Sustainable travel is about being aware and making smarter choices in more aspects of your trip. Sustainable travel should minimise the negative impacts of tourism and ideally be beneficial to the destination you are travelling to. But, tavelling sustainably doesn’t mean reworking your entire holiday. Take a look at our list of a few tips and tricks you can make on your next getaway, even if you’re just getting started on your sustainable travel journey.
Travel off-peak
Destinations from Barcelona and Venice to Bali and Thailand are overwhelmed by visitors. Overtourism puts a strain on infrastructure and creates issues for locals and communities. So when you’re planning your next trip, perhaps consider travelling during off-peak seasons, or even explore beyond the tourist ‘hotspots’. There are an abundance of off-the-beaten-track destinations which offer equally incredible and authentic experiences.
Travel by boat or rail
If you have the time, travelling by boat or rail is a great, more sustainable way to experience destinations. Cruises are proving to be a more popular option for travellers of all ages, and Europe offers some of the best rail-links. Of course, sometimes flying is the only option, in which case try to choose airlines that are working to improve their eco-credentials.
Think about your purchases
Of course, the best way to shop savvy would be to only purchase necessary items. But, if you’re going to do some shopping on holiday, try to look for locally made products and businesses. Cheaply made souvenirs and items are often poorly made and typically worse for the environment.
Stay in eco-friendly accommodation
Eco-friendly accommodation has improved vastly in recent years and is more widely available than ever. From offsetting CO2 emissions and using solar energy, to using locally-sourced biodegradable products and using a beach cleaning system. There are plenty of places to choose from, but be sure to look for genuine integrity!
Bring re-usable items
Take reusables such as a water bottle (one with a filter if the tap water is unsafe), a coffee cup, reusable straws, and reusable cutlery. There are also plenty of zero waste toiletries to choose from such as shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets.
Choose your animal experiences wisely
Unfortunately, most animal interactions are often harmful, such as swimming with dolphins and riding elephants. Many studies show that animals too closely exposed to humans experience high levels of stress. If you are an animal lover and keen to see animals in their natural habitats, choose places that offer ethical interactions, such as sanctuaries and conservation projects.
