Date of publication 07/08/2026
Everything you need to know about conscious travel
From our hotels, we aim to inspire positive change through a more mindful way of traveling, a philosophy built on choices that care for each destination's natural environment while supporting local communities.
During your vacation, simple actions can make a real difference for coastal ecosystems like coral reefs. It's the same spirit that drives Iberostar's Wave of Change movement, which works to offer an experience that protects both the environment and the people who call it home.
The rise of a new way to explore the planet
There are many ways to practice more respectful travel. What they all share is a desire to rethink how we explore the world. A willingness to learn, improve, and approach destinations with empathy is the natural starting point.
But where to begin? Our hotels, free of single-use plastics, or the Star Camp activities that introduce children to the value of nature, are just two examples of how traveling with purpose can be easier than it might seem.
The foundations of conscious travel
Choices that help protect ecosystems and local biodiversity
Nature, local communities, and the way tourism relates to both define the coordinates of conscious travel. Thoughtful planning, based on informed decisions, combined with the ability to adapt, helps protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
Experiences such as hiking and cycling routes, observing wildlife in its natural habitat, or taking part in environmental volunteer programs take this a step further. At the same time, a more mindful vacation also unfolds through moments of rest, comfort, and the simple art of doing less. At our hotels, we make this easy. You might stroll through gardens filled with native species, visit a sea turtle observation station, discover how coral nurseries work, enjoy fresh, natural cuisine, and unwind in an elegant room built with local materials.
Actions that support the economic and social development of communities
A guided excursion led by a local expert who reveals the secrets of the route. A memorable dinner made with regional ingredients. An afternoon browsing market stalls run by local producers and artisans. A celebration shaped by traditional music.
Each destination follows its own rhythm of economic and social development. To take part in it, approach communities with respect, observe, and from that perspective seek out experiences that directly or indirectly support the place you are visiting.
Simple, nature-friendly habits during your vacation
Use fewer single-use plastics
One of the most impactful choices you can make on your next trip is reducing single-use plastics. Plastic can take between 100 and 1,000 years to break down in nature. It is estimated that oceans contain between 75 and 199 million tons of plastic, with more than 11 million tons added each year, affecting marine life and disrupting the global climate balance.
Replacing disposable bottles with stainless steel or glass, using reusable bags, bringing compostable or reusable containers to the beach, and choosing solid-format toiletries are simple ways to move toward a plastic-free vacation. Since 2020, the experience at Iberostar hotels has been free of single-use plastics.
Choose local products and support regional commerce
Travel offers the opportunity to discover new flavors by exploring each destination’s culinary traditions. Fresh, locally sourced products not only nourish and delight but also connect you to the surrounding landscapes. Expanding your palate through multicultural cuisine adds depth to your journey.
Buying local, whether it is food or handcrafted pieces for your home, helps highlight the value of both nature and regional commerce. At Iberostar hotels, we collaborate with local producers, paying attention to every detail and offering authentic experiences, traditional recipes, and artistry inspired by local culture.
Respect the natural environment
Choosing hotels that are free of single-use plastics helps protect the natural environment, as does avoiding cars in protected areas, such as national parks and marine reserves, or turning down activities where animals are treated unethically. There is no single path or decision that can give your vacation a greater sense of purpose. It is the sum of many small choices, which are not so small after all, that will gradually transform the way you travel.
Staying by the sea in a cove where Posidonia grows, or waking up to views of a beach surrounded by mangroves, can become an increasingly mindful experience. The health of coastal habitats has a direct impact on the health of the oceans.
The shared challenge of helping improve ocean health
Working to protect coral reefs in beach destinations
The balance of the oceans depends on many factors. Here, we will focus on one: protecting coral reefs. You may feel inspired to explore them while scuba diving or snorkeling during your beach vacation. Simply by existing, these ecosystems act as guardians of the sea. They filter the water, keeping it clean and clear, provide shelter for other living species as part of a broader cycle of nutrients and oxygen, and reduce the force with which waves, storms, and hurricanes reach the coast.
At the Coral Lab, through coral nurseries located at our resorts in Playa Paraíso and Cozumel in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, we study how corals adapt to climate change, using genetic banks for threatened species and restoration techniques. When traveling to one of these destinations, you may have the opportunity to visit the nurseries and see how they work firsthand.
Choose accommodations that share your commitment to the future of the planet
Iberostar Wave of Change
Iberostar Wave of Change represents our commitment to the future of the planet. In every destination, we devote care and effort to protecting the natural environment and its coastlines. By engaging with new generations, we build and maintain meaningful relationships with local communities.
We continue working to improve, for example by serving fish and seafood sourced from responsible fisheries. We also seek new ways to reduce our emissions, minimize waste, and give materials a second life. We partner with projects that restore coastal ecosystems and create employment opportunities in the places around the world that inspire us.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. Experience nature and culture with a sense of wonder. Travel with care, arriving with awareness and respect, and leaving each place better than you found it. Do it your way at Iberostar hotels.
