Austin Texas, USA Travel Guide
Minimize your environmental impact by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Interact with local customs and communities in a respectful manner.
Support local businesses and painters and sculptors to benefit the community.
Austin prioritizes environmental protection and encourages visitor participation.
The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program safeguards Austin's drinking water. Balcones Canyonlands A Nature Reserve for wildlife conserves a natural home for endangered birds.
Blue recycling bins handle paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Green composting bins are for food scraps and yard trimmings, supporting Austin's zero-waste goals.
Many airlines have carbon offset programs. Within Austin, use public transport, walk, or cycle to further lessen your carbon footprint.
Seek hotels with sustainability certifications like LEED or a Green Eco-Rating. Choose tour operators dedicated to responsible tourism.
Choose durable and ethically made outdoor gear for your adventures. Patagonia offers sustainable options.
Shop PatagoniaTake reusable water bottles and bags. Find zero-waste products at places like Package Free Shop.
Explore Zero WasteWhen exploring Austin's natural beauty, practice Leave No Trace principles: pack it in, pack it out, and stay on designated trails. Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint with Terrapass.
Support Austin's local economy and communities through your travel choices.
The City of Austin Historic Preservation Office maintains the city's unique architectural heritage. Cultural institutions promote heritage through collections and programs.
Ask permission for photos of people. Be mindful of noise levels in residential areas. Respect private property boundaries.
Always be aware of privacy. Avoid intrusive photos, especially in private moments or without consent. Austin's "Keep Austin Weird" culture values individuality, so give people space.
Dress modestly when visiting places of worship (shoulders and knees covered). Maintain quiet and respectful behavior inside. Remove shoes if requested.
Opt for independent restaurants, shops, and venues over large chains where you can. This maintains Austin's character and supports local entrepreneurs. Tip generously for good service.
Pick independent restaurants to experience Austin's unique culinary scene.
Support local boutiques plus artisan boutiques for special souvenirs and gifts.
Frequent local music venues to enjoy Austin's renowned live music scene and support artists.
Support local businesses, artists, and musicians directly. This Ethical tour operator option also puts money into local economies. Consider giving to local charities like Caritas of Austin or Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Support Austin's local economy and communities through your travel choices.
Austin has few formal community-based tourism initiatives. However, you have a positive impact by supporting local businesses, artists, and musicians directly.
Seek fair trade officially approved goods in shops. Visit markets with artisanal goods to buy directly from creators, making sure of a fair price for what they do.
Austin does not have significant problems with tourism-related exploitation. Back businesses that treat their employees fairly and pay living wages. Engage in ethical interactions.
Support businesses with fair employee practices and living wages.
Consider donating to local charities that support the homeless population, like Caritas of Austin or Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
These organizations can provide sustained help plus assets more effectively than direct giving.
For charitable giving, donating to established local organizations ensures resources directly help those in need and help positive community impact.
Your travel choices have a positive contribution. Support local businesses, embrace cultural experiences, and protect Austin's environment.
