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Ask to see the holiday company's policy for responsible tourism. It should be on their website, but if it isn't, pester them for it. It is only through customers seeking change that some organizations actually start to consider taking action themselves.

The Blonde Abroad has managed some guide on what you need for international journey. (http://theblondeabroad.com/2016/08/24/the-beginners-guide-to-international-travel/)

Plan your route to minimize carbon emissions - travel by train where possible, minimize internal flights and use other public transport methods when necessary. If you are booking your trip through a travel company that only connects with airports, ask them if they will support you in helping organize train travel and sorting out your transits from train stations when you arrive and depart. And if you have to fly, book direct flights avoiding transfers and stay for longer, taking fewer and longer holidays if you are going long haul.

For many people, it is important that a travel company or accommodation has an accessibility policy, and supports travelers with special needs. From wheelchair users, visually impaired, people with autism, or those in recovery from illness. Don't be afraid to ask that your needs are catered for. A responsible tourism holiday provider should be switched on to this, and provide barrier free and inclusive holidays when possible. And that you have all the information you need before you travel to make your holiday a happy one.

Read up on the principles of Leave No Trace. They are mostly common sense, but it is amazing how many people travel with no sense of their footprint at all. From leaving wildflowers or shells where you find them, to hiking responsibly, there are good simple reminders on their list of seven principles.

Remove all excess packaging. Although we all like to treat ourselves to bits and pieces before we travel, be aware that in many places recycling, or waste disposal full stop, is tricky. So, leave packaging at home. And, even better, consider buying some things when you are there, thereby also supporting the local economy.

Bring environmentally friendly products with you, especially if travelling off the beaten track. So, this means eco-friendly sun creams, soaps, deodorants and so on, if you want to keep the environment as pristine as you found it. Especially if you are going to spend a lot of time in the water.

Ask your travel company for specific tips relating to responsible travel in your chosen destination. Will you need to be covered if visiting religious sites? How are local attitudes to LGBT travellers? Is there anything that is considered a faux pas socially?

Ask if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools. Even better, you may be able to purchase these things once you arrive - thus supporting local traders and businesses. Ask whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip. Please note, however, that we do not support visits to orphanages on holiday. Be aware of any excursions on your trips that involve wild or captive animals. There are a lot of issues regarding responsible wildlife viewing. But, in short, riding elephants is generally a no, captive orcas are a definite ethical minefield, and petting tiger cubs or any wild animal is just wrong.

Travel Zoo has also gathered some tips on international journey. (http://www.travelzoo.com/blog/20-tips-before-traveling-internationally/)

Furthermore, The Natural Capital Award has advised some tips for your journey: ( https://www.thenaturalcapitalawards.com/10CommandmentsForEco-friendlyTravel.php )

When you are on holiday:

Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local people, their culture, the landscape and its wildest, most wonderful spots by hiking, biking or sailing with a local expert. Plus, this is a fantastic way to support the local economy. In many countries, from Kenya to Sri Lanka, poachers have changed their ways to become conservationists and guides, and the more we support that and show that wildlife tourism works, the better. Be careful what you buy. Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts. Shells and coral should stay where they belong too, and if you're considering buying gems locally, research the legality and ethics of this before you go.
People very often does not know what to wear when its their first time travelling abroad. independenttraveler.com has explained what you should not wear when going abroad. ( http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/passports-and-international-travel/10-things-you-should-never-wear-when-traveling-abroad ).

Respect people and their local cultures. This travel guide gives insight into many of the issues here, destination by destination, from not invading people's spaces by taking endless photographs without asking, being unnecessarily noisy, to dressing inappropriately or disrespecting religious traditions. The most important thing to remember is that you are visiting people's homes, so think how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - it's a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

Use water sparingly. Carbon footprint gets a lot of attention, and rightly so, but water is a vital resource and often a scarce one in tourism destinations. So, if you are being asked to monitor your usage, it is for a good reason. There is very little of it. And if a hotel has five swimming pools, a golf course and you are taking three showers a day in a country that has drought issues, think again. Water is a human right and yet tourism is one of the biggest exploiters of it.

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