By aussiematesvietnam 
Sustainable Tourism: How Australians Can Contribute Positively While Travelling
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here with my better half, Tracy. After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home, we’ve seen firsthand how tourism can be both a blessing and a curse for local communities. Remember when we could jet off to Bali or Phuket without a second thought about our impact? Those days are behind us, mates.
As Aussie Boomers who’ve been around the block a few times, we have a responsibility to travel smarter. The good news? It’s not that hard to be a conscientious traveller, and the rewards – connecting more deeply with places and people – make it all worthwhile.
[IMAGE:vietnamese-village]
Why Sustainable Tourism Matters to Us Aussies
Let’s face it – we Australians are prolific travellers. With our remoteness and that insatiable wanderlust, we’re constantly criss-crossing the globe. But our travel habits have consequences. Tracy and I have witnessed beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia transform from pristine paradises to plastic-strewn stretches in just a few years.
Sustainable tourism isn’t just some trendy buzzword; it’s about ensuring that the breathtaking destinations we love today will still be there for our grandkids tomorrow. It’s about travelling in ways that respect local cultures, support local economies, and tread lightly on the environment.
As Aussies who value fair go and mateship, extending these principles to our travel habits just makes sense, doesn’t it?
Packing with Purpose: Before You Even Leave Home
Sustainable travel starts before you even grab your passport. Tracy’s become a bit of a guru at packing smart:
- Bring a decent reusable water bottle. It’s shocking how many plastic bottles we avoided using during our three-week trek in Northern Vietnam last year.
- Pack a cloth shopping bag that folds up small. Perfect for market visits and you’ll avoid those flimsy single-use plastic bags.
- Consider reef-safe sunscreen if you’re heading to coastal areas. Our beloved Great Barrier Reef and others worldwide are suffering enough without harmful chemicals.
- Bring multipurpose clothing that can be washed easily and dries quickly – less to pack means less plane weight, which means lower carbon emissions.
I’ll never forget when we first moved to Vietnam and packed like we were never coming back. These days, we’ve learned that less is more – not just easier on the back, but better for the planet too.
[IMAGE:eco-friendly-packing]
Choosing How to Get Around
Let’s talk transport, mates. I know, I know – flying is unavoidable for us Aussies wanting to see the world. We’re not suggesting you swim to Europe! But there are ways to reduce your impact:
- Consider direct flights where possible. Take-offs and landings burn the most fuel.
- Look into carbon offset programs with reputable airlines.
- Once at your destination, embrace public transport, walking, or cycling.
Tracy and I have some of our best memories from riding pushbikes through the Vietnamese countryside. You’ll see more, connect more, and pollute less. Win-win-win!
Remember our trip to Cambodia where we took that rickety local bus instead of hiring a private car? Sure, it wasn’t the Hilton on wheels, but the conversations we had with locals and the villages we passed through were priceless.
Accommodation Choices That Make a Difference
The big hotel chains might offer familiarity, but they often funnel profits offshore while placing heavy demands on local resources. Consider these alternatives:
- Locally-owned guesthouses and homestays where your money goes directly to families
- Eco-resorts and lodges with genuine sustainability credentials (beware of greenwashing!)
- Farm stays that support sustainable agriculture
One of our most memorable experiences was staying with a family in the Mekong Delta. Their modest homestay used solar power, served food grown in their garden, and employed neighbours as guides. The authentic connection was worth ten times any five-star hotel.
[IMAGE:eco-homestay]
Eating Like a Responsible Aussie Abroad
We Aussies take our tucker seriously, and food is one of the best ways to experience a culture. But how we eat abroad matters:
Try to eat local and seasonal. Those imported strawberries in Thailand might be familiar, but they’ve travelled further than you have! The local mangosteen or rambutan will blow your mind anyway.
Support restaurants that source ingredients locally. Tracy and I found a ripper little place in Hoi An that grows its own herbs and vegetables – the food was spectacular, and we could see exactly where it came from.
Be adventurous with plant-based options. You don’t need to go full vego, but mixing in more plant-based meals reduces your environmental footprint dramatically.
And for the love of all things holy, carry a reusable coffee cup if you’re a caffeine fiend like me. Those disposable cups add up faster than the national debt!
Respecting Local Communities and Cultures
Sustainable tourism isn’t just about the environment – it’s about people too. As guests in someone else’s home, we have responsibilities:
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. You should see the smiles when I butcher Vietnamese, but at least I’m trying!
- Dress appropriately, especially at religious sites. Tracy always carries a light scarf to cover shoulders when needed.
- Ask permission before taking photos of people. It’s basic respect, not rocket science.
- Research local customs before you go to avoid accidental offense.
Remember that time in Bali when that young Aussie couple was loudly complaining about temple dress codes? Don’t be those people, mates. Just don’t.
[IMAGE:cultural-respect]
Wildlife Tourism: Look But Don’t Touch
This one’s close to my heart. Wildlife tourism can either support conservation or contribute to animal suffering:
- Avoid attractions that offer hands-on experiences with wild animals – if you’re riding it, hugging it, or taking selfies with it, something’s probably wrong.
- Choose wildlife experiences that observe animals in their natural habitat, from a respectful distance.
- Support legitimate conservation programs and sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare over profit.
Tracy still talks about our guided night walk in Borneo where we spotted flying lemurs without disturbing them. That’s the gold standard, mates – seeing animals doing their thing in their own environment.
Bringing It Home: Continuing the Journey
Sustainable tourism doesn’t end when you arrive back in Australia. Share your experiences, support businesses that are doing the right thing, and keep learning about how to travel better.
After nearly 20 years in Vietnam, Tracy and I have seen how positive tourism can lift communities while preserving traditions and environments. We’ve also seen the opposite. The choice of which legacy we leave is ours to make with every trip.
Next time you’re planning a getaway, take a moment to think about how you can make it more sustainable. Your grandkids – and the planet – will thank you for it.
Until next time, travel well and travel wisely!
Your mate,
Aussie Mates