Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa

I put this responsible travel guide together to share responsible travel tips that will empower you to become an ethical traveler, , making a positive impact on the destinations you visit. If you took away one tip and practiced it or you shared this post with friends, you are helping alleviate the ongoing negative impact that tourism brings. 

Crowds, over-tourism, human zoos, animal/marine life abuse in the name of tourist entertainment, and the overburdening of natural resources… Do you ever feel a little weird about how tourism can sometimes hurt the places we love to visit? Yeah, me too.

That’s why I wanted to share some responsible travel tips to make your trips more fun, more authentic and ethically kind to the places we visit!  Here’s how tourism can have negative consequences, and how your responsible actions can be a positive force for turning it around:

The Downside of Tourism

Read 14 Eco-friendly tips for Ethical Travel

Responsible Travel Tips for the Ethical Traveler

1. If it’s a “cheap tour”, proceed with caution.

I get it– it’s tempting to book your tour or activity with the cheapest tour agent you can find, but “cheap” can be the worst offenders, when it comes to exploiting marginalized communities and wildlife. Many “cheap tour” companies are unethical. These businesses sell bucket list experiences that can sound like you’ll be visiting a three ring circus, but because they’re so cheap they need to sell a lot of tours to make it worthwhile. That means any activity they are selling is overburdened with tourists.

Moreover, to make their tour attractive to tourists, they resort to unethical and inauthentic practices which hurt and exploit wildlife, the eco-system and local communities. Examples include elephant rides, swimming with turtles, shark cage dives, selfies with drugged tigers.

One practice many tourists don’t know about with snorkel and shark cage tours is “chumming”, where the operator throws fish remains into the waters to attract marine life. This trains all types of fish and predators to see boats, humans and chum areas as unnatural “feeding spots”.

Budget day tours in Thailand are sadly infamous for this! Although I use GetyourGuide to find day tours, it angers me that they still list many unethical tours! The Thailand Tourism board finally wrote this blog post about things not to do in Thailand.

Note: If you’re riding touching, bathing or interacting with an animal, it is not an ethical sanctuary or tour. If the activity is a trip to a Karen longneck tribe village – sometimes local tours sneak this in as a sensational attraction– it is basically, a human zoo of sitting for photos as tourists snap away at their long decorated necks! I am all for visiting ethnic and marginalized communities but it’s only helpful to them when your tourist dollars actually go to their community.

Respecting Culture & Community

2. Respect the dress etiquette

Respecting local etiquette is crucial for responsible travel. Before visiting research dress etiquette at your destination.

Some cultures are highly conservative, and wearing revealing clothing can be disrespectful. I witnessed a group of young male tourists treating a Hawaiian cemetery, where my family was paying respects, as a parking lot for a nearby hike. Some were shirtless. This was incredibly disrespectful, especially as the cemetery is known to house local Japanese families who regularly perform rituals and memorials there. Honoring ancestors is deeply important in Hawaii-Asian culture.

In other countries like Korea or India, wearing revealing clothing like low-cut tops, spaghetti straps or exposing shoulders can be seen as inappropriate and even offensive, particularly to elders.  Visiting Pakistan, an elderly man was offended seeing my kurta accidentally tucked into my pants, thus exposing my panted backside.

3. Observe religious and cultural etiquette and customs.

Before visiting a new culture, researching their traditions and customs shows respect and helps you avoid unintentional offenses.

It’s important to observe religious when entering places of worship or local homes. In Sikh and Muslim temples, women are typically required to cover their hair. In Thailand, pointing your feet at the Buddha is considered disrespectful.

In Korea, giving and receiving anything is done with both hands and blowing your nose in public is considered rude.

4. Ask permission before taking photos

Before taking that snap of a local, ask permission first. Some locals do not appreciate it. Japanese may feel it as an invasion of privacy. Native Americans and indigenous cultures may feel you are stealing their soul.

Get to know the person you’re taking a photo of first. Ask permission and if they allow it and they are a vendor, buy something from them and create a sincere cultural exchange with them. Don’t let it be just about getting them into your travel selfies to make you look adventurous.

5. Respect local communities and AVOID BAD TOURISM

Be respectful of the local communities and their way of life. Be courteous, kind, treat locals as you would respected elders at your home. Locals and their cultural practices do not exist to serve as your vacation entertainment. Avoid disrupting their daily routines or being intrusive.

In Laos, I witnessed tourists flock to take photos of monks taking alms. Some tourists jumped in front of them with camera flashes as the monks solemnly walked in their procession accepting food from locals. One tour operator even created an area where tourists could buy rice to feed the monks. Comm’on folks, this is not a human zoo festival and participating in an inauthentic tour like that creates problems for the local communities, practicing their honest religion. It doesn’t stop at Laos…

Due to overtourism, and bad tourists harassing geisha, Kyoto has banned tourists from entering areas of Gion, where geisha work and reside. Japan erected a black barrier to keep tourists from snapping Mount Fuji photos.

In parts of Spain, angry locals took to picketing and shouting at tourists to go home over ‘touristification’, raising rent costs and growing tourism projects pushing locals out of their homes.

Venice Italy caps group tours at 25 people, bans the use of megaphones and is testing a tourist tax/entry fee.

6. Avoid Human Zoos, Please

I’m all for visiting off-the-beaten-path villages and rural areas to learn, observe and experience local lifestyles. But the tours i’m talking about are when tourists are herded to visit villages, where the minority cultures are treated callously as spectacles and there’s no authentic cultural exchange. This is what is called the human zoo.

In Thailand, Thai operators treat Karen longneck village as circus freaks. You are taken there to see their extremely long necks, which is a symbol of beauty for the tribespeople. Meanwhile, the Karen longneck sit in traditional clothing for frenzied tourists, who snap photos of them and then in the next turn, blow them off with a huff -and how dare they! attitude- when the tribes women attempt to sell these tourists trinket souvenirs. When the tourists leave, the Karen change back into their normal day clothes. It is heart-breaking to see this.

The Karen allow this cultural disrespect for the opportunity to sell their crafts for livelihood.  I naively took a tour like this once but my participation in that form of entertainment felt so wrong, that I could not even lift my camera to take a snap. It felt wrong, because it was!

Today, I am very wary of tribal visits unless it is through a responsible tour operator who I know is paying a fair wage and has established an ethical trade where travelers are educated on how to respect indigenous cultures.

7. Avoid Poverty Tourism

Poverty tourism is another thing to watch out for. While it may seem kind hearted and tempting to see inside a slum, it’s not respectful or honoring to its residents. The underprivileged have pride.

If you do participate in this type of tour, research how much of the money goes towards local empowerment and a sustainable program to get local businesses on their feet. Make sure that children are not used as guides, as this keeps them from going to school.

Download your free solo travel survival toolkit

Wildlife tourism

8. AVOID Animal Entertainment

Simple rules regarding animal interaction: do not pet, ride, touch, feed animals or marine life. If you are allowed to interact with them, it’s likely not ethical.

Refrain from participating in activities that exploit animals, such as elephant rides or visiting animal shows. These practices often involve cruelty and mistreatment.

If you are doing a desert safari, coming across the option of a camel ride is inevitable. Consider walking instead.

I once had an operator tell me that camels are the vehicles of the desert so it is natural to ride them. Did anyone ask the camel if they wanted to be vehicle and if their dream is to give rides to humans? No. It is humans that keep camels in captivation to ride them. There’s nothing natural about it.

One of my favorite dog rescue (animal welfare) influencer, Zach Skow visited the Moroccan dessert and found himself at a camel safari operator. He paid a safari operator so he could give a safari camel a massage and 20 minutes of relaxation rather than ride it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zach Skow (@zachskow)

In the past, I was naive about animal rides and elephant entertainment- I’ve ridden elephants and camels, thinking it was an exotic bucket list thing to check off my list. That was before I realized how these animals were being mistreated. In hindsight, when I rode animals I felt very sad and guilty about it. It was because I knew it was wrong.

Some animals look worn, go stir crazy, are separated from their offspring or worse, the offspring is made to work alongside them! These sad beasts are driven hard to meet the demands of the tourist dollar and vainglorious selfies! The cheaper the cost of the activity, the more the owner/company must overwork the animal to make profits. It’s not a good vibe kinda feeling.

There are several arguments which tell you that these animals are happy working, are authentic to the culture and help pay for the livelihood of poor families and their cost of being maintained and fed, but at the day’s end, they are captive, broken, mistreated and overworked. Your tourist dollars support and vote for their continued slavery.

Wildlife deserves to live wild, royal and free. These animals are royal beings with their own life.

Please consider this.

9. Appreciate wildlife in the wild

Many travelers want a guaranteed wildlife sightings on their excursions. Due to that pressure, unethical operators resort to tampering with nature to provide those results they’re reliant upon for their business.

Responsible operators and naturalists on the other hand, study animal/marine life behavior to know where natural habitats are and how travelers can appreciate without disturbing them. They aren’t results-focused but can still provide value if there is no sighting. Responsible safari operators will also know that safari experiences should not exceed capacity as even vehicles entering safari grounds can add stressors to the wildlife. Booking safari activities which allow animals their freedom and space in the wild makes sightings much more natural and exciting.

Tip: Bring a long zoom lens for your safaris so your camera can get up close without needing to pressure the guide to stress the animal.

10. If you pay to feed, pet, bathe or take selfies with the animal, it is exploitation,

“If tourists stopped paying money for it, it would change the entertainment.”– Jane Goodall.

Before booking a wildlife activity, research their website and reviews. You don’t want your enjoyment to come at the expense of endangering species or harming wildlife.

When you choose not to support attractions that exploit animals, owners are compelled to seek alternative ways to generate revenue. Some argue that animals need to work so their owners can afford to care for and feed them. However, there is no evidence that owners are currently providing proper care. There is only a guarantee that the cycle of abuse will persist. When owners and fake sanctuaries can no longer profit from overworking their animals, they are left with no choice but to find alternative means of survival and may need to surrender the animal.

Many elephant camps use the word sanctuaries, to evade the fact they are commercial businesses, exploiting these gentle beasts by promising guest interaction. The rule of thumb is: if you can feed, pet, bathe or take selfies with the animal, it is not a real sanctuary.  A real sanctuary has a hands-off approach to its wildlife residents, especially if they have been rescued from mistreatment.  Never subject an animal to work for your tourist dollars.

11. Respect local wildlife

When exploring natural habitats, demonstrate respect for the wildlife and their surroundings. Avoid disturbing or harming the animals and refrain from feeding them human food, junk food, or snacks. Additionally, be sure to remove any waste, such as plastics, napkins, soda bottles, etc., from their habitats.

12. Never buy products made from endangered animals

Avoid purchasing products and crafts made from endangered or protected animals. Just because these items are for sale does not mean you should buy them. Your financial support sustains illegal and harmful activities.

13. Support conservation efforts

Look for ways to support local conservation initiatives, such as volunteering to do beach or city cleanups. You can find these volunteer groups on Facebook groups or you can do your own beach cleanup, by removing trash where you find it.

Read 14 Eco-friendly tips for Ethical Travel

Supporting Local Economies

14. Support local businesses

Instead of eating at chain restaurants, seek out family-owned eateries and mom-and-pop shops. This will not only support the local economy but also provide you with a more authentic travel experience.

During a trip to San Juan, I asked the receptionist at my hotel for recommendations on where to find an authentic Puerto Rican food experience. Old San Juan is very touristy and expensive, so I explained that I was looking for something “moderately-priced, popular with locals, and family-run“. The receptionist directed me to a small restaurant owned by her friend’s family. The food there was incredibly authentic and delicious, and I observed both, locals and tourists enjoying their meals.

15. Shop Locally

When it comes to shopping, opt for local markets, grocery stores, mom-and-pop shops, and small boutiques. Purchase handicrafts from indigenous communities and artwork from local artisans.

Responsible travel tip: By shopping locally, you not only empower the local economy but also contribute to a more sustainable travel experience. It’s best to avoid big international chains, as your money tends to flow out of the local community and sometimes, out the country.

16. Engage with the local community. Don’t take from them.

Interacting with the local community is one of the aspects of solo travel I love best! Take time to engage with locals, be curious and ask them about their culture, and show respect for their traditions. Participate in local events, attend cultural festivals, or even strike up conversations with residents at a cafe. By immersing yourself in the local community, you gain a deeper understanding of the destination and foster meaningful connections.

See my experience of taking photos in developing countries

17. Eat street food

Eating street food is an excellent way to support local communities. Street food vendors are local entrepreneurs, so your money goes directly towards supporting their business, family, and community.

According to Wiego.org, “street vendors create jobs not only for themselves but also for porters, security guards, transport operators, storage providers, and others. They contribute to the city’s revenue through license and permit fees, fines, and various taxes.”

Tip: Street vendors in developing countries often make very little profit, sometimes earning a few cents per dish. Avoid asking for extra napkins or packaging as these add to their operational costs. If you want takeaway food, bring a ziplock bag, and carry extra tissues with you to clean up after yourself.

Read food safety tips to avoid getting sick

18. Pay a fair price

While it’s natural to seek a good deal when shopping, it’s important to avoid hard haggling and bargaining that may prevent vendors from making a reasonable profit. Never compromise someone’s hard work or livelihood for the sake of a discount.

19. Volunteering with verified local charities

Give back to the local community by volunteering with verified local charities and non-profit organizations. Community volunteering projects such as building a house, volunteering time at a local animal shelter or doing beach and hiking trail cleanups are short term and easy to do. Most volunteer programs require weeks to months of committed volunteering, but there may be short term programs that are harmless to the recipients.

I have participated in short term volunteer programs like being a pet transporter to washing and walking shelter dogs in Mexico and Puerto Rico. I have also visited street animal rescue sanctuaries in Delhi, Udaipur and Kathmandu (check out my linked guides for that information) to visit with the dogs, play with them and donate.

Longer term volunteer projects can be WOOFing, Peace Boat, Peace Corps.

20. Hire licensed guides

Although it may be tempting to hire local children as guides to support them financially, it’s crucial to respect the laws and regulations of each country. Official guides have undergone legal training, certification, and personal investment in their profession.

During my visit to India, I made the mistake of hiring an unlicensed guide who took me to potentially unsafe locations. In India, licensed guides are required to invest in their education and obtain licenses to guide at specific monuments. Similarly, in Morocco, my girlfriend and I hired a teenage boy as a guide, unknowingly causing him to evade police and licensed guides. We later learned that our actions jeopardized his future and education. If caught, he could go to jail.

21. Avoid giving money to begging children.

Freely giving money to child beggars perpetuates a cycle that keeps children out of school and subjects them to street life. Instead, consider donating to verified nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army that you trust and follow on social media. Read more on How to Deal with Touts, Beggars and Scams

22. Avoid orphanages and “voluntourism” with children

Tours that offer visits to schools or orphanages are not responsible tourism. It’s important to recognize that such visits disrupt a child’s school time and some of these orphanages are scams. As a former teacher, I know that there is little learning that can be done in such a short period of time. It takes months for children to truly learn from a teacher.

Children need to be handled sensitively, especially considering the alarming growth of sexual predators and child traffickers. Adults who handle or interact with children should be asked for background checks. If any tour company sells you this type of experience, avoid it at all costs.

Read 19 Common Scams Against Travelers

Support Environmental Health

23. Bring a reusable water bottle

Bring reusable water bottles during your travels. I always ensure to bring a reusable bottle to the airport, as many airports provide water refilling stations for passengers with their own containers.When I happen to buy a water bottle on my trip, I reuse it several times to make sure I’ve gotten a good use from it before discarding. I’ve reused my plastic water bottle for entire trips.

Tip: I buy Pathwater– it’s actually 9.5 PH balanced water with electrolytes, but it comes in a light-weight, wide-mouth design for easy refilling, and easy to care for. Just hand-wash or shake with a few drops of dish soap and warm water, then rinse.  Alternate options are:  Nomader Collapsable water bottle or a Hydroflask Wide mouthed bottle

24.  Use coral or reef-safe sunscreen with beach activities

Opt for coral or reef-safe sunscreen during beach activities.

Read my Ultimate coral-safe sunscreen guide with recommendations.

25. Collect your trash when leaving

Always be mindful of your waste and dispose of it in designated areas. Avoid littering and prioritize recycling whenever possible.

If you don’t see a nearby trash can, carry your trash in a paper bag until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it.

26. Homestay and Green hotels

Choose accommodations that prioritize sustainability and have implemented eco-friendly practices. Look for places that use renewable energy, recycle, minimize water usage, and have energy-efficient appliances like televisions and air conditioning.

Supporting sustainable accommodations can involve staying at family-run guesthouses, local bed and breakfasts, or traditional homestay.

“Green hotels” focus on maintaining an environmentally conscious establishment with minimal plastic waste. Some may even have sustainable practices, such as sourcing food from their own gardens. Read my guide on How to Find Sustainable Accommodations

27. Reduce water usage

Be mindful of your water consumption and try to minimize it whenever possible. Take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and reuse towels.

28. Conserve energy

When leaving your accommodation, remember to turn off lights, air conditioning, and other electronics to conserve energy.

29. Support eco-friendly and sustainable cultural tours

Consider engaging in human-powered activities such as biking, kayaking, and walking tours. These not only offer a unique perspective for sightseeing but also contribute to a more sustainable travel experience.

Personally, I enjoy food tours that incorporate walking, allowing me to explore the local cuisine, burn calories, and connect with the community.

30. Choose sustainable transportation

Embrace walking, biking, electric scooter rentals or using public transportation options. This helps reduce your carbon footprint, supports local businesses, and provides opportunities to interact with locals, fostering a deeper sense of integration with the local community.

How to Find Responsible and Sustainable Tour Operators

Choosing a responsible and sustainable tour operator is important for ethical travel. How can you tell if a tour operator is committed to these principles? Their website is often a good indicator.

Responsible Tour Operators: These operators prioritize authentic experiences that respect destinations, communities, and the natural environment. They avoid practices that burden, disrespect, or exploit. Their websites typically provide information about their operational ethics and how they ensure positive impacts.

Sustainable Tour Operators: These operators go a step further by building ethical and authentic relationships with local, indigenous, and marginalized communities. They aim to create meaningful cultural exchanges that empower local communities through economic opportunities and sustainable practices. They avoid exploitative practices and presenting cultures in a dehumanizing way.

Finding Ethical Tour Operators: You might see various terms used to describe these types of operators, including “responsible tourism,” “sustainable tourism,” “ethical travel,” “mindful travel,” and “regenerative travel.” Look for statements about their operational ethics on their websites.

While the selection of truly ethical operators is still growing, here’s how you can find them:

Website Review: Often, a responsible tour operator’s website will clearly outline their commitment to ethical practices.

Online Reviews: Search for reviews of the tour company online to see what other travelers have experienced.

Google Searches: I often use Google searches like “responsible tour operator” + (city name) to find ethical options in my destination.

Tourism Board Inquiries: If working with a tourism board, ask for recommendations on ethical tour operators.

Intrepid Travel is a well-known example of a company with a long-standing reputation for running responsible tours and partnering with local operators who share their values. However, sometimes you might just need a single-day tour, so it’s good to have other options.

Conclusion

By incorporating these tips into your solo travel experience, you can enhance your journey while also being a responsible and ethical traveler. Responsible tourism is about minimizing our negative impact, respecting local cultures, and supporting sustainable practices. Let’s strive to leave a positive footprint as we traverse the world.

Share your responsible travel tips below! What are responsible travel practices you’d recommend?