Five Ways to Travel More Responsibly in 2025

As demand for authentic and sustainable tourism experiences continues to rise, meaningful travel is no longer just a niche or trend, but an integral part of travel and tourism. With a growing awareness of travel’s impacts on the planet, it's essential to make travel choices that protect the environment, celebrate cultures, and uplift communities. Make sure you are doing your part! Here are five ways that you can travel more responsibly in 2025:

Attendees at Tourism Cares’ Meaningful Travel Summit with Colombia join in a local outdoor cultural presentation.

1. Don't Make Sustainable Tourism an Afterthought

Sustainable tourism should be an integral part of your trip-planning process, not something you think about only after you’ve booked your flight. Start by focusing on locally-owned or operated businesses. Look for hotels, tour operators , and businesses certified by Travelife or B Corps – these credentials help ensure that the businesses are genuinely committed to sustainable practices.

If you’re unsure how to choose sustainable businesses, reach out to a travel advisor or the local tourism association for recommendations. Resources like Tourism Cares' Meaningful Travel Map provide information on vetted sustainable travel options, making it easier for you to make informed choices. The key is to ensure that your travel dollars support businesses that are committed to the long-term well-being of their communities and the planet.

2. Go Off the Beaten Path—Or Season!

One of the best ways to travel responsibly is to help mitigate the damaging effects of overtourism. In 2025, consider exploring lesser-known destinations, neighborhoods, or communities. These places often need tourism the most and are less likely to suffer from overcrowding. Not only will you help ease pressure on popular destinations, but you’ll also have a chance to experience the authentic, unspoiled beauty of new places.

Off-season travel can also reduce your environmental footprint. By visiting during less busy times of the year, you can avoid the crowds, which helps local ecosystems and businesses recover from the impacts of mass tourism. And, of course, it can often mean lower prices, too!

Additionally, consider opting for lower-carbon travel options whenever possible. Trains, buses, or carpooling typically have a smaller environmental impact than flying. If you take multiple trips a year, try to limit air travel by selecting one trip that requires flying and choosing closer-to-home destinations for your other vacations. This approach not only helps reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also save you money and allow you to discover hidden gems in your own region.

3. Focus on Local As Much As Possible

Supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful ways to ensure your trip has a positive impact. Look for locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops–many of these businesses have sustainability programs in place and foster strong ties with the community, often sourcing local food, drink, and gifts. By spending money at these establishments, you help strengthen the relationship between tourism and the community's well-being.

For example, instead of opting for large, international chains, consider staying at eco-conscious hotels that engage in community-focused initiatives. These hotels often invest in sustainable practices like solar energy or waste reduction, contributing to a resilient tourism ecosystem.

You can also engage in community-based tourism, in which tourism activities center around the local residents and are designed to positively impact the community’s well-being, not just one or two individuals. This approach not only provides an authentic cultural experience for the traveler but also ensures that tourism dollars directly benefit the community either socially or environmentally. Learn more about how community-based tourism empowers locals and enhances travel in this blog.

Two Meaningful Travel Summit attendees plant a tree in Toronto, Ontario.

4. Leave the Destination Better Than You Found It

One of the core principles of responsible travel is to leave a destination better than you found it. Whether you are hiking through a national park or visiting a remote village, adhere to the Leave No Trace principles and nature-positive tourism experiences: respect wildlife and minimize your environmental footprint.

Look for opportunities in the destination that can connect you with the local people. Engage in activities that have an impact component to their offering, whether it is a restaurant focused on helping youth or a local store that sells only products made by local women. Book guided city tours that support historically excluded individuals in gaining livelihood opportunities, or consider engaging in activities that give back to local non-profits or community groups.

By participating in these meaningful experiences, you not only support the destination’s growth but also create deeper, more authentic connections while exploring responsibly.

5.  Build Connections

As the world faces many dividing challenges, let travel be a force of uniting and understanding. Create meaningful connections with the communities that you are visiting, learn from and embrace different cultures, and simply enjoy a cup of coffee with a stranger - who knows where the conversation may land! Travel has the power to bring joy, inspire curiosity, and spark positive change, both for locals and visitors alike – use it to bridge divides and foster a sense of shared humanity.

By following these five tips and staying mindful of emerging travel trends, you can make sure your 2025 travel plans are as responsible and sustainable as possible. In turn, you’ll contribute to the well-being of the communities that make travel experiences so special.

Let’s make 2025 a year for responsible travel—where each trip is a positive force for change.