Travel has the power to change the way we see the world. Whether it’s exploring a new coastline, learning about a different culture, or connecting with people whose lives look very different from our own, travel expands perspective in ways few other experiences can.
But the way we travel matters.
Across the globe, more travelers are beginning to ask an important question: how can we explore new places while protecting the communities and environments that make them special in the first place?
This is where sustainable tourism comes in. It’s less about doing everything perfectly, and more about approaching each place with intention. Here are a few ways to travel more consciously:
1. Support Locally Owned Businesses
One of the most meaningful ways to practice responsible travel is by supporting local businesses. When travelers choose locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators, tourism revenue stays within the community and helps sustain the people who live there year-round.
This approach not only strengthens local economies but also creates more authentic travel experiences. Locally run establishments often provide deeper insights into the culture and traditions of a place than larger international chains.
At La Onza retreats in Lobitos, Peru, we intentionally take guests out to several hyper-local restaurants throughout the week. Sharing meals at small neighborhood spots gives visitors a chance to experience the flavors of northern Peru while supporting the families who run these establishments. We also leave space in the schedule for guests to explore the town on their own and discover their own favorite café or restaurant, often those spontaneous discoveries become some of the most memorable moments of the trip.
2. Learn About the Culture Before You Arrive
Responsible travel begins before the plane even takes off. Taking time to learn about the history, custom, language or traditions of a destination helps travelers approach a place with curiosity and respect.
Even small gestures, learning a few words of the local language, understanding cultural etiquette, or reading about the region’s history, can help visitors engage more meaningfully with the places they visit.
Travel becomes richer when we take the time to understand the context of the places we’re entering rather than simply passing through them.
3. Reduce Waste While You Travel
Waste management is a growing challenge in many travel destinations, particularly in coastal communities and remote regions where infrastructure may be limited.
Travelers can help reduce their impact by making a few simple changes: bringing a reusable water bottle, packing reef-safe sunscreen, carrying a reusable tote bag, and avoiding disposable toiletries whenever possible.
These small habits support sustainable travel by helping reduce the amount of waste that ends up in local environments and waterways.
4. Respect Natural Landscapes and Archaeological Sites
Many travel destinations are home not only to beautiful landscapes but also to fragile ecosystems and historical sites that have existed for centuries.
In the deserts surrounding Lobitos, visitors will often notice striking rock formations and scattered stones shaped by wind and time. While these landscapes may appear rugged, they are surprisingly delicate. Moving rocks, stacking stones, or taking them as souvenirs can disrupt natural formations and, in some cases, disturb archaeological areas that hold cultural significance.
Responsible travelers treat these places with care. Leaving stones and natural objects exactly where they are helps preserve the landscape for future visitors and protects the cultural heritage embedded within it.
A simple rule to follow is this: leave no trace and take only memories.
5. Follow the “Rule of 4” at the Beach
Coastal destinations around the world are increasingly affected by plastic pollution carried by ocean currents and human activity. Even small pieces of waste can harm marine ecosystems and wildlife.
One simple habit travelers can adopt is the Rule of 4: every time you visit the beach, pick up at least four pieces of trash before you leave.
If every visitor made this small commitment, the collective impact could be enormous. Over time, these small actions help prevent plastic waste from returning to the ocean and protect the coastlines we travel so far to enjoy.
In places like Lobitos, where the ocean shapes daily life and surf culture, protecting the beach becomes a shared responsibility. For brands like Solgaard, impact has been a core focus since day one of making premium products. For every product sold, Solgaard, in cooperation with the Solgaard Nyx Foundation and its network of impact partners, cleans up an estimated 6 lbs. of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities. We can all take a page from this playbook to make a difference and lead by example.
6. Pack Intentionally
Packing thoughtfully can also be part of sustainable travel. Bringing only what you truly need encourages a more mindful approach to consumption and reduces unnecessary purchases while on the road.
Durable travel gear that is built to last can also reduce waste over time. When luggage and equipment are designed thoughtfully and used for years rather than replaced frequently, it supports a more sustainable approach to travel.
Brands like Solgaard have built their mission around this idea, designing travel gear that is durable, well organized like the FlowCloset built-in shelving systems designed for effortless organization on the go. The goal isn’t simply convenience for travelers, it’s helping reduce the environmental footprint of modern travel, and help you pack smarter.
This year, Peru's northern coast is preparing for one of the strongest Super El Niño events on record, with forecasts pointing to flooding, damaged infrastructure, and disruptions to access to clean drinking water.
We've created opportunities for every guest to become part of a solution. Through community-led water harvesting initiatives and clean water filtration systems, together we're helping more than 400 households build long-term access to safe drinking water before, during, and after the floods.
To bring this initiative to life, we've partnered with Conservamos por Naturaleza, who will match every dollar donated, and Waves For Water, who are providing water filtration systems and technical expertise to ensure Lobitos is better prepared for the months ahead. Guests to our upcoming retreats will have the option of bringing water filtration devices in their suitcases. Guests joining our upcoming retreats will also have the opportunity to carry compact water filtration systems in their luggage, turning unused suitcase space into life-saving supplies before they even arrive. A simple act with lasting impact.
8. Choose Experiences That Give Back
The perfect retreat balances adventure, rest, and purpose. Much of the wellness industry focuses us inward to heal our own stress and trauma. While there is tremendous value in that work, we've discovered that one of the most overlooked ingredients to renewal is surprisingly outward: giving back.
When choosing who to travel with, look for experiences that leave a destination better than they found it. At La Onza, our Dolphin Tank Dinners bring guests together with local NGO leaders to share a meal, hear about projects, and explore how their own skills, experiences, and networks might help move those initiatives forward. We believe every traveler has something valuable to contribute. Small, social and intentional moments like these can become the most memorable part of the journey.
The best trips don't just leave you feeling refreshed. They leave you feeling more connected.
Read more about Impact at La Onza: HERE
