“The first step to responsible travel is giving back to the places we visit.” – Lauren Groff
How to Become a Sustainable Traveller
Travelling brings out the best in us, but as cheesy as it sounds we should really be focusing on what’s best for our planet, although it can be difficult (especially knowing there’s multi-millionaires out there that choose to get a flight from the states to France for a piece of cake).
Imagine free diving into a cenote in Mexico, partying in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, or visiting the pyramids of Giza—all while being a sustainable traveller (cough cough, I have). Supporting local economies, protecting wildlife, avoiding plastic, and reducing our impact on the planet are just a few of the many ways to make this happen.
The global population is growing, and with that growth comes an increased demand for the earth’s resources. In my travels to developing countries, I witnessed the struggle some people face, highlighting the unfair distribution of consumption and wealth. The World Bank states in the More than thirty percent of the world continues to live in poverty with limited access to food, water, or energy.
Sustainable travel is not only beneficial for the planet but can also save you money. I always go by the motto, “live like a local, travel like a local.” Here’s how you can do it:
What is Sustainable Travelling?
Before combining these two terms, let’s understand what “sustainable” means. I first encountered “sustainability” at university, where it plays a huge role in the construction industry (I studied Civil Engineering in case you wondered why construction). To me, sustainability is about living in a way that does not affect future generations.
Sustainable travelling means being responsible for your actions, being culturally sensitive to locals, and maintaining the natural environment without harmful impact. Sustainability plays a part in every industry, including tourism. While not all of us are burning fossil fuels like Drake did celebrating the Toronto Raptors’ victory, we should be aware of the pollution caused by traveling and how it affects wildlife, local people, the environment, businesses, and local culture.
Ways to be a Sustainable Traveller
1. Eat Like a Local
- Support the Local Community: Invest in the local economy by buying local food. Trust me, local cuisine is often the best! When you eat at local restaurants or food stalls, you’re not only enjoying delicious and authentic dishes, but you’re also contributing to the livelihoods of local families and small businesses.
- Embrace Local Street Food: Don’t be afraid to try street food (with caution of course). Some of the best dishes I’ve had were from street vendors, this got reminiscing 2am in Bangkok. Be adventurous, but if you’re cautious, start with vegetarian options and observe the hygiene practices of the vendor, especially the water!
- Shop at Local Markets: Buy food grown locally. This reduces your carbon footprint and supports local farmers. Shopping at local markets can be a delightful experience where you discover unique produce and interact with locals.
Somewhere in Mexico, I’m guessing Tulum in 2018. Before it became as touristy as it is now! Btw Im the guy with the hat
2. Travel Sustainably
- Research Your Journey: Use technology to find the most sustainable travel options. Public transport, especially trains, is usually a great option. Websites and apps can help you plan eco-friendly routes and compare different modes of transport in terms of their environmental impact. For great deals on attractions and activities, check out Tiqets to book seamlessly and support sustainable tourism.
- Choose Direct Flights: Though more expensive, direct flights reduce carbon emissions by minimizing takeoffs and landings. If you have to take a connecting flight, choose layovers that allow you to explore another destination without significantly increasing your carbon footprint.
- Enjoy the Journey: Travel on the ground more to reduce carbon emissions and enjoy the scenery. Consider slow travel, where you take your time to explore a region in-depth rather than hopping from one place to another quickly.
- Pack Smart: Take only what you need. There are laundromats everywhere, and supporting them helps the local economy. Packing light also means you’re not contributing to excess baggage, which can increase fuel consumption on flights.
3. Live Like a Local
- Choose Eco-friendly Accommodation: Hostels are great for socializing and are usually more environmentally friendly. If you prefer hotels, choose ones with good environmental practices. Look for accommodations that have certifications for sustainability, such as LEED or Green Key.
- Engage with the Community: Take the time to interact with locals and learn about their culture. Participating in local activities and supporting community-based tourism initiatives can provide you with unique experiences while contributing to the local economy. For attractions and activities that align with these values, consider booking through Tiqets.
- Recycling: Check if your accommodation has a recycling program. If not, encourage them to start one (although I completely get it you feel this might be overstepping). My preference is just to reduce waste by carrying a reusable water bottle (preferrable now filtered as I would rather not get ill), a small backpack for any shopping, and utensils.
- Ask About Sustainability Initiatives: Inquire about solar power, energy-saving lights, and other eco-friendly practices. Choose accommodations that are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
- Share Your Experience: Talk about your sustainable travel practices with others. It helps spread awareness and makes you sound like a seasoned traveller. Sharing your stories on social media and travel blogs can inspire others to travel sustainably.
4. Connecting to Smart Travel Options
Use websites like ecopassenger.org to compare travel routes based on their emissions. Additionally, look for apps that help you track your carbon footprint and provide tips for reducing it while traveling. And for a seamless booking experience that supports sustainable tourism, don’t forget to check out Tiqets.
For more tips on safe travel, check out our Safety Tips While Travelling blog post.
Conclusion
Not all places prioritize sustainability, but those that do tend to have strong economic, environmental, and social performances. The Covid pandemic has shown us the importance of sustainability and the positive impact reduced travel can have on the environment. As the world reopens, let’s travel sustainably and continue to make a difference.
Sustainable travel is about making conscious choices that benefit both the traveller and the destination. By adopting these practices, you can help preserve the beauty and resources of the places you visit for future generations. Let’s embark on our journeys with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to protecting our planet. 🌍✈️
