Travel has changed my life!
Some of my most meaningful experiences haven’t come from checking famous landmarks off a list—they’ve come from conversations over dinner with local families, attending church halfway around the world, visiting friends in places I never imagined I’d see, and slowing down long enough to experience a destination instead of simply passing through it.
I’ve now visited more than 50 countries for work, mission trips, vacations, and to spend time with friends who live around the world. Along the way, I’ve learned that sustainable travel isn’t about being a perfect traveler. It’s about making thoughtful choices that respect the people, cultures, and places that welcome us.
Stay Longer If You Can
One of the biggest changes I’ve made over the years is spending more time in fewer places.
Rather than racing through five cities in a week, I often choose to stay several days—or even weeks—in one location. It gives me time to discover neighborhood cafés, shop at local markets, become familiar with the public transportation system, and experience what everyday life is really like. Ironically, slowing down often leads to richer experiences than trying to see everything.
Support Local Businesses
One of the easiest ways to give back while traveling is to spend your money locally.
Whenever possible, I look for family-owned restaurants, neighborhood bakeries, local guides, independent hotels, and artisans selling products they’ve actually made. Not every meal needs to come from a restaurant with thousands of online reviews. Some of my favorite travel memories began simply by walking down a side street and trying a place filled with locals.
Respect Local Culture
Every country has its own customs, traditions, and expectations.
Learning a few words in the local language, dressing appropriately when visiting churches or sacred sites, being patient when things operate differently than they do at home, and remembering that you’re a guest all go a long way. I’ve found that showing genuine curiosity and respect almost always opens doors to meaningful conversations.
Be Thoughtful About Wildlife
Seeing wildlife can be one of the highlights of any trip, but not every attraction puts animals first.
Whenever possible, I look for experiences that prioritize conservation, rehabilitation, or responsible observation in natural habitats. If an activity feels designed primarily for tourist entertainment at an animal’s expense, I simply choose something else.
Reduce Waste Where It’s Practical
I’ll admit it—I’m not a light packer.
But I do try to travel thoughtfully. I carry a reusable water bottle when it’s safe to use one, avoid unnecessary disposable items when practical, recycle whenever possible, and take care not to leave litter behind. Small choices made by millions of travelers really do add up.
Travel With Gratitude
For me, sustainable travel isn’t just about protecting the environment. It’s about recognizing that visiting another country is a privilege.
Every destination has something to teach us. Every culture offers a different perspective. Every person has a story worth hearing.
If we travel with humility, curiosity, and respect, we leave with far more than photographs—we leave with a greater appreciation for the incredible diversity of God’s creation and the people who share this world with us.
The goal isn’t to travel perfectly. It’s simply to travel well, treat people kindly, and leave every place a little better than we found it.