10 Tips to Responsible Travel

10 Tips to Responsible Travel

Frog on a lily pad

Posted October 28, 2010

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When simple actions—such as recycling, conserving water, and turning off lights—can help make a difference for our environment, there’s no reason not to extend these eco-friendly habits to your travels. As more Americans seek to incorporate environmentally-conscious practices into their trips, the phrase “Take only pictures. Leave only footprints” feels especially relevant to eco-tourism and mindful travel. Below are a few tips from fellow travelers that can guide you toward greener choices on your next adventure.

5 Eco-Tourism Tips:

  1. Pack biodegradable toiletries.
    “The groundwater you may be contaminating is not your own.”
    —L. Mobley, Florence, OR

  2. Reuse water bottles and conserve resources.
    “Wash out your water bottles and refill them while on vacation. Additionally, ask hotels not to change towels and sheets daily during your stay. Let’s be honest, people don’t use fresh towels or change their sheets every day at home.”
    —K. Beaudoin, Woonsocket, RI

  3. Minimize waste and avoid purchasing products that harm the environment.
    “Remove excess packaging from items before you pack them. In many remote or developing areas, waste disposal is a challenge. Also, avoid buying products made from endangered species, hardwoods, or ancient artifacts. Use water sparingly—it’s precious in many countries, and tourists often use much more than locals.”
    —D. Michael, High Point, NC

  4. Choose eco-friendly hotels and accommodations.
    “The easiest way to ensure your hotel is environmentally conscious is to look for LEED or Green Seal Certification. This isn’t just for boutique hotels anymore; larger chains like Starwood’s Element and Marriott are committing to greener lodging. Marriott, for example, aims to have 300 of its 3,300 properties LEED certified within five years. Your travel agent can help you find a ‘hotel with a conscience.'”
    —C. DiSaia, Woonsocket, RI

  5. Understand that eco-friendly travel may come with a higher price tag.
    “Green travel experiences aren’t always less expensive. In fact, some of the most eco-conscious adventures may cost more. You might pay extra to sleep in a tent in Antarctica and be responsible for carrying out your waste. Eco-lodges in remote areas, like Tikal, may offer only a few hours of running water a day. But these accommodations provide exclusive, unforgettable experiences, like seeing a jaguar drinking from the pool. You aren’t paying for high-priced amenities—you’re paying for the adventure and a deeper connection to nature.”
    —M. West, Marysville, WA


A complement to eco-tourism is the concept of environmentally aware travel, also known as responsible travel. It’s about seeking authentic experiences that not only enhance your journey but also give back to the destinations and communities you visit. Responsible travel often goes hand-in-hand with eco-tourism, offering opportunities to engage more meaningfully with the environment and the local culture.

5 Tips for Environmentally Aware Travel:

  1. Support local conservation or social projects.
    Ask your travel professional if there are local initiatives you can visit and support during your trip. Many destinations offer the chance to engage with projects that benefit both the environment and the community.

  2. Hire local guides.
    By hiring local guides, you’ll gain deeper insights into the culture and history of the place you’re visiting while also contributing to the local economy.

  3. Buy local products.
    Opt for locally made products instead of imported goods. Many regions have cooperatives or small businesses that craft traditional gifts, supporting the local economy and preserving cultural heritage.

  4. Avoid exploitation.
    Always be mindful of how your actions affect the people you meet. For example, ask for permission before taking photos of locals. As tourists, we’re often seen as wealthy, so be generous in ways that uplift the community. Support local economies and avoid endorsing any form of exploitation.

  5. Leave a positive impression.
    Respectful, positive interactions with locals can pave the way for future travelers. A good impression creates a lasting ripple effect, helping to foster sustainable and responsible tourism in the area.


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