Look, we all love traveling, but let’s be real—tourism can be a bit of a mess for local communities and the environment. You’ve probably seen those Instagram-perfect destinations completely overrun with tourists, right? The good news is that you can totally explore the world without leaving a trail of destruction behind you. These 12 ethical travel tips will help you become the kind of traveler that destinations actually want to visit.

1. Ditch the Plane When You Can

Transportation accounts for about 70% of your travel’s carbon footprint, so this one’s huge. FYI, flying is convenient, but it’s basically the worst thing you can do for the environment while traveling. I’m not saying you need to avoid planes completely (because, hello, crossing oceans), but consider whether you really need that short flight.

Trains, buses, and even ferries can get you where you need to go with way less environmental impact. Plus, you actually get to see the landscape instead of just clouds. When you do fly, try to book direct flights and pack light—both of these reduce fuel consumption.

2. Support Local Businesses, Not Chain Hotels

Ever wonder where your money actually goes when you stay at a massive international hotel chain? Spoiler alert: not to the local community. Supporting local businesses puts money directly into the hands of people who actually live there.

Here’s what you should prioritize:

• Stay at family-owned guesthouses or locally-run hotels
• Eat at local restaurants instead of familiar chains
• Hire local guides who know the area intimately
• Buy souvenirs from local artisans, not airport gift shops

Community-sourced organizations beat multinational companies every single time when it comes to keeping tourism dollars where they belong.

3. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Not all accommodations are created equal. Some hotels talk a big game about sustainability but don’t actually walk the walk :/ Look for places certified by reputable programs like EarthCheck or Green Key—these certifications mean the hotel actually meets strict environmental standards.

Sustainable accommodations typically offer locally-sourced food, have zero-waste initiatives, and implement recycling programs. They also tend to be pretty upfront about their water conservation and energy-saving practices. Ask questions before you book, and don’t be afraid to call out greenwashing when you see it.

4. Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

You know what’s absolutely everywhere in tourist destinations? Plastic bottles. So. Many. Plastic. Bottles. Bringing your own reusable water bottle is probably the easiest ethical travel hack there is.

Here are more ways to cut down on plastic waste:

• Pack reusable shopping bags for market visits and day trips
• Bring your own toiletries instead of using those tiny hotel bottles
• Carry reusable cutlery and a metal straw if you’re really committed
• Refuse plastic bags, straws, and unnecessary packaging

IMO, it’s wild how much waste we can eliminate just by planning ahead a little bit.

5. Respect Local Culture and Customs

Remember that the place you’re visiting is someone’s actual home. They’re not performing for your entertainment—they’re living their lives. Cultural respect should be non-negotiable, yet tourists mess this up constantly.

What This Actually Looks Like

Before you visit, research local customs and etiquette. Some cultures value modesty in dress, especially at religious sites. Others have specific rules about photography or physical contact. Following these guidelines isn’t being uptight—it’s being respectful.

Sacred Sites Require Extra Care

When visiting religious or sacred locations, adhere to all dress codes and behavioral guidelines. Don’t take selfies at places of worship unless explicitly allowed. Show reverence even if the beliefs aren’t your own. This shouldn’t be hard, but you’d be surprised how many travelers treat sacred spaces like theme parks.

6. Avoid Animal Exploitation Tourism

This one makes me genuinely angry. Animal tourism can be incredibly cruel, and tourists often don’t realize they’re supporting abuse. Elephant rides, tiger selfies, swimming with captive dolphins—these experiences almost always involve animal suffering.

Want to see wildlife? Do it ethically. Visit reputable sanctuaries that focus on rehabilitation and release, not entertainment. Go on wildlife safaris with operators who maintain proper distance and don’t harass animals. Watch animals in their natural habitats instead of cages. If you can’t touch it or pose with it, that’s usually a good sign.

7. Give Back Through Meaningful Experiences

Responsible tourism means using your travel dollars as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation. Some destinations now offer programs that let you contribute positively. Fiji’s Loloma Hour encourages visitors to spend at least one hour doing activities that benefit the environment or local community.

You could participate in beach cleanups, habitat restoration projects, or cultural preservation initiatives. These experiences give you a deeper connection to the destination while actually helping. Plus, they make way better stories than “I got drunk at a beach club.” 🙂

8. Travel Off-Season to Less Crowded Places

Over-tourism is destroying popular destinations. Some communities are literally begging tourists to stay away because the pressure has become unbearable. You can help by avoiding peak season travel and choosing less popular locations.

Consider fewer, longer trips instead of multiple short getaways. Establish a “basecamp” in one location and take day trips from there. Prioritize destinations that aren’t already drowning in visitors. Off-season travel also tends to be cheaper and more authentic since you’re seeing places when locals actually live there normally.

9. Hire Local and Indigenous Guides

Local guides offer insights you simply can’t get from a guidebook or Western tour operator. They know the hidden spots, the real stories, and the context that makes a destination meaningful. Indigenous guides especially can share perspectives on history and culture that would otherwise be completely inaccessible.

Plus, hiring local guides pumps money directly into the community. It creates employment opportunities and shows that tourism can benefit residents, not just exploit them. Ask your accommodation for recommendations or search for community-based tourism cooperatives.

10. Practice Leave No Trace Principles

If you’re heading into nature, you need to know the Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines help minimize your environmental impact when you’re exploring wilderness areas.

The Seven Principles

• Plan ahead and prepare for your trip properly
• Travel on durable surfaces like established trails
• Dispose of waste properly—pack it in, pack it out
• Leave what you find for others to enjoy
• Minimize campfire impacts or skip fires entirely
• Respect wildlife by observing from a distance
• Be considerate of other visitors sharing the space

Hold onto your trash until you can dispose of it correctly. Don’t carve your initials into trees. Don’t disturb wildlife for photos. Basically, don’t be that person who ruins nature for everyone else.

11. Learn Basic Local Language Phrases

You don’t need to be fluent, but learning a few key phrases shows respect and opens doors. “Hello,” “thank you,” “please,” and “excuse me” in the local language go a surprisingly long way. Language is a powerful tool for connection and understanding.

Locals genuinely appreciate when you make the effort, even if your pronunciation is terrible. It shows you see them as people, not just service providers or background characters in your vacation. Download a translation app before you go and practice the basics. Your interactions will be warmer and more genuine because of it.

12. Choose Certified Sustainable Operators

Lots of companies claim to be sustainable without actually proving it. That’s called greenwashing, and it’s everywhere in the tourism industry. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council recommends choosing certified sustainable travel providers who have verified their claims through third-party certification.

Sustainability certification means a business has met strict criteria for environmental responsibility, cultural sensitivity, and community benefit. Look for legitimate certifications before you book tours, accommodations, or activities. You can demand accountability by supporting certified businesses and asking non-certified ones to prove their sustainability claims. Companies change their practices when customers demand it.

Making Ethical Travel Your Default

Here’s the thing: ethical travel isn’t about being perfect. You’re going to make mistakes, and some destinations make sustainable choices harder than others. The goal is to do better consistently, not to stress about every single decision.

Start with the tips that feel easiest to you. Maybe that’s bringing a reusable water bottle or choosing a locally-owned guesthouse. Build from there as ethical choices become habits. Eventually, you won’t even think about it—you’ll automatically travel in ways that respect communities, cultures, and the environment.

The tourism industry needs to change, and that change starts with travelers like you demanding better. Every ethical choice you make sends a message about the kind of tourism you support. Choose wisely, travel thoughtfully, and help create a tourism industry that benefits everyone—not just the tourists.