Eco-Friendly Travel: How to Be an Ecotourist

Hey there, fellow adventurers! As you might know, we are serious about eco-friendly travel and sustainability. If you are new here, check out our other posts to see what else we have written on this topic. Even though we have written ecotourism before, those posts were mostly informational. We wanted to put together a list of tips on how to be an ecotourist that is shorter and easier to read.

As ecotourists, we have the opportunity to make a difference with our travel choices. By embracing these tips, we contribute to a healthier, happier planet. If you find these tips helpful, please share so we can get the word out. Enough preamble, let’s jump right in.

25 Tips to become an ecotourist

1. Research Destinations Thoroughly. Choose destinations known for their commitment to conservation and community benefits. Look for areas that might not be as popular to help avoid overtourism. This post will help you research destinations to ensure they are eco-friendly.

2. Select Eco-Friendly Accommodations. Stay at hotels or lodges that have sustainable practices in place, such as renewable energy, water conservation, and recycling programs.

3. Support Local Businesses. Eat at local restaurants, shop from local artisans, and use local services to help support the economy. Purchase souvenirs from local shops when possible.

4. Use Public Transportation. As much as possible use public transport, bike rentals, or walking over renting a car to minimize carbon footprint.

5. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle. Avoid buying plastic water bottles by carrying your own reusable one.

6. Reduce Energy Use. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and electronic devices when not in use, even in a hotel room.

7. Respect Wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance, do not feed them, and follow guidelines to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

8. Leave No Trace. Follow the “leave no trace” principles by taking all trash with you and not removing any natural objects or artifacts.

9. Use Eco-Friendly Products. Use biodegradable soaps, sunscreens, and insect repellents that won’t harm the environment.

10. Minimize Water Usage. Take shorter showers and reuse towels to help conserve water.

11. Participate in Conservation Activities. Join local conservation projects or eco-friendly tours that contribute to environmental protection.

12. Educate Yourself and Others. Learn about the local environment, culture, and conservation efforts and share this knowledge.

13. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Practice these principles even while traveling by reducing waste, reusing items, and recycling when possible.

14. Offset Carbon Emissions. Consider carbon offsetting programs that invest in renewable energy or reforestation to balance out your travel emissions.

15. Avoid Single-Use Plastics. Carry reusable bags, utensils, and containers to avoid single-use plastics.

16. Choose Responsible Operators. Book tours and activities with companies that have strong environmental and ethical policies.

17. Respect Local Cultures. Learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and taboos to foster mutual respect.

18. Volunteer Wisely. If volunteering, choose programs that have a positive and sustainable impact on the environment and communities.

19. Eat Local and Seasonal Foods. Choose foods that are locally sourced and in season to reduce your carbon footprint and support local agriculture.

20. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons. Avoid the crowds and reduce the impact on popular destinations by traveling in the off-season. You will also save money.

21. Pack Light. The lighter your luggage, the less fuel is needed for transportation, reducing your carbon footprint.

22. Stay on Trails. When hiking or exploring natural areas, stay on marked trails to protect native flora and prevent erosion.

23. Use Digital Documents. If they are available choose e-tickets and digital confirmations to reduce paper waste.

24. Engage with Local Communities. Take the time to engage with local communities in a respectful and meaningful way to understand their perspectives on tourism.

25. Advocate for Sustainable Practices. Share your eco-friendly travel experiences and encourage others to travel responsibly.

Recommended Videos

Ecotourism Ideas - Be Responsible and Sustainable | At Home With Didiayer What Is Ecotourism & Why Should We Be Ecotourists? | Dr Hayley Stainton

Before You Go …

There you go! Hopefully, you are now more prepared to become an ecotourist. Before you go we would like to recommend checking out our post on eco-friendly travel. It covers a lot of what’s in here, but in more detail.

Thanks so much for reading. If you found this helpful please share it with your friends. It really helps us to get our message out. Have fun and be safe!