Travel With Care
Empowering Travelers to Make a Difference
In 2022, Visit Idaho launched Travel With Care—an ongoing program and campaign focused on promoting the respectful use and care of the great Idaho outdoors among residents and travelers throughout the state. The ongoing initiative provides guidelines for ways we can all preserve the beauty and kindness that Idaho is known for.
Care for Idaho Principles
- Leave the land better than you found it.
- Practice fire safety. Make sure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
- Learn about the wildlife living in the area(s) you plan to visit and how to interact safely and responsibly.
- If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave room in your vehicle to haul your trash.
Care for Yourself Principles
- Stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle.
- Know your limits. Research the area you will be adventuring to understand the terrain.
- Be sure to let someone know where you will be adventuring.
- Have a plan B ready in case your original itinerary doesn’t work out.
Care for Others Principles
- Support local businesses whenever possible by buying food, gear, gas, etc. in the communities you visit.
- Be courteous to others.
- Be welcoming and respectful to those with whom you may be sharing recreational spaces.
- Be patient with service industry personnel when visiting local businesses.
Recreate Responsibly
Record numbers of outdoor enthusiasts are flocking to North Idaho to go hiking, biking, ATV and UTV riding, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. The increased foot traffic is straining Idaho’s recreation infrastructure. It’s important now, more than ever, to minimize your impact while enjoying the outdoors in Idaho.
Know before you go: Check for closures before heading out. Have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C in mind before you go. Just in case you don’t get your first choice.
Stay on designated trails – going off-trail can cause erosion and damage habitat.
Be a kind visitor: Know your trail etiquette, follow posted rules, and respect other people’s space.
Plan excursions and experiences that are within your skill level.
Play it safe: Choose lower-risk activities. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Bring supplies (water, food, hand sanitizer, flashlight, small first aid kit) to be self-sufficient and ensure you have a good time and are safe.
Leash and clean up after pets. Do not leave anything alongside the trail to “pick up later.”
Fishing or hunting? Know the seasons and have any necessary permits or licenses.
Moose/Elk: Keep your distance and appreciate the wildlife in its natural habitat from afar (recommended 75 ft). Do not touch, feed, or harass the wildlife.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Keep an eye on it.
Mind your wake” when boating on Idaho’s lakes.
Don’t Forget Your Life Jacket: When boating, kayaking, rafting, or paddling, always wear your life jacket—even if you are a good swimmer.
Ride dry, drive dry— boat sober.
Be patient and kind with our business.
