Consider your destination. Mass tourism can be destructive to popular sites. There’s a whole world out there, and some of the best travel destinations are the lesser-known ones. Also consider destinations whose tourism policy includes sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Limit carbon emissions caused by airline mileage by choosing the most direct flights, selecting locations within shorter travel distance, and considering alternatives to flying, when possible.

Pack as light as possible. The heavier the plane, the more feel needed, and the more carbon emitted.

Purchase carbon offsets along with your airline tickets.

Stay at locally-owned accommodations. Avoid chain hotels and house rentals that are not individually owned.

Shop locally-owned. Prioritize the local economy for all purchases including souvenirs and food.

Support local initiatives when choosing activities and excursions. However, even locally-owned companies can encourage excursions that are environmentally harmful, so do the research or let us advise you.

Use public transportation. When possible walk, bike, or take a train or bus.

Eat locally-grown foods. Learn what is grown locally and adjust your diet accordingly while traveling.

Always travel with and use: reusable water bottle, towel, reusable straws and utensils, reusable tote/shopping bag. Don’t be afraid to politely tell a shop that you don’t need a single use plastic bag, straw, cup, or fork.

Limit your trash. Aim to do this double than you would at home. Many international travel locations do not have sustainable trash management or recycling. You can choose to bring some items home with you to be recycled rather than dispose of them in a place with no recycling.

Avoid cultural displays put on solely for tourists. This sometimes takes research to know what is an authentic cultural event and what is shown in exploitative ways for tourists. We will find you authentic ways to experience local arts and culture.

Carefully consider animal encounter tourism. Many animal encounters are harmful and exploitive. We can help find those that are not.

Limit your water, air conditioning, and electricity use. Take shorter showers and turn off the lights and the AC in your accommodation when not using.

Use reef-safe sunscreen when in natural waters.

Follow local tipping customs. These are an important part of local economies, and each country’s customs are different.

Learn about local environmental and economic challenges from residents in the place you are visiting.

Learn local customs. This is another way to show respect to the location and the peoples you are visiting.

Don’t be disrespectful when going for the photo op. Religious sites and ruins are not there for you to exploit for your Instagram photo. See below about respect.

Always be respectful. Remember you are the visitor, the site does not belong to you and is not there to meet your needs. Approach each location/site with humility and respect. If you are traveling with kids, teach them this.