Travel off-peak season if possible

One of the best ways we can be more responsible tourists? Travel off-peak, as this will help with overcrowding natural destinations with a large amount of human waste, which can affect the environment negatively, especially in areas, which can not dispose of waste effectively. Not only does this help the destination, but it also means more space to ourselves when we get there. Even better, everything is cheaper from flights to hotels in off-peak seasons!

Buy ocean and reef-safe sunscreen

Not all sun creams are made equally. Most sunscreen is terrible for local wildlife they contain ingredients that can harm ocean life, leading to coral bleaching and other hazards for our ocean's delicate ecosystem. Do your research and buy ocean and reef-safe sun cream if you plan on being in the water on your holiday. A small purchase before your vacation can make a big difference to our oceans!

Avoid plastic products

Plastic waste is taking over our planet, especially our oceans. While it's difficult to eliminate all plastic waste from our lives, there are many steps we can take when we travel to try to limit our use of disposable plastic products. The easiest way to do this is to carry a refillable metal water bottle when we travel, taking the place of potentially dozens of small plastic water bottles over the course of our holiday. Just make sure that the local tap water is safe to drink!

Other ways to reduce the amount of disposable plastic used on holiday is to bring a canvas tote bag for shopping, bring reusable utensils (if you plan on eating takeaway), refuse plastic straws, and buy refillable toiletry bottles for shampoo and other products.

Use the most eco-friendly transportation option

Look for alternative transport, for example, cycling, public transport and consider the most eco-friendly mode of transport.

Consider local travel for a quick and easy holiday

Ever wonder why tourists come to where you live? Chances are you have not explored what is on offer in your own country! As fun as it is to go abroad, there are plenty of local holiday spots worthy of our attention too! One of the pillars of sustainable travel is supporting the local economy, so why not check out a break not far from your hometown, or visit the countryside only an hour or two away? In the UK, that might mean a friendly trip to Bath or a weekend getaway to the lake district. It's amazing how many fantastic holidays are waiting to be discovered just outside our front doors!

Shop and eat from independent restaurants and locally whenever possible

While it may take a bit more research than usual, making sure that you support the local economy of a destination is a cornerstone of responsible and sustainable travel. Focus on buying only locally-crafted souvenirs and research where the best local restaurants are... not only do you get to try the traditional cuisine, you support the local community, too! Unsure where to shop or eat? Ask a local!

Hang towels or laundry to dry

Do you know that little card on your hotel sink that asks you to consider reusing your towel? It really does make a difference! We don't wash our towels every day at home, so why do we need freshly laundered towels every day when we travel? If every traveller reused their towels a few times per trip, we could collectively make a big difference in the water and energy used on laundry every day around the world.

Respect environmental rules

While it may be tempting to do some wild camping, or feed the wildlife, those warning signs are there for a reason. Always respect the rules when it comes to interacting with nature, including staying on paths in national parks. This ensures that many generations can enjoy the natural beauty of our planet for years to come!

Kill nothing but time
Take nothing but pictures
Burn nothing but calories
Leave nothing but footprints
Bring nothing but memories

Leave no trace

In order to be a responsible tourist, this means leaving no trace when we travel. Always recycle and/or dispose of your rubbish responsibly whenever possible, and definitely don't graffiti or alter any buildings or natural habitats. On the flip side, leave environments exactly as you found them, which means no taking natural items as souvenirs (including seashells, rocks, nests, feathers, and so on.

How To Be As ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE As Possible While Travelling