Sustainable Travel Tips From Residents

What Locals Want overview

Booking.com's 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report reveals that 85% of global travelers say traveling more sustainably is important or very important to them. With 69% wanting to leave the places they visit better than they found them, supporting local communities and looking after the environment are a top priority for many. So how can visitors channel their good intentions, and help make sure that residents feel the benefits while minimizing some of the less welcome impact of tourism?

Top points from the source

• Booking.com's 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report reveals that 85% of global travelers say traveling more sustainably is important or very important to them.
• With 69% wanting to leave the places they visit better than they found them, supporting local communities and looking after the environment are a top priority for many.
• So how can visitors channel their good intentions, and help make sure that residents feel the benefits while minimizing some of the less welcome impact of tourism?
• To explore these questions, for the second-year running, the report also asked respondents about their experiences of tourism where they live.
• The survey of 32,500 respondents across 35 countries revealed that globally 60% say tourism has an overall positive impact on where they live.
• The top benefits stated are: economic growth (59%), job creation (46%), and greater entertainment and leisure options (41%) – all making a tangible difference to local life and livelihoods.
• The biggest downsides are traffic congestion (40%), increased littering and waste (37%), and the rising cost of living and overcrowding (both 31%).
• To mark the release of the report, Booking.com shares six ways to travel more sustainably informed by how people around the world experience tourism where they live:
• Overcrowding in tourism hot-spots can put pressure on local infrastructure and disrupt daily life for residents.
• With 29% of people saying they’d like their local area to promote nearby towns and attractions to travelers, and 43% of travelers wanting to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations or attractions, venturing ‘beyond the guidebook’ can benefit residents and travelers alike.

How to use this ranking

Use this guide as a structured discovery starting point. Compare the listed options by travel style, season, location, time available, and practical booking needs before making a final decision.

Best for

• Readers comparing several destinations, places, or ideas in one topic.
• Travellers who want inspiration before narrowing down the final plan.
• Users who need a fast overview before checking detailed offers or local conditions.

Things to check before deciding

• Current prices, availability, opening times, and travel conditions.
• Seasonality, weather, local holidays, and peak demand periods.
• Distance from the main arrival point, accommodation area, or planned route.
• Whether the option matches the traveller’s budget, pace, and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use What Locals Want?

Use it to compare options, identify the most relevant ideas, and decide which places or services need deeper research before booking.

Is this ranking enough for final planning?

No. A ranking is a discovery layer. Final planning should include current prices, availability, travel dates, local conditions, and provider terms.

Does 4ME TRAVEL sell these options directly?

4ME TRAVEL provides editorial discovery and may connect readers with relevant partner offers. Final booking, payment, availability, and service conditions are handled by the selected provider.

Conclusion

What Locals Want is useful as a comparison starting point. The safest approach is to shortlist the most relevant options, then verify current conditions and booking details before making a final choice.