REEFsponsible Travel Tips

It’s easy to do your part to make your holiday more rewarding for you and the place the visit. Check out our tips for traveling more responsibly.

Before you go...

• LEARN! Read up on the customs of the country you are visiting, the ecosystem, local conservation projects, and try to learn some basic language. Lonely Planet has Thorn Tree, a forum for travelers which is a great place to ask questions.
• Travel light. Don’t pack what you don’t need, waste disposal can be an issue in some countries, and lighter loads cut greenhouse gas emissions.
• Fly Light. Your flight is likely the most energy consuming aspect of your holiday:
  
  • Use our flight carbon calculator to choose the right flight for you.
  • Try to fly less, this means traveling longer, fewer times in the year. Try to book direct flights avoid transfers whenever possible.
  • Use alternative modes of transport to book your holiday. Trains are a great option, (check out Man in Seat 61) public transport is always fun, and bikes & feet are always reliable!
• Book Responsibly. Choose operators who have a good sustainability policy:
  
  • Learn about the projects underway and how you can become involved.
  • Find out about how they help the environment and community.

During your trip...

• Be aware: Understand the differences about the places you visit and ask questions about anything you are unsure of.
• Know what to expect: Asia is hot, there is pollution, and not everyone speaks English!
• Be respectful: Different cultures have norms that may not be the same as home. Choose appropriate clothing, ask before taking pictures, respect religious customs. Remember, if you’re in doubt about something, ask first.
• Follow environmental guidelines.
  
  • Stay on established paths and trails.
  • Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, even if the perfect picture is tempting you.
  • Never touch or feed animals, not only is it dangerous, it can alter the natural behavioural cycle of wildlife.
  • Leave only footprints, anything you take with you into the wild, bring back out.
• Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle:
  
  • Try bringing a water bottle, many popular destinations now offer refill service which is cheaper and helps to reduce waste.
  • Save water: Fresh water can be a scarce and valuable resource. Don’t let the tap run while you shave, take shorter showers, re-use towels and bed linens.
  • Try rechargeable batteries, help eliminate toxic waste.
  • Turn off lights, air conditioners, and fans. Unplug unused appliances when you're out.
• Use alternate modes of transportation. Public transport gets you closer to local people, and bikes get you around country sides unexplored by many. Feet never seem too fail either!
• Think local: Eat local foods, buy local goods, and use local guides. This also produces needed income which stays within the community.
• Don’t buy products made from animals, corals, precious woods or endangered species or plants.

After your trip...

• Let us know about your holiday. We provide all feedback to operators so they can improve their business and share their successes with others.
• Complete our online review of where you visited. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in the tourism industry.
• Why not donate to one of the projects you were part of or visited while you were away. Check out our partner pages for more information about the individual projects.

Don’t forget to read our REEFsponsible Diving tips before you travel.