Travel with purpose. Travel with consent.

Remember, you are the visitor. Respect the customs and religions around you.

Cover your head in sacred spaces, cover your shoulders in monasteries, and don’t wear leather in Hindu temples. Still trying to figure out the country you are visiting? Don’t worry! AEI will supply you with a travel manual to help you prepare thoroughly.

Just don’t do it.

What goes up must come down. Balloons harm marine animals, while sky lanterns pose fire risks and can injure or kill wildlife. They’ve even caused harm to people and sparked forest fires. Celebrations shouldn’t result in fatalities. For detailed information, visit Balloons Blow.

Plastic bags are a global issue, entangling wildlife, cluttering trees, and overburdening trash disposal systems worldwide. You can be a part of the solution by using your own reusable bags, reusing the extra ones you get, and saying no to plastic!

Remember, the people you see are not there for your viewing; they are ordinary people living their lives. If they prefer not to be photographed, please respectfully accept their decision.

Your impact on the world doesn’t pause while you’re on vacation. The energy systems in the countries you visit may differ—don’t put an extra strain on a possibly already overwhelmed system. Unplug your chargers when they aren’t in use, and turn off lights when you exit a room.

Plastic menstrual products are a major contributor to landfill waste, as they can take centuries to degrade, and incinerating them harms the environment. We recommend switching to reusable options like washable pads and menstrual cups from companies that donate a portion of each sale to social causes. This way, you can minimize your environmental footprint while supporting the fight against period poverty—a critical issue that limits access to essential menstrual care.

Avoid untreated water, but if necessary, boil it or use purification tablets and UV filters. Due to the lack of recycling capabilities in many countries, plastic bottles often accumulate in landfills, landscapes, and oceans. By refilling your water bottle, you help reduce the reliance on single-use plastics. Be mindful of how much water you use, even with tap access; a typical hotel guest consumes more than 300 litres per night, with this figure soaring to 1800 litres in luxury accommodations.

Stick to designated paths when trekking or hiking. Be mindful of your footsteps to prevent harm to native flora. Consider picking up any trash you encounter on the trail. The cleanup will never happen if we all pass the responsibility onto others!

They should remain free, not become a part of your meal, wardrobe, or photo album. Supporting industries that exploit these animals undermines all the conservation efforts AEI champions.

Support local cooperative shops, fair trade markets, small restaurants, and family-owned businesses. Ensure your financial contributions benefit the local community rather than leaking out to a different region.

Giving directly to people on the streets often perpetuates a cycle of begging that lacks sustainability. Instead, AEI can recommend legitimate organizations that welcome donations or specific in-kind contributions to enhance their impact. AEI can also contact these organizations before you leave to determine if they would appreciate in-kind donations like pens or soccer balls.

By not participating in the sex trade, you oppose a system that is harmful and demeaning. For more information on preventing exploitation, consider visiting resources such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Engaging in the illicit drug trade financially fuels a dangerous and unethical industry. Additionally, it risks severe legal consequences.

Your travel experiences should not contribute to the captivity of animals. Instead, support their freedom in the wild.

Research by UNICEF Cambodia shows that 72% of children in so-called “orphanages” in Cambodia have at least one living parent. Yet, many are manipulated into begging as it provides immediate financial gains over education. By not giving money to these children, you avoid perpetuating a cycle of poverty and missed education opportunities. There are more than 215 million child labourers worldwide. Please learn more about child exploitation from organizations like ChildSafe International and report any concerns to authorities like Interpol.