How to tick off your travel bucket list in a responsible way

In the last 20 years, the number of people taking international vacations has more than doubled, with an estimated 1.53 billion people undertaking global travel in 2024. The economic benefits of tourism are well-known, and the personal advantages we reap from seeing the wider world are invaluable – but for many places, it isn’t all good news. The travel industry accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions and generates 1.3 billion tons of waste, taking a massive toll on the environment and on wildlife. In some areas, tourism – and overtourism – has had such a negative effect on local communities, that residents are starting to object – for instance, many areas in Spain have seen protests against the massive influx of tourists that residents say drive up accommodation prices and make their cities overcrowded and almost unlivable. And this is in places where local people have a voice, which isn’t always the case in many smaller, rural or vulnerable communities. So how do we adopt responsible, eco-friendly travel, and how do we ensure to tick off our travel bucket list in a responsible way?

How to plan your travel bucket list responsibly

At its core, responsible travel is about being a respectful, thoughtful and responsible tourist. As global travelers, we spend billions every year on trips and vacations, and our tourist dollars, pounds and euros give us enormous spending power. Incorporating a responsible mindset into your research and decision-making takes no extra effort but can make a huge difference to the country you’re visiting. Ecotourism is about helping to protect the environment, empower local communities and educate travelers, often centered around nature-based travel, activities and experiences. Plan your eco-friendly travel bucket list around the three ‘Rs’ – reflection, respect and responsibility – and have a wonderful trip, knowing that your overall impact has been a positive one.

Begin with brainstorming: aligning your passions with responsible travel

Nurture your passions while having a positive impact by researching destinations that not only resonate with your interests, but also prioritize protecting the environment. From skiing and scuba diving to paddleboarding and whale-watching, some countries are leading the way with responsible practices that put wildlife and nature first. With dozens of tour and activity companies often operating in one area, find out which ones have the best eco-credentials and practices. Look for certification and codes of conduct, and consider supporting small local businesses.

Some of the world’s major historical and cultural sights are irresistible, but be mindful that these places are more prone to the impacts of overtourism. Their fragile structures and limited capacity to handle the crowds mean they risk damage and degradation, and that’s before we consider the visitor experience. There’s a reason why Venice introduced a day-tripper fee to discourage visitors on peak days. Reflect on whether you’re visiting to see a piece of history or just to get the perfect snap for social media.

Bucket list eco-conscious activities and adventures

The opportunity for unique experiences and activities is the number-one reason we travel, so this year, why not add an eco-activity to your travel bucket list? It could be as simple as choosing an eco-friendly option for your wildlife safari, kayaking trip or hiking excursion, ensuring that your tour operator is committed to sustainable practices. This is especially important for wildlife excursions. From snorkeling with sea turtles to spotting the Big Five in Africa, seeing animals in the wild is a special experience, but not all practices are ethical. Do your research and choose companies that put the animals at the heart of their operation.

Making authentic connections with local people and having fun while making a positive difference can be as simple as joining in a cooking class or taking part in a workshop that teaches traditional crafts. Another option is to consider what’s become known as ‘voluntourism’, where you actively take part in a local initiative to support conservation or drive social change. From turtle conservation in Costa Rica to learning to protect endangered Bengal tigers in Sri Lanka, funds and labor from volunteers often support initiatives that might otherwise lack resources.

Planning ahead: eco-friendly accommodations, operators and transport

Travelling shorter distances means less carbon impact, so if you’re able to choose a destination closer to home, you’ll cut carbon emissions and save money. The joy of travel is often in visiting far-flung corners of the globe where a flight is essential, but you can still make a difference by choosing an eco-friendlier airline. More airlines are responding to customer demand for greener flights with newer, more efficient planes, reducing single-use plastic, and investing more in sustainable aviation fuel.

Once you arrive, travelling by public transport is always going to be a win-win. Not only is it cheaper than renting a car, it’s the most sustainable option, with many countries investing in electric and hydrogen-powered buses and trains. Cities like Paris and Stockholm have some of the most eco-friendly transport options in the world, and many places are following the Netherlands’ lead with bike-share schemes.

Travelers spend a significant portion of their budget on accommodation, so make it count by choosing eco-friendly options that prioritize energy efficiency, use renewable resources and make efforts to reduce waste, including water. That grand hotel might look wonderful, but are the lush gardens maintained at the expense of thousands of gallons of water in a region where it’s scarce? An eco-conscious decision doesn’t mean sacrificing some luxury, with many eco-lodges offering fabulous, sustainable accommodation surrounded by nature’s garden. Foodies can put their appetite to good use and contribute to the local economy, by dining at small family-run eateries or farm-to-table restaurants specializing in local ingredients.

Slow travel: deepen your connections as you reduce your footprint

Staying in a place for longer or slowly meandering across a country gives you a more profound appreciation of your surroundings and reduces your carbon footprint. And by embracing public transport, you’ll likely enjoy a more immersive experience and an opportunity to make connections and have conversations with local people. The romance of travelling by train, coupled with its environmental credentials, might be the reason why rail tours are the latest travel trend to make a comeback. It’s a greener way to travel and a great way to watch the landscape pass by, not to mention avoiding airport queues.

Top destinations to inspire a responsible travel bucket list

Planning your next trip? We highlight some of the best destinations to tempt eco-conscious travelers to book a vacation.

Destinations for exploring nature conservation

Sri Lanka is a nature-lover’s dream; a wildlife haven, rich in elephants, leopards and monkeys, surrounded by spectacular landscapes with tea plantations, cloud forests and grasslands. Take an ethical safari in the national parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla, then head for the beautiful beaches where visiting a conservation project means you can see wild turtles up-close.

Whether the Indonesian or Malaysian parts, Borneo’s incredible biodiversity makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts who come to see the ancient rainforests, trek in the jungle and see wildlife such as pygmy elephants and the county’s famous orangutans. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center to see how they care for young, orphaned orangutans.

In Costa Rica you could go birdwatching with a local guide or kayaking in the mangroves with an environmental scientist, and learn how low-impact tourism is helping to protect them in this rich yet delicate ecosystem.

Famous as a northern lights hotspot and Santa’s Lapland, Finland is also home to the last true wildernesses of Europe. Experience intense and unique nature in its vast national parks and mystical forests, and observe the wildlife of the Arctic Circle such as brown bears, reindeer and lynx. For a surreal experience, float in a glacial lake wearing an insulated survival suit and enjoy the silence and views of the Nordic sky.

Shoulder season destinations to fuel your wanderlust

Thailand is at the tipping point of overtourism and is encouraging visitors to consider areas outside of its hotspots, or to travel during shoulder season. It’s also learning that today’s visitors have an appetite for responsible tourism. Twenty years ago, a trip to Thailand might have included the opportunity to ride an elephant and, while this practice hasn’t yet disappeared, it’s to be avoided in favor of legitimate sanctuaries, which focus on responsible and meaningful encounters with these gentle giants.

Japan is officially having a moment, so it’s worth considering shoulder season visits, when you can hand-pick your itinerary plus enjoy smaller crowds and prices. There’s more to the country than sake and cherry blossom season, and many go to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of mountains, valleys, lakes and forests – each brimming with unique beauty all throughout the year. As an island archipelago, Japan also has miles of coastline and beautiful beaches for you to enjoy, bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Visit Greece during shoulder season and explore some of its famous historical sites without the crowds, or get away from it all and hike in the shadow of Mount Olympus. Lastly, soak up some mid-season magic in Iceland – land of volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, as well as vast areas of stunning natural beauty. The best time to see the northern lights and still enjoy enough daylight is between September and March, which is also when prices and tourist numbers go down.

Make it happen

Responsible travel is at the heart of what we do. We believe in balancing global travel with preserving the environment and respecting the cultures and economies of local communities. Learn more about the ethos that underpins all of our trips, and get in touch with a local expert in your chosen destination for more responsible travel bucket list tips.