Ethical Traveler

18/08/2026

Travel has a way of stripping away the familiar.

Without our usual routines, surroundings and certainties, we are invited to pay closer attention—not only to the world around us, but to ourselves within it.

03/08/2026

Whether you realise it or not, every time you travel, you become an accidental ambassador. 🌍

The way you act can shape how others see travellers from your country.

Our 13 tips offer practical ways to travel respectfully, avoid common mistakes and leave a positive mark on the places you visit—just as they leave a mark on you.

27/07/2026

It's easy to come home with photos.

It's much harder—and far more valuable—to come home with changed assumptions.

The best journeys challenge us to listen more, judge less, and see the world through someone else's eyes.

21/07/2026

We were privileged to attend the Regenerative Travel Asia Symposium in Singapore.

For years, the tourism industry has focused on becoming more sustainable. But as the climate crisis intensifies and destinations face growing environmental and social pressures, an important question is emerging:

Is minimising harm enough? What if the travel and tourism industry could actively restore ecosystems, strengthen local communities, and rebuild our relationship with the natural world?

The symposium explored regenerative tourism from the vision behind the movement to what it looks like in practice. Discussions ranged from the growing role of wellness tourism in today's travel landscape to environmental restoration, community-led tourism, and collaborative decision-making with host communities.

We heard from leaders already implementing regenerative practices, while also acknowledging how far the wider industry still has to go.

Inspired by these conversations, here is an article exploring the shift from consumption to connection to contribution, and why regeneration should be more than the industry's next buzzword. It also explores some of the harder questions around true collaboration, accessibility, transparency, the accountability and commitment of hoteliers, hospitality and tourism operators, as well as the role travellers can play in shaping a more regenerative future.

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gBvaUvKt

16/07/2026

When does cultural exchange become content?

We sat down with Anniina Sandberg, founder and CEO of Visit Natives, to discuss Indigenous-led tourism, the impact of social media on travel, and why meaningful cultural exchange requires more than just a quick stop and a photo.

With more than two decades of experience working alongside Indigenous communities around the world, Anniina shares her perspective on ethical tourism, consent, representation, and the responsibility we all have—travellers and the tourism industry alike—to protect the rights, dignity, and autonomy of the communities we visit.

🎥 Watch this excerpt, then head to our YouTube channel for the full conversation. https://youtu.be/u7dBd_OmV5k?si=q1oZnsglR9IHLd4c

10/07/2026

Where is the line between meaningful cultural exchange and turning people into tourism products or social media content?

Ethical Traveler spoke with Anniina Sandberg, founder and CEO of Visit Natives, about Indigenous-led tourism, social media, consent, and responsible cultural exchange.

"When we talk about sustainable tourism, we have focused on environmental issues and social issues, but we rarely talk about the impact of social media."

Anniina believes the tourism industry has a responsibility to create stronger safeguards and educate travellers on how to engage in ways that protect the rights, dignity, and autonomy of Indigenous communities.

Because ethical travel is not about simply visiting, capturing, and leaving — it is about respect, reciprocity, and genuine human connection.

Read the full article here.
https://ethicaltraveler.org/2026/07/the-ethical-tourism-conversation-were-not-having-social-media-and-meaningful-cultural-exchange/

See the full interview here
https://youtu.be/u7dBd_OmV5k

17/06/2026

Some journeys aren't about finding a place on a map. They're about discovering new perspectives, challenging old assumptions, and reconnecting with what matters most.

The most meaningful experiences often happen when we step away from the itinerary and open ourselves to the people, cultures, and places we encounter along the way.

11/06/2026

🌍 Where you travel matters.

Ethical Traveler spotlights destinations that are demonstrating leadership in areas such as environmental protection, human rights, social welfare, and sustainable tourism.

These places remind us that tourism can be more than just a holiday, it can be a way to support communities, protect nature, and encourage positive change.

Swipe through to discover Ethical Traveler’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations for 2025 and learn why these countries are setting an example for the rest of the world. ✈️🌿

By choosing destinations that are doing the right thing, we can help ensure our tourism dollars support a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.

Which destination would you most like to visit?

SustainableTravel

08/06/2026

One traveler cancelled their dream trip to Egypt and Jordan after learning what happens to animals behind the pyramids.

For years, visiting Egypt had been at the top of their bucket list.

But after researching the treatment of horses, donkeys and camels used within the tourism industry, they made a decision many travelers would find difficult: they cancelled their trip.

In our latest article, we explore the growing concerns surrounding animal welfare at one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations and ask an important question:

How can we use our tourism dollars more consciously to support ethical tourism and influence positive change?

Read the full story:

Empowering travelers to change the world.

08/06/2026

Would you choose your next destination differently if you knew how it ranked ethically? 🌎

Every second year, Ethical Traveler releases its World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations report, identifying ten destinations leading the way in protecting human rights, supporting local communities, and caring for the environment.

Because where we travel — and where we spend our travel dollars — matters. By choosing to visit these destinations, we can support countries doing the right thing and encourage others to do better.

Check out the World's Ten Best Ethical Destinations report at ethicaltraveler.org/reports and discover which countries made the list, or follow for more.