Recently, I have been more and more interested in travel as it aligns with my particular beliefs about being a responsible, moral and sustainable consumer. We usually spend a decent chunk of change on our trips, and is that money going to support the people, places and things that represent my beliefs about the world? As global tourism continues to grow, so does the responsibility to ensure our journeys do more good than harm. That’s where ethical travel comes in.
When you choose ethical travelling, you’re voting with your wallet for the kind of world you want to explore.
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What Is Ethical Travel?
We all travel because we are looking to have a certain experience that we believe that destination will provide, be it peace, culture, adventure or connection. We want to explore unique highlights, experience the new culture and enjoy the signature foods. It all comes from the best of intentions, but unfortunately, that can be exploited by those looking to make money from tourists.
Ethical travel is the practice of making travel decisions that positively impact local communities, protect the environment, and respect cultural heritage. Other words, did we leave someplace better off than we found it? It goes beyond simply reducing your carbon footprint — it’s about being mindful of how your presence and the money you spend affects people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Ethical travel includes:
- Supporting locally owned businesses and workers
- Choosing environmentally responsible accommodations
- Respecting local customs and traditions
- Avoiding exploitative wildlife or cultural attractions
- Minimizing waste and conserving resources
It overlaps with sustainable, responsible, and regenerative tourism — but ethical travel specifically emphasizes morally responsibility and conscious consumer.
Why Ethical Travel Is Important for the Future of Tourism
Tourism accounts for a significant portion of global GDP, but it can also contribute to environmental degradation, over tourism, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. If travel bookings continue to prioritize price and convenience alone, destinations can suffer from:
- Overcrowding and strain on infrastructure – An example is The Overtourism of Venice, Italy.
- Displacement of local communities
- Environmental damage to fragile ecosystems
- Exploitation of wildlife and workers – this is prevalent everywhere.
Ethical travel shifts the focus from mass consumption to meaningful connection. Businesses respond to consumer demand — and that demand can drive better labor practices, environmental protections, and equitable economic development.
By prioritizing ethical travel:
- Local communities retain economic benefits
- Cultural heritage is preserved
- Natural environments are protected
- Tourism becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation
In short, ethical travel ensures that the places we love today will still exist — and thrive — tomorrow.
In my post about the Travel Trends of 2026, I talked about having a more connected traveling experience, not a sprint through tourist highlights. One suggestion was visiting secondary cities, and how we can both have a better travel experience and help combat the overcrowding of popular destinations. Another option is to travel in the shoulder seasons, avoiding peak travel times and lessening the impact of your stay on your host city.
These are just a few examples of how a mindset shift can both minimize our impact and ensure the money we spend goes to those who need and deserve it the most.
How and Where to Find Ethical Travel Experiences
Finding ethical travel options is easier than expected — if you know where to look. Many lodgings will highlight extra certifications, but beware of the word ethical being included in tourist bookings and vet it as best you can.
1. Research Ethical Certifications
Look for reputable certifications that indicate environmental and social responsibility. Some well-known examples include:
- B Corporation certification (for companies meeting high social and environmental standards)
- Green Globe (sustainable tourism certification)
- EarthCheck (scientific benchmarking for travel and tourism)
While certifications are not perfect, they provide a starting point. I was able to find the Nihn Bihn Bear Sanctuary for our last trip to Northern Vietnam. I simply googled animal sanctuaries in the area and did my research before emailing a request to visit. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip and we felt good supporting them as well.
2. Use Ethical Travel Platforms
Several travel companies specialize in responsible and ethical travel experiences:
- Responsible Travel – Curates trips designed to benefit local communities.
- Intrepid Travel – Focuses on small-group adventures with strong sustainability commitments.
- G Adventures – Emphasizes community tourism and local partnerships.
When booking through larger platforms, read the fine print. Many mainstream booking sites now highlighting eco-certified properties, but it’s important to verify claims. I like to book experiences through Get Your Guide, and I make sure to search ethical tours and then read the fine print itinerary for any red flags.
3. Prioritize Locally Owned Accommodations
This one can be difficult for many frequent travelers, as they are often part of hotel loyalty programs and want to use or earn points at certain chains while traveling. While many major chains have clearly articulated ethical and sustainability commitments, lodging remains a large portion of your financial spending while traveling and something you have determine with your own traveling needs and destination options. If at all possible, opt for:
- Family-run guesthouses
- Eco-lodges
- Community-based tourism projects – The Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op in Peru
This initiative supports Indigenous women artisans who sell handmade textiles directly to travelers. Tourism income helps fund education, healthcare, and economic independence for the women involved.
Websites like Fairbnb reinvest a portion of booking fees into local community projects, offering a more ethical alternative to conventional short-term rental platforms. This isn’t about perfection, it is about aiming to make your money represent your moral standards. So when you get to make choices, opt for the best possible version you can.
4. Avoid Harmful Attractions
Ethical travel also means knowing what not to support. This seems like an easy choice, but we can be supporting exploitive situations with the best of intentions. I think primarily about wildlife encounters, but there are more as well.
Avoid:
- Wildlife experiences that allow direct contact with wild animals – usually means feeding, bathing or touching.
- Elephant riding or tiger selfies
- Performances that exploit marginalized communities
Instead, support wildlife sanctuaries that prioritize rescue and rehabilitation over entertainment. Many travel sites will include the words “Ethical” in their title to lure consumers but please measure them to your own standards. As a lover of wildlife, I have ignorantly supported zoos, aquariums or tours that I thought had the animals best interest at heart (ahem, Sea World) – but saying animals were rescued and asking them to perform certain duties, tricks or tasks for food no longer passes my tests. True sanctuary exists without performative expectations.
I have taken part in several tours and experience that once they began, I automatically knew that it was not something I would choose to support again. An example of this was as our Cruise on Ha Long Bay. Its overcrowded boats felt like an abuse on the beautiful landscape and left us feeling underwhelmed and sad about the current state of this destination. It’s difficult because you want to witness these amazing destinations, but learning to search and find the least negatively impactful way is the key.
Again, the more we learn, the better decisions we make the next time around.
5. Ask Questions Before Booking
Don’t hesitate to contact tour operators or accommodations and ask:
- How do you support the local community?
- What sustainability practices are in place?
- Are staff paid fair wages?
- How do you manage waste and water use?
Ethical businesses are transparent and proud to share their impact, often employing local personnel and supporting other small local businesses.
If you want to learn more about this topic, here are some great books to read about Ethical Travel:
- The Sustainable Travel Handbook (Lonely Planet)
- The Ethical Traveler: 100 Ways to Roam the World (Without Ruining It!)
Great Examples of Ethical Travel & Questionable Trends
To better understand ethical travel in action, here are some inspiring examples and a questionable trend to evaluate where you stand:
Conservation-Focused Safaris in Kenya
Some safari operators partner with conservancies that protect wildlife habitats and share profits with local Maasai communities. Rather than mass tourism, they focus on small groups and conservation education, ensuring that wildlife protection and community welfare go hand in hand.
Eco-Lodges in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been a leader in sustainable tourism. Many eco-lodges operate using renewable energy, protect surrounding rainforest, and employ local staff. By choosing these accommodations, travelers support conservation efforts while enjoying immersive nature experiences.
Slow Travel in Japan
Staying in a traditional ryokan in rural Japan, sourcing food locally, and participating in regional crafts workshops are all forms of ethical travel. Instead of rushing between major cities, slow travel redistributes tourism benefits to lesser-known communities.
Visits to Antartica
More and more frequently we are seeing tourists and travel influencers taking treks to Antartica. While this vastly untouched space is equally as stunning and wild as it is difficult to get to doesn’t mean that we should go. While it would be hard to turn down such an exclusive and wildlife driven trip, you have to ask if certain spaces are better off without human interaction and the large ships, garbage, fuel and resources needed to take us there? Likely, yes.
Making Ethical Travel the Default
For ethical travel to become the norm rather than the exception, both travelers and the industry must shift priorities. Here are some practical suggestions travelers can use to help foster a travel industry that prioritizes ethical and responsible practices:
- Choose fewer, longer trips instead of frequent short-haul flights
Reduce your carbon footprint by traveling less often but staying longer in each destination. - Use lower-carbon transportation when possible
Opt for trains, buses, carpooling, or cycling instead of flying or renting single-occupancy cars. - Spend money with local businesses
Eat at locally owned restaurants, hire local guides, and purchase handmade products directly from artisans. Farmers or local markets can be a great source for meals and unique souvenirs. - Respect local cultures and customs
Learn basic phrases, dress appropriately, and follow community guidelines to show cultural sensitivity. - Reduce waste while traveling
Carry a reusable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bag to minimize single-use plastics. - Conserve water and energy
Reuse towels, turn off lights and air conditioning, and be mindful of resource use—especially in water-scarce areas. - Avoid exploitative wildlife experiences
Do not support attractions that involve animal cruelty, unethical breeding, or unsafe interactions. - Share ethical travel practices on social media
Promote responsible destinations and businesses, and encourage others to travel thoughtfully and sustainably.
When sustainable and ethical travel becomes central to booking decisions, the market demand pushes the whole industry toward accountability and transparency.
Final Thoughts: Travel With Intention
Ethical travel is not about perfection. It’s about awareness, intention, and incremental change. Every booking decision sends a message about what we value. By choosing ethical travel experiences and accommodations, we protect the destinations we love, empower local communities, and create richer, more meaningful journeys.
The future of travel depends on the choices we make today. Let’s make ethical travel not just a trend — but the standard.
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