• Find and use a Good Travels Advisor, trained agents who can help you choose reputable tour operators and companies in meaningful travel.
• Research Alternatives. Many businesses and travel service providers have policies that minimize their environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts.
• Consider Your Mode of Transportation. Walk, bicycle, or use public transportation. Rent hybrid vehicles. Calculate and offset unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions from your travel.
• Respect Local Cultures. Respect and accept the differences of local people and other cultures. Learn about their customs, social norms, and environmental issues before you visit.
• Spend Locally. Ensure that local people benefit from your travels. Visit locally owned businesses, buy locally produced foods and products, and use the services of tour operators and accommodations that employ local people.
• Conserve Natural Resources. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Consider the water, energy, and waste disposal systems used by your tour operators and accommodations.
• Honor Protected Areas. When visiting protected areas learn and follow all advisories, rules, and regulations. Remember the fees you pay to use these areas support local efforts to conserve them. Always respect the rights of local landowners and keep in mind that there are private lands mixed in with public lands.
• Keep Wildlife Wild. Do not disturb wild animals or their habitat. Never chase, harass, or feed wildlife. Keep your distance and use binoculars.
• Give Back. Find a local cause or project of interest and donate or volunteer your time.
• Explore. Your guidebook is just a starting point. Be open to local suggestions and new experiences. Consider visiting popular places at off-peak times.

Tourism Cares is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Upon request, Tourism Cares will gladly send you an acknowledgement of your contribution, which is a tax-deductible charitable donation to the extent allowed by law if you operate a U.S.-based business or if you are a U.S. citizen.

Please note that if you contribute directly on-line through Tourism Cares' website, you will receive an automated charitable donation receipt. Consult with your own tax advisor if you have further questions about the tax deductibility of your contribution.