Walking/biking/trekking or exploring one place in depth is a good way to reduce your carbon footprint. At urban destinations, walk or take public transit whenever possible. You’ll see more and avoid getting stuck in rush-hour traffic!

Conservation should always be on a traveler’s mind: whatever helps the environment, such as recycling or staying in an eco-friendly hotel, also protects heritage.

Visit lesser-known places—they may be far more rewarding (not to mention less crowded) than tourist hotspots. The Taj Mahal may be a must-see, but India has more than 25 other spectacular World Heritage Sites.

Be mindful of visitor wear and tear. Visiting crowded sites at off-peak hours or popular destinations in the off- or shoulder-seasons will reduce your impact. Stick to marked paths. Wear sensible footwear such as sneakers; heels can damage fragile sites. Don’t climb on monuments or touch rock carvings, as it can damage them.

Never remove anything from a site: you may think one stone won’t be missed, but if every one of Pompei’s two million annual visitors took something home, soon there’d be nothing left.

Educate friends and family about responsible tourism. Raise awareness by sharing your experiences on Facebook, Flickr, or your own travel blog.