Sustainable Travel

How to Travel Responsibly in Monterey County

Responsible travel minimizes negative impacts, brings economic benefits to host communities, and preserves the cultural and natural resources of the destinations. Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people; maximizing the benefits and minimizing the negative impacts of travel.

Are you expecting more from your holiday than a brief stay somewhere? Perhaps you need to completely disconnect from your routine life and escape into nature. Maybe you are looking for inspiration from another culture and environment. Trying something new may be what you need for rejuvenation. Or perhaps giving back and contributing to the preservation of your host destination helps you tap into the benefits of altruism.

This is all a part of traveling responsibly. In Monterey County, we understand the importance of this practice and what to help you experience a sustainable vacation with truly unforgettable moments.

Be a Kind Traveler

GIVE+GET HOTEL BOOKING PLATFORM

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See Monterey and partner hotels are proud to partner with Kind Traveler, a responsible travel initiative that empowers travelers to make a positive impact through charitable donations with every hotel booking they make. Learn more about how this Give+Get hotel booking platform works and how you can support the important work of Rancho Cielo Youth Campus in investing in all young people in Monterey County facing challenges for success by booking with participating hotel partners here.

Tips for Responsible Travel

Travel Like a Local Expert

Choose an eco-friendly tour operator or accommodations.
Consider local conservation or social projects that you could visit or support during your trip.
Buy local goods and produce instead of imported goods.
Hire a local guide.
Do not buy products from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artifacts.
Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places.
Use public transport, rent a bike or walk when convenient.
Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to reduce the amount of one-time use plastics.
Always leave a place better than the way you arrived, this includes “pack in, pack out” and “leave no trace” practices.
When you leave your hotel room, turn off the lights and all electronics.
Consider leaving the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so that housekeeping staff won’t clean your room every day.
Stick to marked trails to avoid harming native flora, and consider taking a bag to pick up trash along your hike.
Take time to immerse yourself in the local music, art and cuisine.
Embrace the cultural differences that make it unique.

Each of our destinations is unique with its own tips for sustainable travel. Click on the links below for tips on how to travel like a local expert specific to each area.

Resources:

Avoid a #TravelFail

Enjoy our natural beauty and endless activities and be safe. Here’s your handy cheat sheet to help avoid a #TravelFail on your next adventure. Learn more here.

Ecotourism Guide

Meeting Planners

Tour & Travel

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Media

Weddings

Sustainable Moments