[*Responsible adj  2. having
to account for one's actions*]

Ecotourism has moved on from its green only roots in the 80s and 90s to a more diverse, more sophisticated branch of travel; now generally referred to as ethical or responsible tourism.  Whilst this boom will have far reaching benefits for the future, it has taken time to achieve – just about any trip with a vague reference to flora and fauna advertised itself as ecotourism in the early 90s and there were a host of dubious operators.  Thankfully as global awareness of environmental and social issues has developed, so has the range of responsible travel options.

It is to Code Green, a Lonely Planet publication on responsible travel that I unashamedly turn for a definition of responsible tourism. The 216-page book is an absolute goldmine of advice and recommendations for responsible travel – but in the spirit of the true traveller/explorer, they point out that it is a "selection of ideas and directions to inspire you to find your own less-travelled path – if you follow it to the letter, you defeat its purpose."

As to the definition of responsible tourism, it is "about accepting responsibility for your actions, attitudes and impacts: through your conscious choices, you can minimise your personal impacts and make a positive contribution.  Be a part of the solution, rather than the problem."

As a responsible traveller there should be three primary considerations behind every choice: environmental impact, cultural impact and economic impact.  Ultimately the greatest challenge is balance.  A week indulging myself in one of my favourite pastimes: no-trace camping and canoeing is just that, an indulgence.  It may tick the environmental boxes, but it does little for the culture or economy.

On the flip side, a couple of days involved in a programme to support indigenous South Americans, is unlikely to be enough to offset the carbon footprint of getting there in the first place. Our greatest responsibility lies in our ability to choose the right travel experience, the trip that suits our own needs as well as the environment and the people we touch along the way.  There is nothing wrong with a sun, sea and sand holiday, but I question the need to fly all the way around the world to lie on a beach, when there are trains waiting to take us all over Europe.  Just look at the carbon emissions per traveller, per kilometre supplied by Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk) below for proof of the benefits:

•  Domestic flights: 180 grammes
•    Car: 17.7 grammes
•   Train: 5.7 grammes

Rail Europe is an easy and (relatively) environmentally friendly way to discover Europe. The network of 300 km/h services links hundreds of destinations, without the traffic jams, airport hassles and lengthy check-ins.  Of course if you are still worried about your 5.7 grammes of emissions, you could always cycle!

Alternatively there is a wealth of UK destinations with superb green credentials and, what's more, many of them also meet the cultural and economic needs that make up the responsible tourism checklist. The Ecocabin (www.ecocabin.co.uk) in Shropshire for example, benefits the local economy, provides a unique exhibition space for the local budding artists.  And Devon, arguably England's greenest county has launched Discover Devon Naturally (www.discoverdevon.com), a campaign aimed at keeping UK travellers at home, whilst reinvesting in the local culture and economy.

But for some of us, the lure of distant places is too much to bear.  Thankfully there are responsible tourism initiatives worldwide, many of which are hinted at and described in Code Green.  Alternatively, you can do the research to find them yourself: How about a week on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, Canada?  Not the easiest place to get to but well worth the effort.  This archipelago of islands is home to a small fishing community and at times, one the world's rarest whale.  You can stay in a log cabin at the Sea Land Adventures eco-retreat (www.sea-landadventures.com), taking part in a natural health regime whilst watching puffins and whales in the Bay.  Although this sounds potentially harmful to the whales, it demonstrates clearly the need to understand the local situation.  Not only are there tight restrictions on the small number of whale watching tours, it is the only financially feasible way for local marine biologists to regularly monitor the incredibly small numbers of whales.

Again it comes down to individual choice, but time and effort in the research phase will pay dividends both in your enjoyment levels and the amount you reinvest locally. And don't forget, you always have the option to carbon offset your travel arrangements although it is not a perfect solution it certainly makes a difference.

All this talk of the environment, whale watching, log cabins, Lonely Planet guidebooks and the like may have you thinking of long-haired hippies, hemp clothes and a well rolled joint. Think again.  Responsible tourism is just as accessible to those looking for luxury as those planning to rough it.  Different Tracks (www.differenttracks.co.uk), one of the UK's leading providers of luxury travel experiences, specialises in tours with a responsible edge.  Fancy researching dessert rhinos in Namibia? They can help courtesy of their partnership with the Save the Rhino Trust.  The tour includes desert walks, tracking experience and even the help of camel trains.  But all the accommodation and service levels are five-star, even in the bush camps.  Sounds like a contradiction?  Not really when you consider that all the workers are paid fairly, it is all ecologically sound, and it is one of the few ways to plough substantial funds into a little-known charity.

The variety of tours available worldwide through different organisations is almost overwhelming, many of which providing carbon neutral accommodation.  If you do nothing else thoroughly research the green credentials of your accommodation provider to check that they are at least doing their part.  Using sustainable energy sources, organic food and carbon offsetting are just a few of the measures they can take. How about the Quinta da Alfarrobeira, Portugal available through Baby Friendly Boltholes (www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk) or Moonlight Lodge in Australia, bookable through Different Tracks.

Ultimately, like all other forms of green and ethical living, responsible travel is a choice involving thought, research and a balance between our own desires, and the well-being of those around us.  We have the choice to be responsible and the responsibility of choosing wisely.  In the words of W H Auden: "Choice of attention – to pay attention to this and ignore that - is to the inner life what choice of action is to the outer. In both cases, a man is responsible for his choice and must accept the consequences, whatever they may be."

* The Oxford Paperback Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1991