How to travel responsibly: 42 real tips for sustainable adventures
It’s no news that tourism changes everything from the planet to the people who call it home. But the good news is: You’ve got power.
Responsible travel means being aware of your impact and doing something about it. It’s not about perfection. It’s about better choices, trip by trip.
Here’s your ultimate, no-fluff guide to travelling responsibly. Over 40 practical tips that help you make a real difference: to protect the planet, local communities and culture. All tried and tested by travellers who care in the Hostelworld community.
How to reduce your environmental impact while travelling
Check out how Green Haven Ilha Anchieta protects the paradise island they’re located on!
- Fly less, stay longer – choose trains, buses and ferries
Short flights burn the most fuel. Take fewer flights and stay longer. Trains and buses have way lower emissions per passenger compared to flying. Bonus: the journey becomes part of the trip.
- Stay in a hostel
It’s official: Hostels produce 82% less carbon emissions than hotels. Not only are hostels a way to meet other people and share unique experiences, we also now know for sure that they represent a more sustainable accommodation choice in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win, win, win!
- Offset carbon – but do it right
If you fly, offset emissions. But don’t treat it like a “get out of guilt free” card. Reduce where you can and try to make sure the carbon offsetting project is legit.
- Pack light
Every kilo adds up. A lighter backpack means less fuel burned, especially on flights. Also, your back will thank you!
- Save water where you can
In many places, clean water is scarce. Keep your showers short and reuse towels.
- Avoid animal tourism, research beforehand
No elephant rides. No tiger selfies. No dolphin shows. Support sanctuaries only if they’re ethical and rescue-based. Do your research beforehand.
- Book eco-certified accommodation
Look for legit certifications like Hostelworld’s Staircase to Sustainability (you can filter hostels!) Ask about water, energy, and waste practices.
- Turn off the AC and lights
Basic stuff, but many don’t do it. Don’t leave things running when you’re not in the room. It will cool down fast when you come back.
- Bring reusables
Pack a reusable water bottle, a tote bag, maybe even cutlery, and a coffee cup. Ditch single-use plastics.
- Eat local and plant-based
Less meat, fewer food miles, and more flavour. Going veggie – even if just for a few meals a week, helps, too. No need to overhaul your whole diet.
- Skip cruises
Cruise ships = floating carbon bombs. Enough said.
How to support local communities while travelling
Learn more about how Wonderland Jungle Hostel changes lives through education
- Stay local
Book hostels that are locally owned and employ locals. It helps to keep the money in the community, giving more opportunities to people nearby.
- Join hostel-run community events
Many hostels partner with local artists, NGOs or collectives. Ask the staff what’s happening – it’s a fun way to give back and get to know new people.
- Tip fairly
Don’t skip tipping where it’s part of the culture. Research what’s appropriate in each country.
- Shop small
Buy directly from local makers, not mass-produced souvenir stalls. Think handwoven, handmade, homegrown.
- Party local
Support local venues! Ask the hostel staff where they actually go for a night out.
- Learn the language
Even a few words – hello, thank you and please – go a long way. It shows respect.
- Ask before taking photos
Especially if you want to take pictures of people. Don’t treat locals like Instagram props.
- Support hostels that give back
Stay in a hostel that supports the local community and entrepreneurs, purchases locally and offers fair and equal employment.
- Volunteer wisely
Look for community-led orgs that want skilled, short-term help – research and ask questions to make sure you’re contributing positively.
- Avoid exploitative tours
Skip experiences that feel forced or uncomfortable. If it’s performative or disrespectful, don’t fund it.
- Don’t over-haggle
Yes, bargaining is cultural in many places and you can do it, too. But shaving pennies off someone’s living wage isn’t cool.
How to respect cultures while travelling
Read more about how Hostal el Cielo supports local communities in Medellin
- Hire local guides
Support people who live there. They know the stories, the shortcuts, and the soul of the place. You’ll also get way more out of the experience!
- Dress appropriately
Especially in religious or conservative areas. Research local norms and pack accordingly.
- Learn cultural norms
What’s polite? What’s rude? Take 10 minutes to learn the basics.
- Respect sacred sites
Don’t climb, sit, or touch monuments. Follow signs and rules. Keep your voice down.
- Avoid cultural appropriation
Before joining a ceremony or wearing traditional clothing, ask what it means and whether it’s appropriate.
- Be aware of your behaviour
Loud, drunk, disrespectful tourists give all of us a bad name. Don’t be that person. Probably someone is trying to sleep in a nearby house.
How to travel with positive social impact
See how solo travelling in Colombia changed Amy’s view on travel
- Understand your impact
Your presence affects rent, wages, and resources. Be conscious of how tourism changes a place, for better or worse.
- Travel off-season
Avoid peak tourist months especially in top destinations to reduce pressure on locals and get better experiences with fewer crowds.
- Use the Hostelworld app to meet new people
Meet travellers nearby, share rides and make dinner plans. The Hostelworld app helps you make real connections on the road – and saves resources.
- Support social enterprises
Book with businesses that train and employ underrepresented groups: women, refugees, youth, indigenous communities, ex-offenders…
- Talk to locals
The hostel staff is a great place to start! Real conversations help you understand the place beyond the tourist bubble – ask about their favourite spots, pastimes, neighbourhoods, how their day to day looks like.
- Leave honest reviews
Highlight good practices. Call out greenwashing or poor ethics if needed.
- Donate, if asked
Bring gear or medicine only if it’s requested. Unsolicited donations often create waste or dependency.
- Use your platform
Tag and shout out to local businesses: share your favourite hostels, tours or local artisans. Share stories that shine the light on communities.
- Go beyond “less harm”
Look for regenerative travel experiences that restore environments or support cultural revival. Ask yourself how you can contribute positively.
- Question where your money goes
Ask where the money goes. Who’s profiting? Who’s impacted?
- Stay curious
Ask questions. Don’t assume your way is the right or only way.
- Don’t compare or judge
Your standards aren’t universal. Respect different ways of life.
- Stay connected!
Meeting people is what makes travel magic! Stay connected to extend it even when you’re back home. Check out our app to find likeminded people to hang out with.
- Reflect and reset after each trip
Every trip teaches us something. Bring that mindset home – it’s the real souvenir.
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