Sustainable travel: how to protect the planet while exploring the world

So, does that mean you should stop travelling? Definitely not! Fortunately, you can enjoy travelling while also being environmentally conscious. Sustainable travel is the key to reducing harm to the planet. It is all about making better choices at all times during your trip to help preserve nature. Here are some tips to help you get started with eco-friendly travel.  

Over-tourism has harmed the ecosystem and infrastructure, and while the trend didn't show any signs of slowing down for a long time, things changed when the pandemic hit. Instead of over-tourism, there was no tourism in destinations that once made the best holiday hotspots. But once travel began to rebound, people reconsidered the way they explored. There are different alternatives for those who want to travel more responsibly, and one way to do so is by choosing under-the-radar spots. However, if the large tourist districts lure you, you should consider travelling outside peak season. If exploring Venice's canals on a gondola ride has been your lifelong dream, consider going there when fewer people are around, not during summer. That way, the money spent during your trip will help ventures that struggle during periods with fewer visitors.

 

Generally, there are three main options when travelling. You either go by train or plane or take your own vehicle. When it comes to sustainable travelling, you want to choose the less harmful option for the planet. And air travel is far from being eco-friendly, considering its significant climate impact. Sadly, sometimes you don't have a choice but to book a flight. Hence, the solution is to aim for less air travel. For instance, instead of going on multiple short city breaks during the year, aim for a longer one and choose a destination where you can take rail trips.

 

Along with biking and walking, rail transport is the most eco-friendly way to travel. That's because trains emit considerably fewer carbon emissions. Suppose you want to travel across Europe; you can go to London by train, as it is more efficient, and you also get to save money if you book in advance. London is a gorgeous city, so it's no surprise that many people find it appealing! It has remarkable sights worth seeing at least once in your life, like Big Ben and the Tower of London.

 

Another idea is to take the train to Antwerp, another beautiful city in Belgium, famous for its expensive diamond trade and modern architecture. Also, you can taste the delicious chocolates and waffles, and go to antique stores to get a taste of the local life. There are many other fun things you can do in Antwerp, making the city worth visiting. 

 

 

Eco-friendly accommodation has recently become increasingly popular as customers' attitudes have changed. The industry is now aware that protecting the planet is the equivalent of boosting profits, so hotels are starting to put eco-credentials at the forefront. However, this is not true for every business; some still don't understand the value of sustainable travel. Even if a company seems sustainable, that doesn't guarantee they truly are, so make sure to check their policies before you book the accommodation. Figure out how they support the local community and their methods of preventing food waste. Don't hesitate to ask them questions about their eco-friendly practices and whether they promote inclusion and prioritise local suppliers. Keep in mind that any genuinely sustainable hotel will always be more than glad to give more information about its environmental efforts.

 

So much plastic ends up in the ocean yearly – around 8 million metric tons, the equivalent of a garbage truck containing plastic. Fortunately, many people have recently become aware of how this affects the planet, including governments, companies and customers, and they are trying to reduce plastic usage as much as possible. Once tourism started recovering from the pandemic, hotels implemented disposable plastics. However, many countries struggle to keep up with how much plastic trash tourists and locals produce because they don't have proper waste management infrastructure. Many tourists use plastic beverage bottles when travelling, but you can be sustainable during your trip by bringing a reusable water bottle instead. Another option is to use a refillable toiletry bottle. You can also reduce plastic waste by becoming more conscious of your eating habits and choosing to dine in instead of getting your food packed in plastic bags.

 

Giving your money to local businesses will benefit host communities. Hence, instead of an international chain, it's better to choose a locally-owned homestay during your trip. Eat at local restaurants, where the dishes are thoughtfully prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. As you explore the local market, consider buying jewellery or other accessories from a local artisan. If you want to go on a nature tour, book the excursion with a local guide, as they know the best places and will also tell you interesting facts about what you see. If possible, contribute to a local charity that seeks to empower people through education or make social services more accessible.

 

Indeed, travel can expand your mind and make you more empathetic as you discover different cultures from all around the world. However, it can be harmful to the planet, and it's your responsibility to make sustainable choices that will reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. Thus, follow the tips above to contribute to a healthier environment.