6 Simple Ways to Travel Responsibly in 2025

The world is waking up to the consequences of unchecked tourism. From the cobbled streets of Venice to the cliffs of Santorini and the rice fields of Bali, places once romanticised by wanderers are now gasping for air. Protests, entry caps, and resident backlash are just the beginning of the conversation.

Want to know why this matters? Read our full report on the overtourism crisis and the global tipping point in 2025.

Responsible travel is about rethinking how we explore the world so it can be loved by many, without being lost to all. But while governments and cities scramble for solutions, we, the travellers, hold more power than we think. Travelling responsibly isn’t about sacrificing experience rather it’s about enriching it, ensuring that the places we visit stay beautiful, livable, and loved for generations to come.

Six simple ways to start:

Travel Off-Season

Tourist numbers in hotspots like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, and Kyoto swell to unsustainable levels during peak months, putting strain on housing, transport, and local life. Opting for shoulder seasons, say, spring in Europe or post-monsoon in Southeast Asia, eases pressure, supports local jobs year-round, and lets you experience places more intimately and often rewards you with better rates, fewer crowds, and more authentic moments.

My Idea: Rome in October instead of July would feel like Rome itself, in fact, you will fall in love with your photographs and memories with no sign of tourist queues in the backdrop.

Try this: Look for “low-season specials” on regional tourism websites or other platforms such as Viator available online which promote off-season itineraries. 

Visit Lesser-Known Destinations

Everyone knows Santorini, Bali, and Machu Picchu but that popularity can be their undoing. Exploring “second cities” or emerging towns helps ease the load on iconic spots and brings tourism revenue to overlooked regions. Instead of Dubrovnik, head to Cavtat; trade Mykonos for Milos; and swap Florence for Lucca. Similar can be considered when travelling within the country.

Real impact: A 2024 report from the WTTC showed that spreading tourism to “second cities” helps balance economic benefits and reduce community friction.

Try this: Use platforms like Atlas Obscura or Offbeat for curated under the radar ideas. 

Support Local Guides & Stays

Booking a locally owned homestay, hiring a guide and dining at a family owned restaurant from the area means your money supports those who live there, and preserves authentic storytelling. Large-scale tourism developments including mega-resorts and international chains don’t always channel benefits directly into local communities.

My Idea: In Ladakh, India, the Women’s Alliance of Ladakh runs homestays that allow travellers to live with local families while supporting female entrepreneurship. Whereas, in Kenya, a Maasai guide would teach more about wildlife and his community, far richer than a scripted safari.

Try this: Use apps like Fairbnb, Ethical Traveller, or look for GSTC-certified accommodations that follow global sustainability criteria. (Yes, there are Eco-Conscious Apps available!)

Follow Thoughtful Creators

Social media has fueled overtourism, but it can also steer travel in the right direction. A growing wave of ethical influencers on social media is sharing tips on low-impact travel, avoiding geo-tagging, and highlighting lesser-known experiences that uplift communities.

My Idea: New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise campaign encourages influencers and visitors alike to act as guardians of the land, culture, and people and Finland’s “Rent a Finn” has shown how social storytelling can promote sustainability.

Try this: Eco-Conscious Voices worth following may include @TheConsciousExplorer, @OneikaTheTraveller, @GreenGirlTravels, @TheAlternativeTourist 

Pack Sustainably

Responsible travel starts before you even leave home. Switch plastic for reusable gear, carry solid toiletries, and say no to unnecessary packaging. Shifting to reusable and zero-waste alternatives can significantly reduce your footprint. Every small choice adds up.

My quick swaps: Collapsible water bottle, Bamboo cutlery, Cloth tote bag, Reef-safe sunscreen, Solid shampoo bars

Anticipated bonus: Eco-certified hotels often reward sustainable behaviour, like refusing daily housekeeping or using refill stations.

Move Mindfully

Transport choices make a big difference. Air travel accounts for about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, and tourism-related emissions are expected to rise by 25% by 2030, according to the UNWTO. Rail and bus travel emits significantly less carbon than flying. And when flying is unavoidable, choosing direct flights or offsetting your carbon can reduce your footprint. I know in today's fast times, we hardly have time for slow travel but it's time we become the change we wish to see in the world.

My idea: How about taking a train from Zurich to Milan? Not only better for the planet, but also more scenic and stress-free.

Try this: Rome2Rio to compare emissions by transport type, MyClimate for offset flights with verified carbon projects and Ecosia Travel for a sustainable search for green journeys.

Travel to become passive but purposeful

As our special report on overtourism reveals, the travel industry is at a breaking point. But your actions, your timing, your bookings, and your mindset, can be the reset the world needs.

So, as you plan your next adventure, ask not just where you’ll go, but how.