India – a utopia for soul seekers, history buffs and inquisitive folk alike, you’ll be taken aback by its vibrant colorful markets, charming communities and incomparable hospitality.

Its diverse culture tempts thousands of curious travelers every year, while its sublime landscapes and sparkling buildings only add to its romantic allure, shaping this vast land.

The world has become a much smaller place, we are more easily connected to family members living at other ends of the world and more direct flights and accessibility to exotic destinations means we are able to travel with ease. However, with said changes, it is more important than ever that we embrace local cultures and travel to new destinations in a responsible, appreciative manner.

Here are our top tips on how you can be more ethically, economically and socially responsible on your next journey.

Tea – a homely staple and not one just revered by the Brits. With almost 850,000 tons of the warm beverage being consumed by India’s population every year, it is the country’s most popular drink.

While Brits tend to focus on a traditional English breakfast tea, paired with milk, sugar and a scone, India focuses on its sweetened beverages, such as chai, ginger and cardamom. Traditional Masala chai tea is a mixture of black tea, with Indian spices and herbs. You can expect to find it served on the street at chai stalls and roadside shacks.