15 bad travel habits to give up for Lent

EATING at a burger chain or dressing for the Himalayas instead of your city break - 15 bad travel habits to give up for Lent.

You can’t enjoy the local sights and sounds with your iPod blaring or your nose in a book

CHOCOLATE, booze, TV, Facebook. It’s that time of year when people all over the world give up something for Lent.

But what if your 40 days of abstinence could actually mean enriching your life with a better travel experience?

Ethical travel website responsibletravel.com is encouraging travellers to take the high road this Lent by ditching 15 bad travel habits.

And the overriding message is to slow down, take in your surroundings and enjoy.

Quick quiz: Personality test for a cruisy life

Top of the list - ditch the international food chains and eat local.

Also, don’t dress like you are on a Himalayan expedition for your city break.

But there is a more serious side too, with the company taking a stand on visits to orphanages abroad, saying there are complicated child protection issues in play.

Here are responsibletravel.com’s15 bad travel habits to give up for Lent and why:

McDonald's may be easy and familiar, but why not try a local cafe.

1. Eating in international chain restaurants and cafes

Opt instead for small, locally run establishments which use local produce, and where your money will directly benefit local people.

2. Avoiding street food

Yes, exert caution and use some common sense, but street markets can offer you an insight into the real heart and soul of a place. Pick a bustling spot and get stuck in.

3. Rushing around from one sight to the next

Stop “ticking off” travel to-dos, slow down and enjoy where you are. Spending more time getting under the skin of your destination will leave you feeling much more fulfilled, and much, much more relaxed.

4. Saying you’ve “done” a country

Discovering and learning about a country, its landscape, people and culture never ends. There’s always more to explore and understand.

5. Not attempting a few words of the local language

You may not be a confident linguist but making the effort to learn a few words of the local language opens doors and helps break down cultural barriers.

6. Getting annoyed because people don’t speak your language

You wouldn’t expect to speak someone else’s language at home so don’t expect them to do the same.

You can’t enjoy the local sights and sounds with your iPod blaring or your nose in a book.

7. Staying plugged into your iPod, keeping your nose in your book

Take your headphones out, lie back, breathe in, and look, listen and smell your surroundings every so often – you never know you may find them more interesting than your book or beats.

8. Taking so many photos that you forget to look where you are

Put the camera down once in a while and use your own eyes to take in that stunning sunset, breathtaking view or exciting event. Don’t let your camera become a barrier between you and where you are.

9. Souvenir shopping at the airport rather than at local shops

Forsake the last-minute plastic fridge magnet and ‘Wish you were here’ T-shirt. Instead discover local artisans selling traditional crafts along the way.

10. Wearing a bikini to the supermarket. Or anywhere that isn’t the beach

Even in the most liberal of nations beachwear should stay on the beach, so cover up to stock up on an ice cream or more suncream.

11. The “traveller uniform” of zip-off trousers, all terrain sandals and a fleece

Unless you are scaling Kilimanjaro, normal clothes will be fine. Not only will you not stand out like a tourist sore thumb, you also won’t be drowning your personality in a sea of khaki.

Holiday-makers soak up the sun in Ibiza, Spain.

12. The early morning sun-lounger dash

Seeing a town wake up and come to life is a great way to start the day. Watch fishermen land their catch and markets stall set up, or grab some freshly baked breakfast. While other tourists wrestle each other for a sun lounger spot you’ll be banking some magical holiday memories.

13. Visiting the local orphanage for the day

You wouldn’t at home, so why overseas? Responsible Travel wants to put child protection back at the heart of child-based volunteer projects. If you are moved to help, search out local NGOs working to keep families together.

14. Never leaving your holiday resort

You’re in a new, exciting country, go out and explore it!

15. Thinking your way is right and local ways are wrong

Differences make the world an exciting place. Adopt the mindset of being a learner and guest and roll with it.

What travel bad habit will you give up? Tell us below.