Let’s be real: travelling is incredible. New places, new people, new cuisines (hello, gelato for breakfast in Italy 🍦😋 )—it’s an adventure that opens our eyes to just how magical the world is. But here’s the kicker: the way we travel can either help preserve that magic or, well, kinda mess it up. This is where sustainable travel comes in.
If you’ve been curious about how to explore the world while keeping it intact for future adventurers, buckle up (or better yet, hop on a train). We’re diving into how to travel sustainably without sacrificing the fun.
What Does Sustainable Travel Really Mean?
Before you roll your eyes thinking, “Ugh, another trendy buzzword,” hear me out. Sustainable travel isn’t just about hugging trees or composting your breakfast scraps (though those are cool, too). It’s about being mindful of how your trips impact the environment, local communities, and economies. Become conscious of each decision that you make. Ask yourself, what impact will my decision have on the people involved and the environment?
Think of it as leaving every place a little better than you found it—or at least not worse. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly transportation, shopping local, or skipping that exploitative Elephant ride (Think how are these elephants being treated? Are they happy being encaged and having to carry people all day every day?) sustainable travel is about making smarter choices that benefit everyone.
How to Travel More Sustainably
Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation
Planes: When You Have to Fly, Fly Smarter
Let’s talk planes. They’re fast, convenient, and unfortunately, massive carbon emitters. If flying is unavoidable, consider this to minimise your impact:
Book direct flights: Layovers might save you money, but they also increase your carbon footprint by adding takeoffs and landings, which burn the most fuel. (But I do get you, being a backpacker with a tiny, backpacker’s budget, sometimes it’s just not possible to take that direct flight, it’s okay we can minimise our impact in other ways 🙂 )
Fly with eco-conscious airlines: Some airlines are investing in biofuels and carbon-offset programs. Do a little research and choose carriers making an effort. Some green airlines include KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Etihad Airways.
Pack light: A lighter plane burns less fuel. (And honestly, do you really need that third jacket?)
While flying green isn’t perfect, choosing an eco-conscious airline can significantly reduce your impact. It’s a small but meaningful way to support companies making strides toward a more sustainable future. Every flight you take with a greener airline encourages the industry to innovate further—and that’s a win for everyone.
Trains: The Eco-Friendly MVP
When you can, swap planes for trains. Train travel is not only eco-friendly, but it’s also ridiculously scenic. Imagine gliding through snowy mountains or rolling green hills while sipping on coffee. Fancy, right? Plus a train trip emits up to 90% less CO2 compared to the same trip taken by plane.
Overnight trains: Save on accommodations and travel time by taking a sleeper train. (Bonus: waking up in a new city is weirdly magical.)
Scenic routes: Think of train travel as part of the adventure. Famous routes like the Glacier Express in Switzerland or Japan’s bullet trains are experiences in themselves.
And for city exploring? Walking or cycling is the way to go. Bonus: it’s a free workout! (Pro tip: rent a bike—it’s fun and makes you feel like a local, even if you’re wearing touristy sneakers.)
Embrace Slow Travel
Raise your hand if you’ve ever packed a trip with six cities in five days. (No judgment, I’ve been there, too!) But let’s be real—rushing from one place to another like you’re starring in The Amazing Race is not only exhausting, it’s also not exactly kind to the planet. We’ve all been caught up in the idea of ticking off as many countries as we can, but here’s the thing: just because you’ve “visited” a country for three days, does that really mean you’ve experienced it? Probably not. That list of countries on your map looks impressive, but is it worth it if you didn’t take the time to truly immerse yourself in the culture? Racking up country stamps for the sake of saying you’ve been there is a flex that doesn’t actually flex much. Trust me, the real travel magic happens when you slow down and savour the journey—not when you’re racing to the next stamp on your passport.
Try staying longer in one spot. You’ll not only reduce transportation emissions but also have time to soak up the culture, meet locals, and find those hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. Plus, no one wants to feel like they need a vacation after their vacation.
Packing Smart for Sustainable Travel
You know those sleek reusable travel kits that promise to make your packing more eco-friendly? Now’s the perfect time to invest in one. Packing light is like doing squats for the environment—every little bit helps!
Bring a reusable water bottle, tote bags, and travel-friendly cutlery. You’ll feel like a sustainability superhero every time you skip a single-use plastic item. And if you’re worried about space, trust me: you don’t need 12 pairs of shoes. Keep it simple—your suitcase or backpack (and the planet) will thank you.
Supporting Local Economies and Communities
One of my favourite things about travelling is supporting local businesses. It feels good knowing your money is helping a family-run restaurant, a local artisan or supporting someone else’s dream instead of some global chain.
Stay in Locally-Owned Accommodations
Think cozy B&Bs or charming guesthouses instead of mega-resorts. Not only do they tend to have more character, but your stay directly supports the local economy.
Shop Local and Support Artisans
Instead of buying mass-produced souvenirs, look for handmade crafts. That scarf from a local weaver? So much cooler than a fridge magnet. Plus most of the souvenirs are made in China anyway. Support small businesses instead, this way you’re also supporting someone’s dream by buying their products.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
If there’s a long line of locals at a street food stall, trust me—it’s worth the wait. You’ll get authentic flavors, and it’s usually more affordable and sustainable than touristy restaurants.
Okay, let’s talk trash—literally. Travelers generate a shocking amount of waste, but a few small changes can make a big difference.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Plastic straws, bags, and bottles are out. Bring your own and save the planet one sip at a time.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle or Filtration System
Not all destinations have safe drinking water, but you can bring filters or purification tablets. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also save money—more gelato, anyone?
Reduce Waste in Hotels
Skip the daily towel change and resist the temptation to hoard those tiny shampoo bottles. Hotels will thank you, and so will the environment.
Ethical and Responsible Tourism Practices
This part gets personal. The world is full of incredible cultures and wildlife, and we’re lucky to experience them. But we have to be respectful.
Respect Local Customs and Cultures
Learn a few phrases in the local language, dress respectfully, and always ask permission before taking photos. Think of yourself as a guest in someone else’s home—treat the culture with the same courtesy you would show in someone’s house. For example, if locals aren’t wearing a bikini on the street, it’s probably best that you don’t either. Being mindful of local customs and norms goes a long way in showing respect and building positive connections during your travels.
Be Mindful of Wildlife Tourism
If an activity involves animals and feels even remotely exploitative, it probably is. Say no to rides, selfies, or attractions that exploit wildlife. Instead, seek out ethical sanctuaries or simply observe animals in their natural habitats.
Avoid Contributing to Overtourism
You know those Instagram-famous spots with 1,000 people crammed in for the same photo? Maybe skip those. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations instead—it’s more sustainable and you’ll have better stories to tell.
No one’s perfect. The point is to try. Keep learning about sustainable travel practices, share your experiences with friends, and if you can, get involved in local volunteering projects while traveling.
The world is an incredible place, and sustainable travel lets us enjoy it without harming it. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of feeling like a total eco-warrior. Who wouldn’t want that?
Now, go book that eco-friendly adventure—you’ve got this. 🌍✈️
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