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What is ethical travel? - Whether you call it conscious travel or green travel, the basic premise is to be responsible in all aspects of your tourism. Many people think you have to be well off to travel ethically, but it's actually more often the cheaper option!

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It begins at choosing a destination - There are plenty of eco-tourism destinations that leave a small environmental footprint, but it can even be as simple as choosing to avoid certain places.

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Choosing against certain places - For example, if you do your research and find out that Thailand's Full Moon Party is actually a huge source of pollution in the ocean, you can try to find another party destination.

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Read up on local cultures - Traveling with respect earns you respect, and you can never anticipate just how far a few words of the local language will get you.

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Understand and expect cultural shocks - Squealing at the sight of someone eating fried bugs, or looking down on restrictive dress codes might seem justified in your own culture, but judging local culture will not help you engage with people. Have an open mind, and try to understand before you pass judgment.

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Respect the history and culture of your destination - Having your own morals and beliefs is important, but when you visit religious sites, for example, you should show respect by wearing the appropriate clothing and keeping a low voice.

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Don't haggle too much - Because haggling is a rare experience in many hyper-commercialized parts of the world, tourists often return with triumphant tales of knocking down the price on their souvenirs. But keep in mind that locals need to make a living, so people should expect to pay a fair price (do some research beforehand). 

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Be careful what you buy - Avoid buying products made from endangered species or ancient artifacts, and put a conscious effort into instead buying fair trade souvenirs. Additionally, skip the little trinkets made in China when you're in France.

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Should you participate in spiritual experiences? - Things like sweat lodges or ayahuasca ceremonies are becoming a more common tourism draw. If you're invited, then you are obviously welcome, but there are a few other things you should consider. First, ask yourself why you want to participate. If your conscience is clear, then ensure you know the customs, traditions, and meaning behind the experience before taking part.

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When to take photos - Traveling is one of the best times to bring your camera along, but there are many instances in which you should think twice about snapping a photo. In your own country, you probably wouldn't take your camera out and snap a photo of someone without even speaking to them, would you?

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When to take photos - People in the world who do not have clean water, electricity, schooling, or enough to eat, let alone access to technology, don't know and can't control where their photo ends up. Ethical photography is about being considerate towards your subject, rather than being thoughtlessly voyeuristic.

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Avoid animal tourism - Particularly in Asia, Africa, and anywhere along the ocean, if you must engage in the industry, seek out animal sanctuaries. Don't ride elephants or visit drugged-up tigers, but rather research companies with ethical business solutions who make a better impact on wildlife.

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Be responsible for your behavior - Drinking and partying on vacation is fine, but always consider yourself a representative of your country. You can diminish ugly stereotypes, or you can encourage them.

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Always approach a trip as a learning experience - Many travelers develop a kind of superiority complex over locals in certain areas of the world because they have more money, but you must realize you are the one with more to learn in the foreign place. When you open yourself up to the possibility of learning, you'll naturally give and receive much more kindness.

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Stay/travel with locals - There are so many apps (i.e. Couchsurfing) that help you connect with locals, and not only will it be cheaper, you'll also get a much more intimate and authentic introduction to the city.

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Airbnb works too - It'll be cheaper and more personal than a hotel, and you can look for a room in someone's place so you share resources with someone, thereby lowering your impact while also getting a more personal experience.

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Consider doing a work exchange - There are many sites (i.e. Workaway) that can help you exchange your services (from looking after children to gardening) for free room and board. You can immerse yourself in a completely different way than just sightseeing, and you could learn or improve some skills as you do.

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House sitting or swapping - Eliminate the need for extra lodging by swapping homes or looking after someone else's. This option is one of the more difficult ways to participate in a sharing economy, but it's very rewarding, and very, very nice on your wallet. Trusted House Sitters or Home Exchange are good places to start.

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What if you don't want to stay in someone's home? - There are still green options for ethical accommodation! Eco-resorts, lodges, and hotels are more plentiful than ever, and supporting green businesses is responsible on its own.

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Eco-accommodation - In many cases, eco-accommodations also support local business and give back to the community. You'll want to do your research, however, since many places have a very loose interpretation of "eco."

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Transportation is key - A huge amount of your footprint is caused by transportation, and while sometimes you can't avoid taking a plane to a far destination, you might want to consider offsetting your carbon emissions.

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Buy local food, clothes, and other items - It will not only help offset the costs of your own transportation by investing in low-impact goods, but it will give back to the local economy you are visiting.

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For shorter journeys - Shared transportation is a better option for the environment, and it's often quite affordable. Opt for buses and trains, and you'll get some bonus travel experiences along the way.

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Shared transportation - If you have to go in a car, try ride-share options like Bla Bla Car, or carpool with others.

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Avoid going on cruises - Although not all cruises are the same, there is overwhelming evidence that the cruise ship industry has a record of poor worker rights, huge environmental impacts, and few benefits given to the destinations—instead leaving waste and pollution in its wake. Plus, most of the money involved goes to the cruise company rather than local economies.

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Join ethical tours - Choose tours led by locals that focus on local handcrafts, wineries, or cuisine (try a cooking class). You could also do some eco-friendly outdoor activities that are good for the earth and your health.

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Bring a reusable water bottle - Bring a reusable water bottle, eco-friendly soaps and sunscreens, and a reusable bag for shopping. You'll be saving yourself so much money and protecting the environment too.

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Use the resources out there for help - For example, the Ethical Travel Guide offers great ideas for authentic and guilt-free holidays, listing ethical travel considerations and recommendations according to each country, which will make your stay better for everyone.

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You're already well on your way - Traveling ethically comes first and foremost from awareness. Now that you have that, you're ready to plan your next trip!

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