We all want to travel the world while doing our part to reduce our impact on it. If you’re looking for a way to get started, this guide will introduce you to sustainable travel and point you in the right direction.
We’ll cover everything from how to choose an environmentally friendly hotel, eat green while traveling and even help you avoid an embarrassing emergency situation that can occur when renting a car abroad! So read on—and start saving the planet!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Sustainable travel seeks to minimize the negative impact on the environment, support local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices. |
| Travelers can reduce their environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, reducing waste, and engaging in environmentally responsible activities. |
| Sustainable travel destinations are available worldwide, and many eco-friendly hotels and resorts are available to choose from. |
| Travelers can reduce their carbon footprint by packing light, carrying reusable water bottles, and avoiding single-use plastics. |
| Supporting local communities while traveling is important and can be achieved by staying at locally owned accommodations, eating at locally owned restaurants, and engaging in culturally responsible activities. |
What Is Sustainable Travel?
Sustainable travel is about reducing your carbon footprint, and the impact your travel has on the environment. It’s about being conscious of your impact on the environment and making every effort to reduce it.
It’s not just about flying less, though—it also includes reducing the amount of energy you use, and the amount of waste you produce.
To encourage sustainable travel, “it’s important to pack wisely and be mindful of your waste.” Check out our guide on 15 Simple Ways to Make Your Travel More Eco-Friendly for more tips on how to reduce your environmental impact while traveling.
Green Hotels
Green hotels are more than just eco-friendly; they also have a positive impact on local economies and the community.
Since green hotels tend to be smaller, they are more likely to have high standards of service and enjoy higher occupancy rates. This can result in less crime and unemployment in the area surrounding these types of hotels.
Green hotels can also be found near beaches and other tourist attractions, but less frequently so than other lodging options.
Green hotels are also less likely to be found in cities or densely populated areas because it’s hard for small businesses like these to compete against large chains that offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality or sustainability efforts (such as recycling).
Conserve Water And Energy
To reduce your water and energy usage, here are some tips:
- Use a water filter. You can buy a reusable water filter for your sink to save money on buying bottled water and reduce waste. A quick search of Amazon reveals that you can find a variety of different types from less than $20. If you don’t want to spend money on one, there are plenty of ways to make your own!
If you’re looking for eco-friendly accommodations for your next trip, “consider staying at one of the many eco-friendly hotels and resorts around the world.” Check out our list of The Top Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts Around the World for some inspiration.
Reduce Waste
The first thing to do when traveling sustainably is to reduce waste. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as:
Bring your own water bottle and fill it up with tap water at the airport or wherever you’re getting off your flight.
Bring your own cutlery and food containers with you on all trips, from the car ride over to a week-long vacation.
Carry reusable shopping bags with you everywhere so that when you stop at the grocery store or drugstore or anywhere else, they’re always there ready for use. You never know when they’ll come in handy!
Don’t use plastic straws (and if possible don’t drink out of plastic cups either). If these aren’t available where you’re staying but are readily available elsewhere (like at restaurants), ask if they can provide them without using plastic straws while still maintaining sanitary conditions—they may not mind doing this!
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Bring a reusable water bottle | Refillable water bottles are an easy way to reduce waste and save money while traveling. |
| Pack light | Bringing fewer clothes and travel-sized toiletries can reduce the amount of waste generated during travel. |
| Say no to single-use plastics | Avoid using single-use plastics such as straws, utensils, and plastic bags. Instead, bring your own reusable alternatives. |
| Use a refillable toiletry kit | Refillable toiletry kits reduce waste by allowing you to refill small containers instead of buying new travel-sized products. |
| Choose eco-friendly accommodations | Many hotels and resorts now offer eco-friendly amenities, such as refillable soap dispensers and bulk toiletries, to reduce waste. |
Food And Agriculture
Buy local food. You can support local farmers and make a difference by buying their products.
Eat seasonal food. It’s a great way to have a healthy diet that doesn’t cost much more than eating out of season produce shipped from far away, which usually has been grown using pesticides and fertilizers.
Eat organic food if possible, or at least avoid genetically modified (GM) foods as they are not good for you or your environment in any way!
Reduce your meat intake; it’s one of the most environmentally damaging foods to produce—it requires large amounts of land, water and energy resources such as methane gas emitted from cow burps!
Support local farmers by buying their products in person whenever possible rather than through middlemen who may be taking advantage of them financially or otherwise compromising their ability to farm sustainably in order to provide fresh healthy foods at reasonable prices for customers like yourself!
Reducing your carbon footprint while traveling can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.” Check out our guide on How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint on Your Next Vacation for some practical tips on how to travel sustainably.
Supporting Local Communities
- Buy local produce.
- Support local craftspeople by purchasing their handmade goods and crafts.
- Look for locally made products, such as souvenirs, fashion accessories, and other items that were produced in the area you are visiting. These are often of higher quality than mass-produced items sold overseas.
- Consider supporting a local charity or community project by volunteering your time to help out with a local project (such as building homes or helping at an animal shelter).
Travel By Land (Not By Air)
If you’re traveling somewhere for a few days or longer, consider taking a bus or train instead of an airplane.
If you are planning to go on a long trip, it’s worth looking into trains, buses and other public transportation options that may be available in your destination country.
You can often find flights for less than the cost of taking public transportation, but the environmental impact is much greater with air travel.
Airplanes produce greenhouse gases and consume energy during their construction and operation. And if you’re flying all around Europe or Asia just to get from point A to point B—and not even going far the additional miles traveled by plane add up quickly!
Want to explore new destinations while being mindful of your impact on the environment? “Consider visiting one of these sustainable travel destinations.” Check out our list of 10 Sustainable Travel Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind to learn more.
Sustainable Transport In A Rental Car.
- Rent a hybrid or electric vehicle.
- Take advantage of your rental car company’s green fleet.
Avoid long distances. Driving slowly can reduce consumption by up to 20 percent and driving at low speeds reduces friction and therefore fuel consumption, so avoid highways when possible.
Slow down even more when climbing hills, entering turns and accelerating from stops—these actions require more power from the engine than cruising at steady speeds does.
Maintain momentum by shifting into neutral whenever you stop for more than a few seconds (for example, at traffic lights).
If you need to idle briefly before placing your foot on the gas pedal upon starting up again after slowing down or coming to a complete stop (for example for traffic lights), just put it into neutral instead! You’ll save both time and fuel that way!
Use as many eco-friendly driving techniques as possible: reduce speed; drive smoothly; avoid using air conditioning/heater/radio/stereo equipment while driving; close windows instead of using fans or air conditioning during hot weather
(this will keep temperatures inside cool without wasting energy); remove roof racks etc if they add unnecessary weight which could affect performance negatively such as acceleration or braking distance etcetera…
Cycling And Hiking Tours
If you’re looking for an active, eco-friendly vacation, consider a cycling or hiking tour. These types of tours can be wonderful for the budget-conscious traveler because they’re usually cheaper than other options.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that when choosing a tour company, make sure it’s ethical and sustainable. Many companies now offer bike and hike tours, which means you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Choose the right tour for your needs by first deciding whether you want an adventure or a relaxing vacation. If you’re the type who isn’t afraid of new challenges and going off the beaten path, try out one of these bike tours in major cities like Paris or Rome:
Bike Tour of Paris: This 5 day biking excursion takes riders on trips through some of Europe’s most famous landmarks as well as lesser known areas where locals love to play sports such as football (soccer).
You’ll also get tips on how best to navigate crowded streets while getting exercise at the same time!
Reducing waste is an important part of sustainable travel.” Check out our guide on The Ultimate Guide to Zero Waste Living to learn more about reducing waste in all areas of your life, including travel.
Accommodation Options For Sustainable Travelers
The best way to save money, and be more sustainable, is to stay in a hostel. Hostels are a great option for solo travelers because they provide cheaper accommodation and an opportunity to meet other travelers.
Hostels can also be used as a base for exploring cities on foot or bike (more on this in the “Transport” section).
If you’re traveling with friends or family, there are plenty of options that are still quite environmentally-friendly: stay at campsites, hotels or bed & breakfasts.
| Accommodation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Eco-lodges | Lodges and resorts that are designed with the environment in mind, using sustainable practices such as renewable energy and eco-friendly building materials. |
| Green Hotels | Hotels that implement environmentally responsible practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and non-toxic cleaning products. |
| Sustainable Resorts | Resorts that prioritize sustainability, often located in remote or environmentally sensitive areas, offering activities that focus on conservation and community engagement. |
| Homestays | Staying with local families in their homes, which can support local communities and provide an immersive cultural experience. |
| Camping | A low-impact accommodation option that allows travelers to experience nature while minimizing their environmental impact. |
Sustainable Shopping Tips
Here are some sustainable shopping tips:
Buy local produce. This helps cut down on the carbon footprint and supports local businesses. You can also ask for no plastic packaging at your local grocery store. If this isn’t possible, bring your own bag or buy in bulk to reduce excess waste.
Avoid single-use plastic whenever possible. When you do use it, try to recycle it after you’re finished with it instead of throwing it out.
For example, if you get a cup from Starbucks or McDonald’s and then want to drink another beverage later without getting another cup (this is very common), take the cup back and get one that doesn’t need a lid!
Also avoid purchasing any products that come in single-use plastic; if they don’t have environmentally friendly packaging options yet, consider contacting the company directly about how they can improve their practices so they’ll be more sustainable next time around!
In general though just try not using anything with plastic components unless absolutely necessary because once again: those materials take centuries or even millennia before breaking down into their original form again so if we all stop using them now then there won’t be any left later either 🙂
Conclusion
Sustainability is a hot topic, but it’s not always easy to know where to start. By using the tips in this guide, you can help reduce your impact on the planet while also enjoying an exciting new adventure.
We hope that these ideas inspire you and make sustainable travel something that becomes part of your life!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you plan your next sustainable adventure:
Experiencing the Globe: Sustainable Travel Tips – A comprehensive guide to traveling sustainably, with tips on transportation, accommodations, and activities.
Green Global Travel: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel – An extensive guide to sustainable travel, including tips on eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities.
Compendia: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel: Tips and Tricks for Eco-Friendly Exploring – A detailed guide to sustainable travel, covering everything from transportation and accommodations to food and activities.
FAQs
What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel is a type of travel that seeks to minimize the negative impact on the environment, support local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices.
How can I travel sustainably?
You can travel sustainably by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, reducing waste, using public transportation or walking/biking, and engaging in activities that are environmentally responsible.
What are some eco-friendly accommodations?
Eco-friendly accommodations include hotels and resorts that prioritize sustainability by using renewable energy, conserving water, and reducing waste. Examples include eco-lodges, green hotels, and sustainable resorts.
How can I reduce my environmental impact while traveling?
You can reduce your environmental impact while traveling by packing light, carrying reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, using public transportation or walking/biking, and choosing eco-friendly accommodations.
How can I support local communities while traveling?
You can support local communities by staying at locally owned accommodations, eating at locally owned restaurants, shopping at local markets, and engaging in culturally responsible activities.
I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.