People are a lot more conscious about the impact their actions have on the environment, and this is one of the reasons they are looking to make their travels as sustainable as possible. Doing so requires careful planning, from booking the right transportation and choosing the right accommodations to which destinations people visit. Sustainable travel does not mean overhauling your trip but being conscious about how what you do impacts the environment. Here are some practical tips to help you in your sustainable travel journeys.
Consider How You Travel
The three main ways of getting to your holiday destination are rail, road, and air. If you are traveling more than a couple of thousand miles, the best way to travel is by air. However, there are serious concerns about the impact air travel has on the environment, and this is why you should be conscious about how you travel, even when flying.
Start by choosing eco-friendly airlines whenever you can. Airlines like KLM, United, and Qantas have switched to aviation biofuel, which is much better for the environment. In addition, try to travel as directly as you can.
If you are traveling a shorter distance, consider the train or road. Although trains are better than airplanes for the environment, opt for high-speed trains wherever possible. These trains are much more energy-efficient than other trains, and you get the added benefit of getting to where you are going much faster.
Consider Reusable Items
Arguably the best way to protect the environment is to produce less waste in the first place. To do this, pack as lightly as you can and be conscious about taking reusable items. Stick to the basics and carry items that eliminate the need for single-use plastic. Examples include coffee cups, bamboo or steel straws, reusable water bottles, and collapsible food containers.
Shopping and traveling go hand in hand, and there is a lot of potential for plastic waste when shopping. To avoid this, carry or buy reusable bags for general shopping and produce.
You can also bring some of the items you already own. If you will be going to the beach a lot, there is no harm in bringing your towel from home. A blanket to use on the plane, scarf, and picnic blanket are also great options if you have the space. Carrying these items will help you avoid buying new ones that will likely be covered in plastic.
Choose Eco-friendly Holiday Options
If you are looking for a different and eco-friendly trip and holiday option, consider camping. There is a lot of variation between one camping holiday and the next, with many of the differences being in the types of accommodation you can get, the location, the amenities you get, how you get there, and so on.
Many eco-friendly camps grow their own vegetables and use solar power to minimize their impact on the environment. Various organizations also present awards to eco-friendly campsites, so you can use these awards to filter the results and pick ones that are as eco-friendly as possible.
What if you do not want to stay at a campsite? Well, you can still go on an eco-friendly camping trip by making the right arrangements. There are now portable solar panels and power backup options that will allow you to have many of the comforts that come with staying at a dedicated campsite.
Another key consideration is your tent. Roof top tents have become very popular in recent years because they are a compact option for campers, allowing you to carry everything you need in one neat package. Once you are done camping and are ready to leave, you can pack up and make it look like you were never there.
There are numerous rooftop tent brands available, and you can look at the highlights of different models to see which one would be a good fit for you, your vehicle, and your needs.
Conserve Water and Limit Energy Use
The same practices you use for sustainable living at home should carry over when traveling. Most of us know how much water and energy are wasted when we take long, hot showers. Taking shorter showers helps reduce the amount of water and energy you use for this activity.
Additionally, reusing your towels and turning the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving can all help save a lot of water.
Consider How You Interact with Wildlife
Wildlife is part of the environment and should be protected as such. There are lots of things that tourists do, thinking they are harmless, not realizing how harmful they can actually be. For example, the flash of your phone when taking a selfie can be threatening to wildlife. Some people take animals out of their natural habitats to take pictures of and with them.
It is important to understand that animals in their natural habitats should not be used for entertainment and should be left to live without any human interference. If you would like to interact with animals, it is best to visit places that allow you to do this ethically and sustainably.
Be conscious of situations where animals behave unnaturally or are forced to do so because that could lead to harm long after you have left.
Buy at Smaller Local Stores
Most people buy gifts and souvenirs when they travel. If you decide to do this, ensure you buy from smaller local stores. By doing so, you will support the local economy while also protecting the environment. Any product not made using locally-available materials requires the materials to be transported there. Depending on how the material is transported, the process would be terrible for the environment. Products using local materials do not have these issues tied to them.
The same applies to eating out. If you prefer to eat at burger restaurants, check to ensure they are sourcing their food from the local population and farms.
Sustainable travel takes conscious effort, but once you start doing it, you will realize it is not much different from traveling without thinking about sustainability and the plan. Plan properly and do your research to minimize the impact your travels have on the environment as much as possible.
