Tourism can be great for economies around the world, but it can sometimes incur an environmental cost. However, that doesn’t mean we have to stop traveling altogether. Traveling can be a great way to take a break from our ordinary lives and achieve personal fulfillment. Instead, we can travel while making conscious choices to minimise and offset our carbon footprints. Here are some simple ways to travel more sustainably on your next holiday.
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Travel Off-Peak
One thing you can do to travel in a more environmentally conscious manner is to avoid the peak tourist season. This helps prevent overtourism, which can have negative effects on the communities of popular destinations. You can also elect for destinations that are off the beaten path.
Bring A Reusable Water Bottle
It’s a great idea to bring a good quality reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated. This will prevent you from having to purchase water or beverages in single use plastic bottles on your journey. Reusable food containers and cutlery can also be a great thing to pack with you.
Visit Wildlife Protection Areas
Nature parks and conservation areas are one of the biggest resources protecting biodiversity. As a result, they are incredibly important organisation to keep running. Much of their funding comes from tourism, so your visit to a wildlife park can be a positive way of helping these parks continue to operate and fund research. Plus, it’s a great way to experience nature.
Choose Public Transit Where Possible
Another method for how to travel sustainably is to choose public transit. Some destinations require plane travel, but avoiding plane and car travel where you can is a good way of reducing your carbon footprint. Instead, opt for buses, trains, and other public transport where you can. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s usually cheaper as well.
Find Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Where you book your stay can have environmental impacts, too. Many locations have eco-conscious accommodation available, such as CO2 neutral stays or organisations with zero plastic policies. There are even some booking sites specifically for this purpose, such as Ecobnb and Alight.travel. This can offer a nice alternative to a regular hotel room.
Travel Slow
If you have the time to spare, traveling slow can be a great way to offset your climate impact. When you have extra time, you have more availability to explore on foot or on bike. Plus, it’s nice to not feel in a rush.
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