Traveling is hands down one of the best ways to see the world, try new things, and make memories. But let’s be real—sometimes we get so wrapped up in ticking off the bucket list or chasing the next Instagram-worthy spot that we forget to think about the bigger picture. Like, how do we explore the world in a way that actually helps the places we love, instead of accidentally hurting them? That’s where traveling responsibly comes in. No pressure, no guilt trips—just some real talk and easy ideas to help you travel a little more mindfully (and still have an epic time).

Reflecting on Travel: Is It Just About the Checklist?

So the more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve found myself asking: Am I doing this right? Not just the packing or the itinerary planning (because trust me, I’m still a hardcore planner with color-coded guides and 7-day itineraries). And yes—I still have a growing travel bucket list that gets longer with every trip I take. But the bigger stuff—like, am I being kind to the places I visit? To the animals, the people, the culture, the environment?

I didn’t always think this way. My early trips were all about ticking off the must-sees and chasing the next “hidden gem” that everyone somehow already knew about. But slowly, something shifted. With every new destination, I became more aware.

And the more I shared my travel stories with friends and family, the more I realized—many people are still stuck in the “see it, snap it, post it” loop, without asking themselves: Is this actually meaningful, or is it kind of messed up?

Intentional Travel: Moving Beyond the “Insta-Loop”

Now don’t get me wrong—I still post on Instagram (and hey, feel free to follow along if that’s your thing!). But I try to keep it real. No over-edits, no staged nonsense, no doing things just because they’ll look good in a Reel. Just honest, heart-full travel. Moments that matter. Stories that stick.

So if you’re craving that kind of travel—adventurous, yes, but intentional too—you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into a few simple (but powerful!) ways to start traveling more responsibly. I’m not perfect. I’m still learning. But these are things that have shaped my own journey—and maybe they’ll shape yours too.

Give Wild Animals the Space They Deserve

Let’s start with the big guys—literally.

If you ever visit Yellowstone National Park, one of the most incredible things you’ll witness is wildlife just being wild. Bison, bears, elk—living their best life. Yet somehow, people still get way too close, trying to take selfies, feed them, or (cringe) provoke them for a reaction.

On my last trip to Yellowstone, a woman actually got charged by a bison because she got out of her car to take a photo just a few feet away. It was scary to watch—and completely avoidable.

Here’s the thing: These animals aren’t props. You’re in their home. Be grateful for the opportunity to witness them—and do it from a respectful distance.

Think Twice Before You Ride That Camel (or Donkey or Horse…)

I’ll be honest—when I first landed in Egypt, riding a camel in front of the pyramids felt like the classic “when in Rome” kind of thing. It’s what everyone does, right? But once I saw the reality up close, my perspective shifted.

Many of these animals are overworked, underfed, and poorly treated. You can literally see their exhaustion. It broke my heart. Since then, I’ve made it a personal rule: If I wouldn’t want to walk a mile in their hooves, I don’t ride them.

Now, I’m not saying never ever. But do your homework. If the animals look healthy, rested, and well cared for—and their handlers treat them with genuine kindness—it’s a different story. Just be conscious of what you’re supporting with your choices.

Skip Petting Wild Animals, Please

Let’s talk about those wild animal “experiences.” You’ve seen them: dinner with lions, selfies with tigers, bathing elephants, or petting a cheetah in someone’s backyard. Sounds dreamy, right? Until you realize what’s really going on.

In many places like these, animals are drugged, declawed, or chained up just so tourists can get that perfect photo. Some places even market themselves as “rescue centers,” but the vibe is often more “zoo-meets-theme-park” than actual sanctuary.

My personal rule? If it’s something you wouldn’t be able to do in the wild—don’t do it. That means no tiger cuddles, no elephant baths, no wildlife cafes.

Want to see animals in their element? Head to Masai Mara or another legit safari destination. Sit quietly in a jeep. Watch a lion yawn in the morning light. Hear the zebras snort and graze around you. Trust me, it’s way cooler than a forced selfie. And hey, you can still take a selfie from a distance from the safety of your vehicle!

Support Local Guides and Vendors

One of my favorite travel hacks? Booking tours with local guides and supporting small vendors along the way. Not only do you get a way more authentic experience, but you also help the local economy thrive. Win-win, right?

Take our trip to Cusco, Peru. We signed up for a Sacred Valley tour run by a local company, and on the way, our guide gave us two lunch options:
Option one—dine at a family home in a tiny, remote village. The food wouldn’t be fancy, he warned, but the experience would be meaningful.
Option two—a comfortable restaurant with solid food and scenic views.

We went with the first option, and honestly? No regrets. A local family of four welcomed us into their home with such warmth. Our guide even jumped in to help cook! Sure, the meal wasn’t mind-blowing, but the connection we felt was. That lunch, simple as it was, directly supported that family. And the tips we left? Let’s just say they went a lot further than they would’ve at a touristy spot.

Now, full disclosure—I’m a foodie. I’ve definitely planned entire trips around meals. But this lunch wasn’t about the food. It was about community, connection, and choosing experiences that leave a positive mark. If you ever get the chance to do something like this without straying too far from your itinerary—do it.

Later, in Lima, we joined a food tour that took us through vibrant local markets. We tasted tropical fruits straight from the stalls, chatted with vendors, and even bought a few handmade souvenirs. That kind of experience? You just can’t replicate it in a five-star dining room.

And hey, I’m not saying skip the fancy restaurants—some of our best meals in Peru were at beautiful, upscale spots. But balancing those with street eats and family-run joints gives you a much richer, more layered taste of a place.

It’s the little choices—picking the smaller tour group, saying yes to a humble home-cooked meal, buying crafts from the maker instead of the gift shop—that turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

Respect the Sites You Visit

Many cities have iconic sites that everyone wants to visit—and let’s be honest, places like the Pyramids of Giza and Machu Picchu were always at the top of my bucket list. Are they touristy? Yes. Are they crowded? Absolutely. But can you still visit responsibly? Definitely.

What we noticed, though, was that many visitors weren’t respecting these sites. People were climbing the pyramids in Egypt or straying off the trails in Machu Picchu just to get a photo or video. Not cool.

When you visit these incredible places, it’s important to respect the rules and keep them clean for future generations. These sites are not just tourist attractions; they’re a part of local history and culture. It’s also about respecting the local customs and expectations—whether for religious or cultural reasons. After all, you’re a guest in their country.

Traveling During the Offseason: A Thoughtful Choice

One of the most mindful ways to travel is by visiting places during their off-season. Many countries and cities heavily depend on tourism, and when the crowds thin out, the local people often face tough times. By traveling during the off-season, you’re not only supporting the local economy but also helping keep people’s livelihoods going. Plus, it’s lighter on your wallet and far less crowded!

We visited Jordan during the off-season, and it happened to be a time when tourism was especially low due to conflicts in nearby countries. Our guide shared that they were seeing 40-50% fewer tourists during the high season, and even fewer during the off-season. While tourism was down, the country itself was completely safe, and there wasn’t a single moment where we felt unsafe or concerned due to what was happening in the surrounding areas. If the country itself is not directly involved in the conflict, it’s often perfectly safe to visit.

I completely understand the fear of conflict and war—these are very real concerns. But if we do our research, avoid exaggerating our fears, and make informed decisions, we can still visit beautiful places with confidence. In fact, we had one of the most peaceful trips in Jordan, with Petra and other iconic locations like Wadi Rum and Dead Sea almost to ourselves. Plus, everything was much cheaper due to the low season!

So, I encourage you to do your homework, take a little extra time to choose the right destinations, and consider traveling to places during the off-season. You can have a richer experience and feel good about supporting the local community—without the usual crowds and concerns.

Final Thoughts: Travel Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Okay, I’m not here to be your travel guru or eco-lecture you from a mountain top. I’m just another curious soul trying to see the world without wrecking it. And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you are too.

We don’t have to do it all at once. Just start where you are. Be curious. Ask questions. Share real experiences—not just pretty pictures. And most of all, stay open to learning. If even one of these tips makes you pause and rethink something on your next trip, then this blog has done its job.

Until next time – wander on, wisely.

Found this helpful? Pin it to your Pinterest board to keep these tips for your next trip! 📌