Top tips for the responsible traveller

23 July 2026

Wherever your next Travel Counsellors’ trip will take you, we hope you’re looking forward to the amazing memories you’re sure to create. To help ensure that you tread a little lighter and enrich the places you visit along the way, we’ve gathered some top tips for responsible travelling that we’ve assembled with support from our sustainable tourism charity partner, The Travel Foundation.

Before you travel

Pack a reusable water bottle – many places have refill stations available, but it’s always best to check that water is safe to drink.
Think reusable when it comes to packing. Water bottles, coffee cups, and reusable straws can be great ways to save on plastic while you are away.
Travel light – when you’re packing, think about how you can reduce the weight of your luggage. Any extra weight on board a flight adds to emissions and will be extra weight for you to carry around once you arrive.
Familiarise yourself with The Code’s tips to help prevent exploitation of young people in the destinations we visit.

Pack soap and shampoo bars instead of bottles to save on space and plastic.
Pack a tote bag to carry any shopping you pick up along the way.
Use reef-safe sunscreen – this will help prevent harmful chemicals from entering the ocean when you go swimming.
Look for accommodation with sustainability certifications – at Travel Counsellors, our Green Leaf label is an easy-to-spot sign that the accommodation is working to reduce its environmental impact and better support local communities. If you are unsure, you can always ask your Travel Counsellor for more information.
Look into carbon offsetting options for your trip. These are by no means perfect, but they help to compensate for carbon emissions from travel.

While you’re away

Look for alternatives to internal flights - travelling by train can be a time- and cost-effective way to see more of the country you’re visiting, dropping you right into the heart of a city.
In your accommodation, keep heating or cooling systems in your room moderate, and remember to turn the lights, appliances, and air-con off when you leave.
Use water considerately, especially in areas where it’s scarce. Shorter showers save an average of 15 litres per minute.
Look for opportunities to get off the tourist trail and see some alternative sites.
Seek out locally-owned businesses and artisans – you’ll often find the best traditional dishes and souvenirs in these places.
Look for ways to get around on foot, by bicycle, or via public transport before you flag down a taxi.

Refrain from using plastic straws or other single-use items while you’re out and about.
Include a visit to a national park or protected area – funds from visitors help to keep these open and continue the work they do in protecting and restoring high biodiversity areas.
Choose souvenirs that are locally made from sustainable materials, avoiding anything made from endangered species such as coral.
Ask your Travel Counsellor about arranging a local guide – this will give you the inside track on the places you visit and access to the best hidden gems.
When looking for wildlife spotting opportunities, consider whether you could see the animals in the wild or whether the setting you’re looking to see them in contributes to conservation and welfare of the species.

To book a more responsible holiday, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

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Top tips for the responsible traveller

Japan by rail: five journeys worth taking

How to make the most of a South Africa safari holiday

Singapore through the seasons: why there’s always something to celebrate

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