The Top 5 Ways Travelers Are Supporting Conservation Efforts (And How You Can Too)

There’s something about travel that shifts your perspective in a way little else can. You step out of your bubble and suddenly, the world feels much bigger, more fragile, and infinitely worth protecting. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the conversation around travel has started to change. More of us are waking up to the fact that our adventures—while incredible—can take a toll on the very places we fall in love with.

But the good news? Travelers aren’t just part of the problem—we’re becoming a huge part of the solution. Conservation efforts around the globe are getting a boost from everyday people like us who are showing up, asking the right questions, and being intentional about where we spend our time and money.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can support conservation while still chasing those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this one’s for you. Here are five of the most impactful ways travelers are helping protect our planet’s wild spaces—and how you can get involved.

1. Choosing Eco-Conscious Lodges and Tours

Let’s be honest—where you stay and who you book with can either support or completely undermine local conservation efforts. In the past, it was tough to figure out which companies were truly committed to sustainability and which ones just slapped a green leaf on their website. But things have evolved, and travelers are paying attention.

Now, more lodges, camps, and tour operators are actively contributing to conservation, not just greenwashing their marketing. Whether it’s a safari lodge funding anti-poaching patrols or a dive school leading coral reef restoration, these businesses understand that their survival depends on protecting the wild places they operate in.

Take Kenya’s conservancies, for example. Private and community-run conservancies like Ol Pejeta or the Mara Naboisho are leading the way. Their entire model is built on the idea that tourism can directly fund wildlife protection, land preservation, and community development—all while offering travelers an intimate, low-impact safari experience. When you stay at one of these places, your dollars go straight into keeping rhinos safe, paying rangers, and supporting local families.

The key here is doing your homework. Look for certifications like EcoTourism Kenya or Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network. Ask where your money goes. If a company can’t answer that clearly, that’s a red flag.

Napo Wildlife Center Lodge - an ecolodge that supports a local community through sustainability and conservation.

2. Getting Involved in Citizen Science Projects

This one is probably my favorite because it makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, not just observing from the sidelines. Citizen science is exactly what it sounds like—regular people contributing to scientific research simply by being in the right place and paying attention.

Wildlife tracking apps, bird counts, reef monitoring dives—there are so many ways to get involved these days. I’ve personally joined marine research dives where you collect data on reef health, log sightings of endangered species, or even help clean up ghost nets. It’s hands-on, eye-opening, and honestly way more rewarding than your standard “see it, snap it, move on” type of trip.

In places like Costa Rica or Madagascar, travelers can join sea turtle tagging projects or help monitor lemur populations. Not only does this data help conservationists understand migration patterns or population numbers, but it also keeps you actively engaged with the environment you’re exploring.

The best part? You don’t need a biology degree. Just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn.

3. Supporting Local Communities as a Conservation Strategy

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned while traveling is that conservation isn’t just about the animals. If the people living next door to a protected area don’t benefit from it, those efforts are doomed to fail. Full stop.

This is where responsible travelers can make a real difference. When you spend your money with local guides, community-run lodges, or cooperatives, you’re sending a powerful message that people matter in the conservation equation. And when locals see tangible benefits from preserving nature—jobs, education, better healthcare—they’re far more likely to become protectors rather than poachers.

Botswana is a great example of this. Their model of high-value, low-impact tourism ensures that local communities get a share of the profits. It’s no coincidence that Botswana also happens to be one of the most successful countries in Africa when it comes to conservation.

Even smaller decisions—buying crafts directly from artisans instead of souvenir shops, eating at local restaurants, or hiring indigenous guides—can have ripple effects. You’re keeping money circulating in the community and reinforcing the idea that wild spaces are worth more alive than dead.

4. Saying No to Harmful Animal Encounters

I’m not going to sugarcoat this—wildlife tourism can be messy. For every ethical sanctuary or well-run park, there are ten places exploiting animals for profit under the guise of “conservation.” And it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Who wouldn’t want to ride an elephant or pet a tiger cub? But what we know now is that these experiences often come at a devastating cost.

The shift I’ve seen lately is that travelers are starting to question these interactions. More people are walking away from businesses that offer elephant rides, lion walks, or dolphin swims in captivity. Instead, they’re choosing experiences that prioritize the animal’s welfare and natural behavior—game drives, guided nature walks, or visits to legitimate sanctuaries that actually rescue and rehabilitate wildlife.

It comes down to one simple rule: if you can touch, ride, or feed a wild animal in an unnatural setting, it’s probably not ethical.

Supporting organizations that promote true wildlife conservation instead of entertainment is one of the most powerful choices you can make as a traveler. It sends a clear message that animals deserve better—and that’s a message worth spreading.

5. Reducing Your Impact—Even in Small, Unsexy Ways

This one might not sound as exciting, but hear me out. Conservation isn’t just about where you go or what you do—it’s also about how you move through the world while you’re there. Little decisions add up, and being mindful of your impact can make a bigger difference than you think.

Simple things like refusing single-use plastics, packing reef-safe sunscreen, or opting for fewer flights in favor of slower travel all play a role. I’ve gotten in the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle and bamboo cutlery when I travel, and you’d be amazed how much plastic waste that cuts out over a few weeks.

And don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Leave reviews that highlight conservation-minded businesses. Share your experiences and what you learned. Educate others about the difference between a true sanctuary and a glorified petting zoo. The more we normalize this kind of travel, the more pressure there is on the industry to clean up its act.

Final Thoughts: Conservation Needs Travelers—But the Right Kind

I’ve always believed that the best kind of travel leaves a place better than you found it. Not just because you picked up your trash or stayed in a pretty lodge—but because your presence actually contributed to something bigger. Conservation isn’t this separate, inaccessible world reserved for scientists or rangers in khaki uniforms. It’s something we can all be a part of—whether we’re hiking through Patagonia, diving in the Maldives, or on a safari in Tanzania.

The reality is, many of the planet’s most beautiful wild spaces rely on tourism dollars to survive. Without us, national parks go underfunded, rangers lose their jobs, and communities turn to unsustainable practices just to get by. But when we show up with open eyes, open minds, and a little bit of research? We become part of the reason those places continue to thrive.

So next time you’re planning a trip, think about the kind of traveler you want to be. Ask the hard questions. Spend your money where it matters. And remember—this planet isn’t just ours to explore. It’s ours to protect.

How You Can Get Started Today

• Research eco-certified lodges and ethical tour operators for your next trip.

• Download a citizen science app like iNaturalist or eBird.

• Look into local community projects or conservation programs you can support.

• Skip the animal encounter that doesn’t feel right—trust your gut.

• Share this post or start a conversation about responsible travel with your friends.

Conservation needs all of us. And honestly, it feels pretty damn good to know your adventure isn’t just about ticking off bucket list items—but about helping protect the wild, messy, beautiful world we’re so lucky to explore.