We define responsible travel as simply this: Being socially and culturally aware (and personally conscious) when you travel, understanding your environmental and economic impact of the places you visit, and striving to make that affect a positive one that benefits the host destination and population.
The problem is, a lot of people have a hard time grasping this concept, as there are many misconceptions out there that make responsible travel seem extreme or flat out unattainable. For example, to travel responsibly, you have to travel backpacker style. Low budget, cut corners, and be as basically human as possible. Or, that you can never fly on a jumbo get because of the carbon emissions.
However, it our eyes it doesn't have to be an unattainable extreme. It really is as simple as making small changes in our human behavior, habits and interactions as travelers.
Because at the end of the day, travel has the power to provide rich, cultural experiences, protect precious environments, rebuild economies, and when done right, be a vital force for making our world a better place.