I love traveling. Traveling gives me the pleasure which I don’t get from any other activity.
Do you love traveling too? Do you love exploring the world like me?
The best way to explore the world is by protecting it while traveling. I believe in traveling in sustainable ways.
Here the list few hand-pick tips on how you can become a sustainable traveler too in Year 2020.
One of the greatest benefits of traveling is getting opportunity to see the planet. However, there are some aspects of travel that are harming our planet. Choice of traveling by flight is growing rapidly. Carbon emissions, animal exploitations, waste water and many more – there are various eco-unfriendly factors that you might be contributing during your travel without realizing it.
Here, I have outlined several ways which can help you in planning your trip in more sustainable ways.
1. Sustainable form of transport to reach your destination
As a traveler and tourist, it is now our responsibility to think for sustainable traveling options. I prefer flights for my travels. In my professional life, I always preferred flights over any other medium. I have set my goal to travel in sustainable manner from now onwards.
I understand that time is of essence in our running life. Environment of planet is also important which we love to explore. Depending on the choice of your destination, you may always have the option to fly, drive or take a train. Prefer to travel by train or bus as it is more sustainable option over flying. It depends on the route. Weigh up your options and then book your ticket.
2. Book direct flights where possible
While booking your flight, look for direct flights to your destination. When a flight takes off and lands, it causes most of a plane’s carbon emissions. So it’s best to take a direct flight.
3. Pack light – Go eco-friendly
While packing for a trip, a traveler tries to pack up all those items which we might need during our trip. A plane’s fuel consumption is greater if it is carrying heavier weight. Travel light and pack smartly your travel backpack.
4. Choose your accommodation smartly
I was in habit of booking my accommodation in luxurious hotels. Now, I have updated the ways I choose my accommodation. You can support local business owners by opting to stay in locally-owned accommodation.
It’s more sustainable if your money spent during travel contributes to the local economy. Avoid large resorts and prefer hotels which are eco-friendly.
5. Time to go wild and camping
If you are committed to sustainable travel accommodation, then camping is another great accommodation option.
6. Choose a green method of traveling when you are at your destination
Local public transportation is the next best way to explore new destinations. On arrival, go to the local tourism office and seek for option to explore the city. If you need to book a taxi, use ride sharing apps such as Ola and Uber. When it comes to travel longer distances, local bus or metro are your best ways of getting around.
7. Love Scuba – Dive responsibly
If you love scuba diving, be careful not to tread on the coral. Do not try to touch or feed fish or any animal. Make sure you wear reef-friendly sunscreen which is not harmful to all sea life.
8. Food lover – Satisfy your taste-buds with locally-run food place
As I suggested in choosing your accommodation, spend your money in restaurant and cafes run by locals. In my experience, this is a great way to meet locals and serving home cooked food for your taste and health. You will most likely be eating delicious foods. Try avoiding international food chains where your money doesn’t enter the local economy.
Eat local cuisines which are made from locally sourced ingredients. Avoid imported foods where food has to be transported from far away causing carbon emission. You can also shop for local fruits.
9. Love Shopping – Leave brands in city & pick brands from local artisans
I have a personal rule for clothes. I prefer to wear my clothes until they have got holes and become unwearable. This way I avoid buying unnecessary clothing.
If you want to buy souvenirs from your destination, buy locally made gifts. Avoid imported souvenirs that will have been shipped in causing carbon emission.
There are several other ways which you can prefer for sustainable traveling. I admit myself that it is not always easy to practice traveling in sustainable manner. I am guilty of choosing hotels on high ratings and online reviews. Now, I am much more aware than before towards our planet. I follow these tips which help me in traveling in a sustainable manner.
I urge you to share your sustainable travel experiences planned in 2020 with us. Share your ideas and sustainable travel experiences with others to encourage them. The more you talk about the ways of a sustainable traveler, the more you can reinforce how important it is to travel green.
