• Use public transportation. Buses, trains and even walking use less natural resources than personal cars (and take up less space!) While this isn’t possible everywhere you travel, there are many countries where the public transportation is incredible!

• Don’t buy mass produced souvenirs. Most of these souvenirs are produced in poorly regulated factories with cheap labor. If you do buy souvenirs, buy handmade products from local artisans or food/drink products to take home.

• Support local/small businesses. When choosing where to eat, stay and shop while on vacation, try to support small businesses. Money spent in a local community normally stays in that community. Money spent at chains does not, as it goes to large corporations & people who have no connection to that area.

• Offset your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, a big part of travel is flying or driving. While you can’t completely avoid all things that contribute to your carbon footprint (gasses produced by human action), some companies offer “offset” options when purchasing flights.

• Practice Leave No Trace principles. This outdoor organization promotes 7 principles on how to travel responsibly. These include respecting wildlife, disposing of waste and also leaving nature as you found it. Check out their website for more information.

• Volunteer with local organizations. If you can, try to help out the local community wherever you are visiting. This can include river clean ups, food banks, animal rescues, or trail maintenance. We have a section on outdoor opportunities, but you can also check VolunteerMatch for local places to volunteer.

• Pick up trash while out exploring. This is a very simple, but effective, way to help out the local environment of places you visit. Whether you are exploring the beach, a trail or a city, there is always trash you can pick up. Also known as “plogging”, this worldwide movement has a website that you can visit for more information.

Sustainable Travel International Member

Additionally, we are a proud member of Sustainable Travel International. As a member, we are part of a global movement of conscientious travelers and businesses that are passionate about making a difference and giving back to the places we depend on.

• Sustainable Travel International is a mission-driven organization dedicated to protecting and conserving our planet’s most vulnerable destinations. Through this work, they aim to safeguard nature, combat climate change, and empower communities to preserve the integrity of destinations around the globe. To learn more about this cause that we are supporting through our membership (and join yourself), visit www.sustainabletravel.org