of the district.

Antigua Casino De Puerto Rico

This casino was built in 1910 in the Beaux-Arts style from 19th century Paris. It currently acts as an event space and wedding venue. You may not be able to enter on the day you visit, but the outside is magnificent enough to be worth the trip there. The entire building, including its walls and floors, consists of white marble. Look for the Tiffany-style glass windows, bronze roof, and ornate marble detailing.

Barrachinas

An absolute must-visit in Puerto Rico, Barrachinas is the birthplace of the Piña Colada drink. Get here a few minutes before they open at 11 to ensure a spot, otherwise, you will have to wait in line. I promise the wait will be worth it just for the Piña Coladas alone. Normally, I don’t like Piña Coladas, the rum always tastes too strong for me, but I found them to be quite delicious here! So even if you’re not usually a fan of the drink, I recommend giving it a try…at the least to say you did it!

I didn’t eat lunch here, but the dishes served at the tables around me looked delicious. Overall, most plates seemed to be well-cleaned by the end of people’s meals, always a good sign!

Plaza De Armas

Plaza de Armas, considered the heart of Old San Juan, is a tribute to the main plazas of Spain, and offers unique architectural views on every side of the square. To the northwest, you’ll find Casa Alcaldia, which is a replica of Madrid’s neoclassical city hall. To the west, Antiguo Palacio de La Real Intendencia (Puerto Ricos Department of State office), styled after an Italian high palace. Lastly, to the South you’ll find 20th-century American influences in the building ‘Gonzalez Padin’.

Iglesia De San Jose

Just up the road from Plaza de Armas, you will find Iglesia de San Jose. Originally built in 1532, this is the second oldest standing church in the Americas. This church displays classic 16th-century Spanish Gothic Architecture. Visits inside are welcome.

Cuartel de Ballaja

Cuartel de Ballaja is hard to miss as you walk towards El Morro. The colossal, three-story building was built by the Spanish in the mid-19th century and served as housing for military officers. Now the building houses cafes on the first floor and the Museum of the Americas on the second floor. Tickets are only $6 ($4 for students). The exhibits are relatively small but they are a great opportunity to learn about Puerto Rican history from the point of view of individual artists. This is a particularly great stop on a rainy day.

Anita’s La Mamma del Gelato

At some point in the day, when you find yourself in need of a cool-down, head to Anita’s shop for some extravagant and delicious gelato flavors. They have vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free options as well.

As we come to the end of this two-day journey through Old San Juan, I hope you’re excited to embark on your adventure in this vibrant city. Whether you’re captivated by the historic forts, charmed by the colorful streets, or indulging in the local cuisine, Old San Juan offers something for every traveler.

Not sure when to book your trip to the island of enchantment?

I’ve got you covered! Read ‘when to visit Puerto Rico’ to learn more about when the best time to visit is for different activities, cheaper stays, and smaller crowds! You’ll be booking that flight in no time!

Let me know in the comments which of these activies you’re most looking forward too! And if you’ve already been to Old San Juan, what hidden favorites have you stumbled upon?

Transforming Anxiety To Adventure: The Ultimate Solo Puerto Rico Escape

Transforming Anxiety To Adventure: The Ultimate Solo Puerto Rico Escape

Dreaming of travel is one thing, but actually taking the steps towards a solo trip can be daunting, especially for someone who struggles with anxiety like myself. I thrive on plans, but the thought of actually making them gives me anxiety. And yes, I see the double entendre…

The Decision to Explore Puerto Rico Solo

The decision to plan my solo adventure to Puerto Rico has become a journey of pushing boundaries, and embracing the allure of the unknown. Though I anticipated the road wouldn’t be easy, every step taken to transform this dream into reality has blended excitement and a healthy dose of nervous anticipation.

Navigating Choices and Overcoming Anxiety

As I sat down to purchase my tickets, I agonized over minute differences in prices and takeoff/landing times. The abundance of choices overwhelmed me,  prompting me to shut my computer before buying my tickets. The following day, I knew I needed to decide, as the prices were only likely to increase.

Unmasking Anxiety: Beyond Dates and Prices

It wasn’t until I had wasted another two hours examining flights that I realized my anxiety had nothing to do with dates/times or incremental price differences. My anxiety lay in the knowledge that purchasing this ticket would mean finalizing what had until then only been ideas in my head.

A Reminder of Purpose and Courage

Fortunately, my dedicated efforts in building this site served as a crucial reminder of my purpose. Without it, I might have succumbed to the anxiety, but this site is a testament to why I’m embarking on this adventure, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. With that, I found a reasonable ticket and swiftly filled out my information before my anxiety could conjure up another excuse to postpone.

From Decision to Commitment

Et voila! Puerto Rico here I come! Getting the ticket didn’t magically erase my fears and doubts, but it did offer a gentle reassurance. The decision was made. Now it’s less of a choice and more of a commitment to navigate through any anxiety that arises because. I know I’m capable and strong enough to handle any bumps in the road, viewing each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow for future travels!

Countdown to Adventure

While I’m still in the planning phase, I’m starting to feel the excitement build. The idea of stepping off a plane into the unknown and fully embarking on my solo trip is both thrilling and scary. Each day I spend exploring Puerto Rico will bring new challenges, yet it also holds the potential for magical discoveries and personal growth. This trip feels like a move away from my comfort zone and towards a more enriching and fulfilling life!

I’d love to hear your thoughts or first experiences with planning solo trips below!

Elephants In Asia: The Crushing Truth Behind Riding Elephants

Elephants In Asia: The Crushing Truth Behind Riding Elephants

When I visited Thailand, I made a conscious choice not to ride any elephants. Here’s why:

While elephant rides might seem like an exciting adventure for humans, they are nothing short of a nightmare for these majestic creatures. Upon mentioning my Thailand travel plans for Thailand, many people asked me whether I planned to ride an elephant. My immediate response was a resounding “No, never,” which often left people confused.

Sadly, most people are unaware of the cruelty behind elephant trekking. Many assume that because elephants are large and strong, carrying humans on their backs is effortless. However, the reality is quite different. Elephants were not built to be ridden; the practice is harmful to their sensitive skin and detrimental to their spines. Despite their apparent strength, our weight on their backs for extended periods causes significant harm. Moreover, the hidden brutality involved in allowing tourists to ride elephants is something we rarely witness.

This fence is to keep humans out of the elephant’s space, the forest behind them is their sanctuary, where they are free to roam safely for miles and miles. None of the elephants are required or forced to come to the sanctuary building to interact with humans, but they choose to almost every day…they know it’s the best banana hookup around town 😉

The Crushing Process for Elephants:

Riding an elephant is far from a natural experience, and the process of preparing them is equally unnatural. Known as “crushing” or Phajaan, it is an ancient technique used to subdue these magnificent animals. Phajaan is a deeply traumatic experience for elephants, which are highly social and tightly bonded beings.

Whether captured from the wild or bred in captivity, young elephants are separated and isolated from their mothers and family groups within the first few months of life. They are restrained or confined in small spaces, subjected to starvation, dehydration, and repeated beatings to “crush” their spirit. This torture is just the beginning of a life spent in chains, deprived of proper habitat and food, forced into a monotonous routine day after day.

Unfortunately, the Phajaan process is also used in other forms of entertainment, like circus performances and painting. Those elephants you see in videos performing tricks or creating artwork have likely been subjected to this brutal training method, and their happiness is far from what the videos portray. Elephants are inherently compassionate and emotional animals. They experience joy, anger, grief, and love, with the capacity for complex thoughts and deep feelings.

The Tragic Reality

In the wild or in a safe sanctuary, elephants can live up to 60 years. However, those held in captivity, enduring the “crush” process, rarely live past 40. Some recent, tragic examples include Na-Laieng, a 40-year-old captive elephant who died from exhaustion due to excessive rides with minimal rest, and Sambo, who suffered a heart attack from exhaustion and dehydration after 15 years of carrying tourists in scorching weather. These highlight the devastating impact the tourism industry can have on these magnificent creatures. As Asia’s tourism industry grows, the number of Elephants dying from depression, dehydration, and exhaustion grows along with it.

Elephant hugs! …In exchange for a banana, of course..

What defines a real sanctuary?

Some travelers seek out “sanctuaries” that claim to offer ethical interactions with elephants. However, many of these places still permit a few hours of riding per day, claiming these reduced hours are “healthier.” These organizations rely on tourists remaining uninformed about the harm inflicted on these animals. The brutal truth is that breaking the spirits of these creatures to make them rideable involves cruelty at every step.

My decision not to ride elephants was driven by a deep concern for the well-being of these remarkable animals. As travelers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves and make choices that prioritize an animal’s well-being over our entertainment. Let’s ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact on all the world’s inhabitants rather than contributing to their suffering.

Giving the elephants a mud bath to help keep them cool!

Ensure your elephant visit is safe and ethical:

So, how do you know for sure if the sanctuary you visit is a safe, happy place for the elephants? I was able to take some time to talk with the guide at my sanctuary, and here’s what I learned:


It’s all in the body language:

  • Heads and tails: Elephants exhibit body language that is similar to dogs. Wagging tails and flapping ears are a sign that the elephant is content and happy. Conversely, if their ears are pinned back, and their tails are stiff, it’s an indication of stress and anxiety. The latter may suggest that the elephant is not being treated fairly or is experiencing discomfort.
  • It’s all in the eyes: Much like humans, elephants’ eyes reveal their emotions. When they are anxious or stressed, their eyes widen. Hopefully, the Elephants you see will have lazy, half-closed eyes and tails swishing in a relaxed manner. This is a positive sign that they are living free from the torments of irresponsible tourism.
  • Conversations: Did you know elephants often speak at frequencies we can’t hear? One sound you will (hopefully) hear at your sanctuary visit is a low, rumbling sound from the elephants as they make calm conversation with each other. This subtle vocalization is a testament to their complex social interactions.
  • The trumpet call: Children often imitate the trumpet sound when asked what noise an elephant makes. However, this distinctive sound is a clear signal of distress and fear. In the wild, elephants typically make this trumpet sound before charging, and young elephants use it to call for their mothers when they need help.

By paying attention to these cues in elephant body language, you can gain insights into their emotional states and well-being. It’s up to us as responsible travelers to support sanctuaries and organizations that prioritize the welfare and happiness of elephants. That way, we can ensure they live free from harm and suffering.

How you can help these elephants:

I hope this article sheds light on the elephant tourism industry and encourages you to refrain from participating in the mistreatment of these intelligent and gentle creatures. If you’re eager to learn more about how you can contribute to elephant welfare, explore the links below!

Responsible Tourism

Learn more about traveling responsibly and sustainably in my recent post on Responsible Tourism

Responsible Tourism – Know How To Travel Sustainably

Responsible Tourism – Know How To Travel Sustainably

responsible tourism photo

What is it?

Responsible Tourism vs Sustainable Tourism:

Responsible tourism and sustainable tourism are closely related concepts, but they’re not exactly the same. Both emphasize environmentally and socially conscious travel practices but have different focuses. Let’s break them down:

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is a broader concept that aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, society, and economy while maximizing its positive contributions. It involves long-term planning and management to ensure that tourism can continue without depleting natural resources, harming local cultures, or negatively affecting the well-being of communities. 

Responsible Tourism

Responsible tourism, on the other hand, is a subset of sustainable tourism. It focuses on the behavior and choices of individual travelers and tourism businesses. It emphasizes respect for local cultures, support for local economies, and efforts to reduce waste & energy consumption during travel.

Use whatever term makes more sense to you, but at the end of the day, the goal is the same: Protect the earth & its inhabitants while still getting to go on adventures!

Why Responsible Tourism

The climate crisis is all around us, it’s impossible to ignore. Change is essential, but we can still travel and live fully if we do so responsibly. So it is crucial that we prioritize responsible tourism, as responsible travel choices can make a huge impact. A large part of this involves simply being mindful of when and where we travel.

The tourism industry has the potential to greatly improve the economy of many locations, but unfortunately, in some regions, locals are actually displaced to accommodate tourists. Responsible tourism has the potential for great positive change if approached correctly; it should work to conserve and protect the natural environment while improving and enhancing the lives of the locals.

Ecology & Economy

The conservation and protection of the environment and the locals are NOT mutually exclusive. If a tourist business conserves the environment but is financially destructive or physically displaces locals, it’s not responsible tourism. If it benefits the locals but endangers the environment, it is not sustainable tourism.

Adapting to Responsible Tourism

The main thing to remember about responsible tourism is that it’s going to change over time. Just like how we used to think that riding elephants or swimming with captive dolphins was acceptable, we now know the devastating effects it has on the animals and how it destroys their quality of life. 

It’s okay to feel guilt for participating in one of these types of activities in the past, as long as you don’t let that guilt consume you and instead let it fuel you to educate yourself and do better. You know the saying… once you know better, do better.

beach at sunset - best time to visit puerto rico

Doing Your Research and Making Responsible Choices

If you can’t find research or articles informing people on whether or not a tourist business/industry is responsible, listen to your gut. Put yourself in the shoes of the locals or the wildlife. If something feels icky or off about it, it’s best to avoid it, at least until you have more information!

I’ll do my best to keep you all informed and educated with the most up-to-date, responsible tourism practices. If you’re curious about a particular tourist business/industry/activity/or practice and you don’t see anything on my page or anything easily accessible online, contact me!

I’m more than happy to dig into some research to help guide your responsible tourist practices. It’s what I’m here for, and it will ultimately help many others who I’m sure have or will have the same questions!

P.S. Explore my post uncovering the harsh reality behind the tourist industry that involves riding elephants.