When we travel, we are simultaneously visiting another human’s home/community.

Let us all try harder to be more respectful, more educated, and more mindful on our next trip (and in our daily lives!).

Sophie, thanks for your comment and so glad that this article resonated with you. I think that by focusing on the values behind mindful travel and making deliberate decisions, as you are already with veganism, there’s a lot we can do for sustainability even on a budget. But, it’s always good to keep thinking of what more we can do, not only on the road but also at home.

Interested to hear your perspective, Mark. One question that occurs to me: How do we balance motivating and inspiring others to “step out of their doors” while preventing or curbing the result you are witnessing firsthand out of the window of your home?

Thanks, Laura. We really appreciate that feedback, noting that sustainable tourism and responsible travel discussions can often run a little shallow and thin. As you indicate, the explicitly environmental issues (reusable water bottles, for example) are necessary for the debate, but not sufficient.

Thanks, Kyle. It’s the travelers choice to do whatever he or she wishes when it comes to travel. I didn’t intend for this piece to be universally prescriptive. Though it contains a reflection of our values, my aim was to share some ideas for those travelers looking for some additional and alternative approaches to traveling (and living, quite frankly) in a mindful, respectful, and responsible way. Surely there are other approaches in that vein, and outside of it.