Where to see wildlife responsibly
February 6, 2025
Learn more, do better: educational resources for sustainable travel
|As travelers, our adventures take us to some of the most beautiful and culturally rich places on Earth. However, with great travel comes great responsibility. Whether you’re exploring pristine natural landscapes or immersing yourself in diverse cultural experiences, the choices you make on the road can have a significant impact on the environment and local communities. That’s where responsible travel comes in – a mindful approach to exploring the world that prioritizes sustainability, ethical practices, and respect for the places we visit. In this article, we’ve curated the best resources for sustainable travel to help you embark on your journey with a conscience. From eco-friendly travel guides to platforms promoting ethical tourism, these tools will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to make your trips more sustainable.
The best resources to get you started
If you’re dipping your toes into sustainable travel for the first time and don’t know where to start, Sustainable Travel International are a leading organization that provides comprehensive guides, tools, and resources so you can learn about everything from overtourism to how to avoid greenwashing. Their mission is to build a community of over one million people committed to traveling responsibly, getting them to sign a ‘travel better pledge’.
Wildlife is a constant draw for travelers. From the majestic elephants of Africa’s savannas to the colorful birds of the Amazon rainforest, wildlife tourism offers unforgettable experiences that connect us to the planet’s rich biodiversity. But, it can often be done to the detriment of the animals. World Animal Protection is a go-to guide for being wildlife-responsible when traveling, offering expert advice and resources to ensure that your interactions with animals are ethical and compassionate. Their campaign Wildlife. Not Entertainers educates travelers on the hidden cruelty behind many animal attractions, such as elephant rides, tiger selfies, and marine parks, urging you to avoid activities that exploit wildlife for entertainment. Instead, they provide recommendations for ethical alternatives, like observing animals in their natural habitats through responsible tour operators.
The best sustainable travel apps
FairTrip offers a unique way to discover authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences while supporting local communities. The app highlights accommodations, restaurants, and activities that are committed to fair trade and sustainability, ensuring that your travels positively impact the destinations you visit. With FairTrip, you can enjoy meaningful travel experiences that preserve cultural heritage and promote responsible tourism, making it easier than ever to explore the world with a conscience.
HappyCow is another indispensable tool for travelers, making it easy to find vegan and vegetarian dining options in over 180 countries. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote village, HappyCow helps you locate plant-based meals that align with eco-friendly and ethical eating practices. With HappyCow, eating consciously while traveling becomes a delicious and accessible part of your journey.
Our recommended reading
If you’re eager to explore the world but want to do so in a way that doesn’t trample on the places you visit, Overtourism: Lessons for a Better Future is your perfect travel companion. This insightful book by Martha Honey and Kelsey Frenkiel dives into the nitty-gritty of how mass tourism can turn picturesque destinations into overcrowded hotspots, while also showing you how to avoid being part of the problem. Packed with eye-opening stories, practical tips, and forward-thinking solutions, it’s a must-read for any traveler who wants to leave only positive footprints behind.
Looking to offset your carbon footprint?
If you’re looking for a simple way to offset your carbon footprint, platforms like ClimeCo and One Tribe offer a simple and effective way to do so. Just calculate your travel emissions on their user-friendly platform, and choose from a range of impactful projects – like reforestation or renewable energy – to balance out your impact on the planet.
How TravelLocal can help
In a world with so many resources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! That’s why here at TravelLocal, we’re supporting people to reimagine travel. In a changing world, travel needs to change to ensure that it remains a wonderfully positive experience for the world. We will connect you directly with travel experts in your destination – through this your trip will be unique, authentic and full of local knowledge, with more money going directly into the local economy so that local communities benefit more from tourism.
Introducing Travelife
Travelife is a globally-recognized certification scheme that encourages travel companies to operate in a more sustainable manner. It focuses on minimizing environmental impact, respecting local communities and cultures, and supporting the welfare of employees and local experts. We are proud to be a Travelife partner! For travelers, seeing the Travelife certification on a tour operator or accommodation provider’s profile offers assurance that the business adheres to high standards of sustainability.
Make it happen
If you’re looking for your next responsible vacation, gather your best resources for sustainable travel then get in touch with our local experts, who can help tailor your trip. Below, we’ve hand-picked a few of our favorite trip ideas:
