What is Sustainable Travel Really?
Photo Credits to Hugh Whyte via Unsplash
True sustainability takes economic, environmental, and social factors into account so traveling sustainably means benefiting both the local and global environment and community. Charlieontravel describes sustainable tourism as a way to travel “without harming natural and cultural environments”.
Sustainable travel continues to be on the rise with 53% of travelers opting for a future of eco friendly tourism. Right now, the tourism industry produces 8% of CO2 emissions with this number increasing. Emerging trends show that people understand the importance of sustainable travel, with organizations, like the UNTWO, calling for responsible tourism. Meaningful experiences, less traveled to destinations, and sustainable transportation are growing in popularity – sustainable travel is here to stay!
While travel can have negative side effects on the environment and society – think mass tourism – it is still essential to people in order to learn about different cultures and increase open-mindedness and awareness to important issues across the globe. By adopting sustainable travel trends, we can make sure the positive impacts of travel outweigh the negative, turning tourism into something that can benefit people and the planet.
Here’s a quick overview of what sustainable travel entails:
Eating locally sourced food
Eat food sourced from the destination you are in and inspired by local culture. This benefits the local economy, culture, the environment, and you. What better way to learn about a different community than through their cuisine. Locally sourced food is more sustainable, ethical, and fresh which makes it twice as delicious!
Staying in family-run hotels
This benefits the local economy, increases local employability, and by making sure the hotel is eco-friendly, you’ve hit the three sustainability pillars.
Asking businesses to share their sustainability measures in place
By asking businesses to share their sustainability measures, you can hold them accountable to their dedication to sustainability. It also offers you reassurance that you are supporting an ethical company which you can share with your friends, family, and followers.
Photo Credits to Robin Noguier via Unsplash
Buying from local businesses
Buying from local businesses is an incredibly important aspect of sustainable travel. It ensures that you are funneling your money into the local economy rather than to bigger global enterprises. It also benefits you, as local businesses tend to have authentic, cultural, meaningful, well crafted gifts that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Products you find in small local shops are sure to be one of a kind gifts.
Learning from the locals
Learn from the locals. This is the most important advice when traveling anywhere. The locals know where to eat, what to do, and where to go – they live there! Following their advice can lead to meaningful travel that will allow you to directly engage with local culture, people, and communities.
Respecting the environment
In order to be a sustainable traveler, you need to respect the environment both locally and globally. Choose sustainable methods of travel to have a more positive impact on the environment, contribute to conservation projects in your local area, and make sure to only explore the natural areas you are allowed to. Respect all flora and fauna in your destination.
Using sustainable transport
When traveling to your destination, opt for the more sustainable choice. Avoid flying whenever possible; if you do fly, carbon offset your emissions right away - ideally into sustainable fuel projects to drive this technology forward. When you are traveling around your destination, discover their public transportation system, rent bicycles, or simply walk!
Photo Credits to Josh Nezon via Unsplash
Traveling slowly
What do we mean by traveling slowly? Exactly what it sounds like: traveling around your chosen destination – whether country or continent – slowly, sustainably, and meaningfully. Spend more quality time at your chosen destination, rather than hopping from one place to the next. Want to learn more about the power of slow travel? Check out our guide to traveling slowly here!