Are the environmental impacts of your wanderlust weighing heavy on your mind? In the age of ever-worsening climate change and inequality, it’s a dilemma many keen travelers will be battling with. How can you keep exploring the world without simultaneously contributing to its breakdown?
In fact, almost two thirds of us are now actively searching for green travel options, according to an Aviva report. Thankfully there are an increasing number of them available, such as eco-friendly transport modes and accommodation and socially responsible tour operators, plus smaller ways to leave a lighter impact along the way.
Below, read tips for making smarter travel choices without spoiling your next trip.
Beat the crowds
From the canals of Venice to the apartments of Barcelona, overtourism is leaving many popular destinations bursting at the seams, with infrastructure, ecosystems and locals struggling to cope.
You can negate this by visiting them in off seasons, supporting local businesses that otherwise struggle without the crowds. Alternatively, visit lesser-known locations that aren’t yet pushed to breaking point.
Choose better transport
Whenever you want to travel significant distances, trains are usually the most eco-friendly way to go. Flying, sometimes, is non-negotiable, but you can aim to fly less – for example taking one longer trip per year rather than two or four mini ones.
How you travel at your destination makes a difference too. Booking an active adventure such as a cycling holiday will mean you mostly use your own power, which is better than taxis or internal flights.
Sleep sustainably
More and more hotels, lodges and camps are going eco-conscious, partly driven by consumer demand. You can help by choosing accommodation providers with great eco credentials over the standard or cheaper options.
Look for what they have to say about carbon neutrality, plastic waste, tree planting and reduced laundry programmes.
Pack wisely
Packing is one part of travel that stresses most people out – though not usually due to environmental concerns. You can, however, help to keep waste to a minimum by packing light and going armed with reusable items such as water bottles, bags and food containers.
Zero waste toiletries including shampoo bars and deodorant paste can also save you worries at airport security if you’re flying.
Spend local
Finally, a key way you can have a better impact on the communities you visit is to spend your money in the right places. You can do so by:
- Staying at local-owned accommodation
- Eating at independent restaurants
- Choosing positive local experiences
These choices can all help provide sustainable incomes for local communities who are heavily impacted by tourism, often against their will, but don’t always benefit from it.
Will any of these tips influence the way you choose to travel in the future?
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