Travel is breaking records this summer with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), reporting that we are in the middle of the busiest travel season in history. As the summer kicked off this past June, they reported a new record, with close to three million travelers screened per day. And, according to Intrepid Travels recent survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, 84% of respondents said they are planning to travel this summerwith most U.S. adults (54%) saying they plan to travel the same in the summer of 2024 as they did last summer, and 31% planning to travel more than last year.As summer travel surges among U.S. consumers, so do concerns around overtourism and the unwelcome disruptions caused by bad behavior abroad. Most recently, we have seen reports of demonstrators in Barcelona rallying against tourists and protesting against mass tourism, with signs that read, Barcelona is not for sale. Overtourism is a result of many issues, but at its core, it often occurs when travelers desires take precedence over the communitys needs. This imbalance leaves local residents feeling overruled by tourists.But it does not have to be this way. Together, we can keep tourism as it was intendeda mutually beneficial industry for visitors and locals alike, and a force for good. As the demand for travel continues, lets dive deeper into how we can improve the travel experience for all.People are fed up with bad behaviorThere are countless benefits of travel. Not only is it often a necessary economic stimulant, but it also provides communities with an opportunity to share their culture, while encouraging understanding and acceptance amongst diverse groups of people. On the flip side, residents in popular destination spots have been expressing serious concerns regarding tourists disruptive behaviors, which has led cities to limit visitations.In the U.S., Miami Beach called for an end to party tourism and spring breakers. Efforts are ongoing by the National Park Service to manage unruly guests. In recent years, many have faced significant public backlash on social media after breaking park regulations, getting too close to hot springs and geysers, and taking dangerous selfies with big game, particularly bison.Overseas, Japans Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, implemented new regulations this summer due to concerns about overcrowding and garbage. And, just this past April, Venice became the first city in the world to introduce an entry fee and ban on large group tours, with the overall goal of pruning the bloated and often rowdy crowds that pour into its narrow alleyways and canals each year. Flash forward to todaywe have seen Bali, Iceland, and Amsterdam, follow suit.Its not hard to be a better touristWe do not need to change if we travel, we need to change how we travel. When done right, tourism can be equally positive for both visitors and local people. It can create shared value for both sides, benefiting communities rather than extracting from them. Overtourism is not a singular problem and does not have a singular solution. But when it comes to behavior, the truth is that it isnt limited to excessive littering or public misconduct and can manifest in subtle ways, many of which we may not be aware of when traveling to an unfamiliar place.Here are a variety of simple yet effective ways individuals can be better tourists in 2024.Choose community-led travel and experiencesCommunity-led tourism guarantees that local communities fully own and manage the tourism activities, ensuring that the economic benefits remain within their community. This guarantees that your visit benefits not just one family, but the entire community. Within my own organization, we collaborate closely with communities and various local partners to create experiences in areas that typically wouldnt benefit from tourism.Support locally-owned businessesStaying in small, locally-owned properties and taking trips that maximize benefits to communities through income, employment and culture, is often best to create a mutually beneficial experience. You can support local families, small producers, and artists by choosing local food and beverage brands. Instead of renting a car, take public transportation, walk, or rent a bike if possible. Youll be part of the local scene and meet some of the people who live there. Respect the culture and do your homeworkAmong U.S. adults who will be traveling this summer, 42% say they will be traveling to a new destination. Amidst the excitement of being in a new country, it can be easy to forget that youre essentially a guest in someone elses home. Tourism should be consultative, and done in concert with communities. To ensure that you remain aware and respectful of this fact at all times, it helps to do your homework beforehand.Visit lesser-known destinationsIts essential to prioritize places where local sentiment towards tourism is seen as critical and not optional. While we all have certain historic sights on our bucket lists, those are often the places most likely to become overcrowded and burdensome on communities.Smaller groups, smaller scale, and beneficial impactLess is sometimes more. Destinations can quickly become overwhelmed when thousands disembark from a cruise, or hundreds filter off of coach buses. Instead, opt for smaller groups, smaller ships, and a more considered scale. Smaller groups make it easier to find better restaurants, local boutiques, and other hidden gems.We should look at travel as a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Our goal from an individual and industry level should be to leave a destination better than we found it. This summer, lets all agree to do more than pay a fee for entry.Mikey Sadowski is vice president of communications at Intrepid Travel.