Whether you’re a regular traveler or just trying to reduce your carbon footprint, there are many ways to travel sustainably. Tourism accounts for significant global carbon emissions, mostly from air travel and automobiles. When traveling, choose eco-friendly transport options like Electric/Hybrid Vehicles or walking. Yes, walking! This will help you reduce your carbon footprint and support local communities. Read on for some “making a difference” sustainable travel tips to consider before taking your next vacation.
Sustainable Tourism Tips That Make An Impact
1. Look for green destinations
Whether you’re planning a getaway or simply looking for something new to see, green travel can be a great way to reconnect with nature. Green destinations are those that focus on conservation, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. They also prioritize economic sustainability and connect to a global sustainable tourism community. Just remember the big three at all times, and you can make a difference during your travels; Environmental, economic, and sociocultural aspects of tourism development.
2. Avoid buying new clothes
Buying new clothes can be a huge environmental burden, especially when they end up in landfills. It is much better to avoid this and instead purchase quality, sustainable clothing that will last you a long time. You can also shop for sustainable fabrics that are biodegradable and don’t require chemicals to be produced. This can save on water and energy costs. One of the Skycap News team’s favorite “feel good” sustainable travel tips is to buy second-hand clothes for the trip and then donate them to local families in need upon departure.
3. Take public transportation
When possible, public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying your vacation. You’ll also save time and money by not having to drive your own vehicle. People who choose to travel by public transport also experience fewer traffic jams and less pollution on the roads. This helps reduce traffic congestion, which can be a serious issue in many cities worldwide.
4. Bring your own water bottle
Travelers can make a significant impact on the environment by simply bringing their own water bottles. A single person switching to a reusable bottle can save an average of 156 bottles a year from ending up in our landfills. There are many options for refillable water bottles on the market, including vacuum-insulated stainless steel or break-resistant glass. Some even come with smart lids and are designed to keep beverages cold or hot. Do the math; this is one of the easiest sustainable travel tips to save you cash.
5. Use refillable toiletries
If you’re traveling, it is best to use refillable toiletries. This will help reduce your environmental footprint as well as save you money. The main reason is that plastic packaging is not recycled and can end up in the ocean or landfills, where it breaks down into microplastics, contaminating our waterways and wildlife. Many hotels now use refillable toiletries, saving countless half-used bars of soap, shampoo, and hair conditioner.
6. Don’t buy souvenirs
Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember a trip and significantly drain travel funds. Avoid buying them to keep your expenses low and help reduce your trip’s environmental impact. Often, souvenirs are not produced in an environmentally friendly manner or are sold in places where wildlife is endangered. Souvenirs that support this trade are illegal in many countries and can carry high fines or prison sentences upon return. Just Say No to Ivory Souvenirs and Gifts!
7. Don’t engage in animal tourism
Visiting tourist attractions that involve animal entertainment is not always the best option. It can be harmful to the animals involved and may have a negative impact on the environment. Cruel practices and abuses often accompany this kind of tourism. That cute Sloth (Perezoso) being exploited and abused as a tourist photo opportunity is a prime example. This might not be the most obvious of sustainable travel tips, but avoiding this form of exploitation is important.
8. Stay in a sustainable Eco-Hotel or hostel
An Eco-hotel or hostel is one of the hottest trending sustainable travel tips. Both are excellent choices for sustainable travel because they use typically provide basic resources for a safe stay. Some even are powered by renewable energy and make efforts to conserve water. They offer fewer energy-consuming amenities that avoid using chemicals (think swimming pools) and other products that generate waste. They may offer carbon offsetting programs, investing your money in local projects to reduce carbon emissions. Many also use locally-sourced foods and workforce to help strengthen the economy of your destination.
9. Look for Environmentally protected areas
It might seem one of the more obvious sustainable travel tips, but protected areas are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while on vacation. They also help protect endangered species and the associated ecosystem services. They can also boost local economies by attracting tourists to visit and stay in nearby towns. However, doing your homework and reading the fine print before you go is important. This will help you avoid making a bad or unsafe decision.
10. Take part in eco-friendly activities
Engaging in environmentally friendly activities can be a great way to make the most of your trip. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or just exploring a new area, it can be a fun and rewarding experience! However, many travelers find that they cannot fully adhere to their eco-friendly lifestyle while on vacation. This is why it’s important to know what sustainable travel tips are available to them so they can participate in more environmentally friendly sustainable tourism while on the road.