9 Sustainable Travel Tips
Traveling with sustainable intentions means you are consciously trying to minimize your carbon footprint ultimately slowing the environmental damage we can have when we travel. With the ease of air travel, tourism has boomed, which has greatly impacted local communities, cultures, wildlife, and nature. To reverse our negative impact on natural resources and environmental damage, this blog post will review the best sustainable travel tips and practices. Happy Earth Day 2023!
9 Sustainable Travel Tips
ONE: Travel by Car or Train Whenever Possible
Two: Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle or Coffee Cup
The easiest thing to do when you’re traveling to cut back on is plastic waste. Bringing a reusable water bottle or coffee cup is the first step to making a positive impact on the environment. Filtered water bottles are a great way to make sure your water is filtered when filling it up. Just making this easy change can help the environment tremendously.
Reusable water bottle from Amazon
Reusable water bottle from Amazon
Three: Do Your Research and Find Sustainable Travel Destinations
Many cities today are looking to reverse any environmental damage. There are also many cities that are lacking in being green. This is where more research comes in to help you understand and support the local communities and local people that are making a positive impact. Vienna, Berlin, and Madrid are some of the top cities that offer sustainable tourism. So just because you are traveling green, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on amazing cities and bucket list destinations.
Arches National Park, Utah
Costa Rica
Four: Book Accommodations that are Eco-friendly
Five: Save Energy and Water
As someone who basically lives in hotels, I have been noticing more and more the efforts hotel and other accommodations are making to reduce their carbon footprint. There are some basic tips you can follow to save on energy and water while in your accommodation. When you leave the room/home make sure all the lights are off and your power cords are unplugged. When you take showers, try to take shorter ones and reuse your towel by hanging it up after. Also, keep your “do not disturb” sign on the door so that the cleaning crew doesn’t come and use extra energy to clean the rooms.
Colorado
Utah
Six: Leave No Trace when Hiking or Outdoors
Even if you’re not on vacation this is something to follow wherever you go or end up. Leaving no trace simply means leaving the natural world the way you found it. Some tips for leaving no trace include disposing of waste properly, leaving what you found, respecting the wildlife, and camping on durable surfaces.
Colorado
Hiking a 14er in Colorado
Seven: Respect the Wildlife
Wildlife is 100% included in sustainable tourism. There are many places that don’t have great wildlife practices and it is important to not entertain or give business to such practices. The best way to experience wildlife is from afar or at animal sanctuaries.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Eight: Shop Locally and Be Respectful to Local Cultures
The best way to shop in other countries is through the local shops and local community. It not only helps the local economy but also reduces the negative impact shopping at “mass-produced” stores has. So the next time you are looking for gifts or souvenirs head to the local community and buy from the local residents.
Shopping local in Mexico City
Shopping local in Rosarito
Nine: Learn the language of Wherever you are Traveling to
I am not saying you have to become an expert but I would suggest going on Babbel or Duo Lingo to learn a few key phrases and sentences. Part of traveling sustainable is respecting the cultural heritage of the country. It shows your respect for the country and also will help you get around!
Ultimately, there are many ways to continue sustainable tourism and good practices. My advice to you is to start somewhere. You don’t have to go crazy but every little bit of change helps. All you have to do is do a little research before deciding on your next vacation and you’re helping guide sustainable tourism.
Hilary
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