Sustainability Practices to Adopt as a New Traveler

iStockphoto by Petmal

As travel rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, and international travel is booming like never before, there still remain a number of uncertainties as all this travel comes at an enormous environmental and social cost. 

Even if you strive for a sustainable lifestyle at home, it may be tempting to avoid thinking about the impact your travels could have on the environment. No one wants to feel guilty on vacation. But the effects traveling has on the environment are significant. 

According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Sustainable tourism is “Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

Including our usual sustainable habits like turning the lights off, not wasting food, avoiding creating trash, there’s a ton you can do to reduce your impact and do good whilst on tour.

Here’s our growing list of eco-friendly travel hacks that we use to be more sustainable travelers:

1. Support the local economy and seek out local experiences

Tourists can also choose to spend their money with businesses that source locally. This may be through eating locally grown foods or purchasing locally produced handicrafts. Oftentimes, making the more sustainable and locally beneficial choice is actually more enriching. Homestays, local guides and programs that give back to communities are also good ways to ensure your money is injected back into the local economy. 

2. Use efficient modes of transportation

Transport is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. How you choose to reach your destination may be the single most important decision when it comes to your trip’s environmental impact. If where you’re heading is accessible by train, consider taking one. Avoiding flying altogether is often not an option for travelers, but the idea is to eliminate unnecessary flights when possible. Try and avoid internal flights within a destination — use local public transport where possible and travel on foot or by bike to explore smaller areas. Other ideas include taking fewer but longer vacations and flying direct as often as possible.

3. Offset your journey

Carbon offsetting allows you to balance out the carbon footprint of your trip, by reducing emissions somewhere else in the world. All you have to do is calculate your carbon footprint using an online carbon calculator, then purchase offsets equivalent to the amount of CO2 you produced. The money from your offset purchase will be invested in projects that reduce carbon and other greenhouse gases. For instance, one project may protect a tropical rainforest from being cut down, while another might build a wind farm or convert cow manure into energy. Carbon offset projects can also create benefits that go beyond emissions reductions, such as creating local jobs, improving sanitation, or conserving endangered species. 

4. Invest in reusable items and reduce plastic

Follow the mantra of “leave no trace” when visiting a destination, as the creation of solid waste — particularly plastic — has significant environmental impacts. Travelers can help reduce their waste production by carrying their own reusable bags, straws, utensils, and takeaway containers. Another easy way to reduce plastic waste is by changing your eating habits. When going to a restaurant, dine-in rather than getting takeout which typically comes with plastic bags, containers, cups, and utensils. Even something as simple as asking the bartender to skip the straw can help trigger larger operational changes. 

5. Stay in sustainable lodging

Where you choose to sleep at night also plays a key role in being a green traveler. This part requires some legwork and research, however. Many small scale accommodations can be green solutions as well. For instance, think of a farm which uses solar power, serves fresh organic produce for breakfast and employs locals.

6. Respect local communities

Begin immersing yourself in other cultures by reading up on the local history, traditions, and etiquette before visiting. Download a language app and learn a few phrases in the local language. Be aware that certain gestures, clothing, or words are considered offensive in some destinations. Be especially mindful when visiting religious or spiritual sites. Only go to sites where tourists are welcome and adhere to any protocols. At some sites, this may mean taking off your shoes, covering your shoulders, keeping your voice down, or not taking photos. 

Wherever you go, remember that the destination you are visiting is someone else’s home. Obey the local laws and guidelines, from traffic rules to health and safety precautions. Do your best to leave places like you found them so that future generations of travelers and residents can enjoy them too. A little bit of respect goes a long way – be considerate of local people and treat them with dignity. This includes honoring their privacy and asking permission before you take their photo. 

We’re unbelievably lucky to be able to travel the world so easily and extensively in this day and age. It truly is one of life’s greatest joys and experiences.

We also think it’s critical for our own education and developing an open, loving mind. We just have to make it sustainable. It has the potential to create a lot of benefit for the destination of choice but so much of that depends on our actions. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and are feeling inspired for your next trip! Sign up for our eco-friendly summer vacations and explore with us.