Responsible travel tips

The document outlines a comprehensive approach to responsible travel, emphasizing the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of biodiversity, and the support of local economies. It provides specific criteria for selecting sustainable destinations and travel companies, such as GSTC accreditation and Science Based Net-Zero targets, while offering practical advice on reducing plastic waste and respecting local cultures.

• Travel and tourism is a major global industry representing 10% of the global economy and serving as the primary revenue source for 202,000 protected areas, though it strains ecosystems and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
• To reduce climate impact, travelers are encouraged to avoid flying where possible or use the 'NERD' (New, Economy, Regular, Direct) framework to select more energy-efficient flights. The guide recommends choosing travel companies that have established Science Based Net-Zero climate targets aligned with a 1.5°C global temperature limit.
• Sustainable travel planning should prioritize destinations and companies certified by independent auditors or recognized bodies, specifically mentioning the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria, B-Corp certification, and GSTC Accredited Certification Bodies such as EarthCheck, Vireo, and Green Destinations.
• Responsible interaction with nature involves avoiding captive animal experiences unless certified by animal welfare organizations, using reef-safe sunscreens without oxybenzone and octinoxate, and adhering to Leave No Trace Principles in protected areas.
• Travelers can support local communities by purchasing from community-owned businesses and artisans at fair prices, while avoiding the purchase of hardwood, live plants, coral, shell, or animal products due to the difficulty of verifying sustainable sourcing.

APA

WWF International (n.d.). Responsible travel tips. https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/tips/responsible-travel/

Chicago

WWF International. Responsible travel tips. n.d. https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/tips/responsible-travel/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF International |title=Responsible travel tips |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/tips/responsible-travel/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfinternationalndresponsible, author = {{WWF International}}, title = {{Responsible travel tips}}, institution = {WWF International}, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/tips/responsible-travel/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }