Before you go
It’s always worth doing some background reading on the people and places you’ll be visiting.  Your welcome will be warmer if you take an interest and speak even a few simple phrases in the local language.

Remove any packaging from clothing, toiletries etc before you pack and recycle if possible.

Why not think about compensating for the environmental impact of your flight? Ask your tour operator if they are part of any ‘carbon-offset’ scheme or see www.reducemyfootprint.travel for details.

On your holiday
Respect local culture and traditions. Make sure that your dress and behaviour is appropriate for the places you visit.  If you are unsure, talk to local people or ask your travel representative.

Be open to different ways of thinking, living, eating and working. It’s all part of the holiday experience.

Please don’t have your photograph taken with any ‘wild’ animals (such as lion and tiger cubs, monkeys, bears snakes and exotic birds).  These animals are taken from the wild when they are very young, often mistreated and disposed of when they get too large or difficult to handle.

Coral is extremely fragile and takes decades to grow.  Don’t step on or remove any coral when swimming or diving and avoid kicking up sand as it can suffocate and kill coral polyps.

Adapt to your surroundings - displaying expensive jewellery or cameras, particularly in very poor communities, may distance you from the culture you’ve come to experience. It can also make you a target so be discreet.

Minimise waste by reusing plastic bags, bringing your own water filter bottle or purifier and taking your used batteries home with you.

Exploring the area
Guidebooks are a great starting point, but get ‘insider’ knowledge by talking to local people, explore places away from the main tourist sites and create your own adventure.

Booking excursions using local suppliers or local guides and taxis will enrich your holiday experience and help support the local economy.

Remember to ask permission before taking photographs of people, their homes or places of worship. And don’t be offended if they decline or expect to be paid for the privilege.

Fire is a serious hazard.  Be extremely careful with cigarettes and matches and take your cigarette stubs with you.

Please don’t pick flowers and plants. Leave them for others to enjoy.

Before you take part in a 'swim with dolphins' experience, please be aware that there can be risks to both dolphins and people, including dolphins being injured by swimmers' jewellery or suffering infections caused by sun tan lotion.

Please don’t support dancing bear performances, if travelling in Eastern Europe, northern Greece or India.  Such bears are taken from the wild and are treated very cruelly.

Shopping
Buying locally made souvenirs, shopping in locally owned outlets and treating yourself to local food and drink are great ways to get in to the holiday spirit and also benefit the local people. 

Always bargain with humour and bear in mind that a small cash saving to you could be a significant amount of money to the seller.

Please don’t buy products made from endangered plants or wild animals, including hardwoods, corals, shells, starfish, cacti, orchids, ivory, fur, features, skins, teeth, reptiles and turtles. For more information on endangered species and the WWF-UK Souvenir Alert Campaign for tourists and to find out how to report a concern, visit www.wwf-uk.org.

At your accommodation
Always think of the environment, even when you’re not paying the bills! Turn down/off heating or air conditioning when not required.  Switch off lights when leaving a room and turn the TV off rather than leaving it on standby.

Use water sparingly. Take short showers instead of baths and tell staff if you are happy to re-use towels and bed linen rather than having them replaced daily.

When you return
Remember to recycle your holiday brochures and guidebooks when you’ve finished with them, or pass them to a friend.