Responsible tourism isn’t just about avoiding littering or using eco-friendly transport. It’s about being consciously engaged with the places you visit, respecting local culture, and preserving natural and urban heritage without leaving a mark. While documenting the 12 cultural routes of the România Atractivă project, we had the chance to explore countless fascinating landmarks—and we learned a lot along the way. The tips we’ve gathered here will help you become a more mindful and responsible traveler, whether you’re wandering through historic towns or hiking in the mountains.

Local customs aren't always obvious. In some villages, for instance, a wide-open gate isn’t an invitation to enter—it’s just a tradition. In historic towns, buildings may look abandoned but are still inhabited. If you photograph them, respect residents' privacy and avoid treating these homes like ruins.

A traditional cheese bought directly from the sheepfold or a handmade blouse represents dozens of hours of work. If you see it only as a “souvenir,” you’re missing its true value. Buy consciously and leave a fair price behind, especially in areas where mass tourism can unbalance the local economy.

If you want to take a photo with a local or capture an authentic moment, ask permission—and accept a “no” as a valid answer, without feeling offended.

Romania has the largest population of brown bears in Europe and an incredible biodiversity. If you encounter an animal while hiking, keep your distance. Feeding them or following a bear for “content” is dangerous and can have fatal consequences for both you and the animals.

It might seem normal to play music at a guesthouse terrace or on a hike, but for other locals or tourists, it can be intrusive. In nature especially, noise scares away wildlife and disrupts the ecosystem. Enjoy the silence and give others the chance to do the same—it’s becoming increasingly rare.

Edelweiss flowers, river stones, or seashells are all part of an ecosystem. If every tourist takes “just one,” by the end of the season the landscape won’t be the same. Leave places as you found them—for others and out of respect for nature.

Whether it’s a wooden church, a cemetery, or a secluded monastery, enter with respect and discretion. Places of worship aren’t just tourist sites—they are living spaces where people come to pray, not to pose for photos.

A mill wheel, a painted bench, or a dowry chest displayed in a village house or memorial home are not just decor. They’re often functional objects with historical or emotional value to locals. Even if it’s not a museum, ask—or just observe—without touching.

If a place disappointed you for subjective reasons, like “it was too quiet” or “there weren’t enough shops,” maybe it just wasn’t the right place for you—but it might be exactly what someone else is looking for. Responsible tourism also means guiding others honestly, without damaging a place’s reputation just because it didn’t suit your taste.

Being a responsible traveler in Romania means more than being “eco-friendly.” It means being attentive, empathetic, present, and aware that the way you travel can either build or destroy. Romania is a mosaic of nature, culture, and living traditions that deserves to be explored with care and respect.