Tips for a responsible traveller.
Small choices that make your trip richer — and life better for the communities that host you.
Before you go
"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."
Navigating the Mekong River in a slow boat. Eating from a street vendor in Morocco. Wandering Angkor or Machu Picchu. Admiring the artwork in the Sistine Chapel or the Alhambra. The diversity of our world unites us and gives us the chance to explore the best of local cultures and communities. Acting responsibly earns the respect of host communities — and makes your trip safer and more rewarding.
Honour your hosts and our common heritage
Learn about local customs, traditions and social conditions before you go. It is the best way to understand the community and build excitement for the adventure ahead.
A few words in the local language can help you connect with the community and its people in a more meaningful way.
Respect the history, architecture, religion, dress, communication codes, music, art and cuisine of each destination — that is what makes it different.
Other people's privacy matters as much as yours. Always ask before taking a photograph, and never offer money to get the picture you want.
Before criticising local living conditions or customs, learn to listen and leave your preconceptions at home.
Staff and service providers at every tourism facility deserve the same respect you do.
Protect our planet
Reduce your environmental impact by being a guardian of natural resources — especially forests and wetlands.
Respect animals and their natural habitats. Attractions that exhibit them often imply cruelty.
Do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals, or non-sustainable hardwood.
In protected areas, only access places open to visitors. Do not offer money to locals to reach restricted "no-go" zones.
Try rural lodgings and lesser-known regions — the countryside has so much to offer.
Reduce waste, single-use plastics, water and energy use. Plan your transport to lower carbon emissions.
Aim to leave a minimum footprint behind — and a good impression in the people who hosted you.
Support the local economy
Buy locally made handcrafts and respect local artisans' livelihoods by paying a fair price.
Do not buy counterfeit products or items prohibited by national or international regulations.
Spend on local products and services. Find out about local tipping practices.
Choose businesses that embrace diversity and equality.
Spend more time in less visited areas and enjoy the journey without rushing.
Travel safely
Take health and safety precautions, and consult your national authorities whenever in doubt.
Check visa requirements and the small print of your travel insurance before leaving.
Be aware of cancellation policies and your rights as a passenger.
During epidemics, avoid crowds and sign up for security alerts.
Know how to access medical care or contact your embassy in case of an emergency.
Be an informed traveller
Do your homework before engaging in any voluntary tourism activity.
Pick operators with real environmental policies and community projects — not just a green appearance.
Observe national laws and regulations, the rules at religious sites and "private spaces".
Abusing children is a crime. Do not give money or gifts to begging children — support community projects instead.
Have fun, but respect residents and their lifestyle. Interact with them to understand their culture.
Take photos of protected cultural artefacts as a memento — without touching or altering them.
Use digital platforms wisely
Look up online reviews and blogs about the destination before leaving.
Once back, leave honest reviews and share your experiences on social media.
Before posting selfies or pictures of other people, consider whether they would agree. Your likes can wait.
If you came across non-profit or community initiatives, help give them visibility.
Report any cases of injustice, exploitation or discrimination you may have witnessed.
Make tourism a force for good
These tips are a brief adaptation of the Tips for a Responsible Traveler developed by the UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics. The UNWTO Code of Ethics, adopted in 1999 and acknowledged by the United Nations two years later, is the reference framework for responsible and sustainable tourism.
Adapted from the Tips for a Responsible Traveler — UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics.
Full version
Download the original document developed by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in PDF format.