Enjoy your holidays without harming the environment

WWF is striving for responsible tourism - tourism that is beneficial to tourists and local people without harming the environment.

We have some cool tips for you.


• Make tourism and conservation compatible - the money you spend on your trip helps determine the development and direction of tourism. Use your money to support reputable, conservation-minded tour operators and suppliers.


• Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you will visit before you go.


• Visit parks and nature reserves - visitor demand and tourist expenditures support existing protected areas and can lead to the protection of additional nature. Get any necessary permits before visiting nature reserves or other protected areas. Leave these areas as you found them and do not disturb the wildlife there.


• Choose lodgings that have effective waste treatment systems, that recycle, that are energy efficient, and, where possible, that use environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar energy or hydroelectric power.


• View and photograph wildlife from a distance and remember that in the optimal wildlife viewing experience, the animal never knew you were there. Suppress the natural temptation to move too close and respect signs of distress such as alarm calls, distraction displays, laid-back ears, and raised hair.


• Conserve water - take showers rather than baths, and use a refillable water container, sterilising water when necessary, rather than buying bottled water.


• Limit energy use, including your use of air conditioning and hot water. Turn off all lights and taps when you leave hotel rooms.


• Minimise your use of personal care products and detergents to wash linen, and reuse your hotel towels and bed-linen. Dispose of sanitary waste properly. Don't flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet - or you might just find them on the beach next time you visit.


• Respect the environment, stay on trails during hikes, do not remove plants or feed animals, and never litter. At the sea do not take any corals, shells, dried fish, starfish, sea-fans and other marine souvenirs - removal can seriously disrupt ecosystems. Navigation in reef water needs special care - do not anchor on reefs which can be easily damaged.


• Recycle newspapers, magazines and your beverage containers (many can be returned for refunds), and reduce the number of bags, napkins and disposable cups you use when you eat fast food.


• Reduce your car use - choose other ways to get around like trains, buses or bikes. Share taxis and take shuttles to and from the airport. Encourage drivers to turn off their engines when they're parked, or stuck in traffic.


• Respect local culture, traditions and religious places. Insensitive behaviour such as taking photographs of people without their consent, or failure to observe local customs, can cause offence. Note that being nude or semi-nude is unacceptable in public and illegal in some countries (e.g Islamic countries).


• Reduce the impact of your recreational activities by avoiding sports which have a significant harmful impact on the environment or choose more progressive establishments (e.g. golf courses which recycle water).


• Respect rules and regulations, pay attention to signals and behave responsibly (e.g do not light fires where it is forbidden).


• Say 'No' to Bad Souvenirs
Some souvenirs could end up costing a lot more than you paid for them.

Think twice before you buy any products made from any endangered species, including animal hides and body parts, tortoise-shell, ivory, or coral - they could be illegal.

Visit WWF-US's Buyer Beware website for information that can help you say 'no' to illegal wildlife products.


• Your feedback makes a difference. If a tour, tourist service, or supplier was environmentally sensitive and informative, or if it could have been better, tell the owner or operator.