7 Ways to travel more responsibly
Each year, almost 1.4 billion people travel abroad. This makes travel and tourism one of the largest industries in the world. Representing a 10% of the global economy, it supplies millions of jobs and benefits countless communities. And while travel has many positive impacts, it can also take a heavy toll on the environment. As we emerge from the pandemic and we are more than ready to visit new destinations, our travel decisions will have more weight than ever. This means it is time to raise our consciousness. But that doesn’t mean canceling reservations. We just have to travel more responsibly.Â
So how can we positively impact the places we visit?Â
Do your research
Getting there
One of the best ways to travel responsibly is to be thoughtful about your ways of travel. Are there environmentally-friendly ways to reach your destination? If you must fly, you can reduce your carbon footprint by selecting direct flights. This leads to less jet fuel being burned. Travelers can also offset their travel emissions by purchasing reputable, accredited carbon credits from an offset platform like MyClimate.
Find a knowledgable tour guide
When scheduling tours or sight-seeing trips, book through companies that adhere to environmentally-friendly policies. This includes protecting wildlife, supporting indigenous peoples, and employing local guides who are familiar with regional laws and customs. Thankfully, there’s an abundance of reputable companies that can help globetrotters find adventures that aren’t damaging to nature or communities. We love Get Your Guide. There is a huge selection of reputable local guides.Â
Book hotels that do more
Search for accommodations that support sustainable development and have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Specifically, look for places to stay that use renewable energy, have effective waste management systems, recycle, or were built using renewable materials.
Booking.com offers a huge selection of great accommodations around the world and you can narrow your search for sustainable properties.Â
Make a day of it
Look for local tour operators offering impactful excursions or regional nonprofits organizing one-off volunteer events. Hawaii’s travel2change.org, for example, lets visitors sign up for a day of beach cleanup, farm restoration, and even a volcano hike to clear trails of invasive Himalayan ginger.Â
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Shop local to support communities
Just because the pandemic may be easing doesn’t mean our support for local shops should. Putting money into the community you are visiting helps sustain its life and character. It also creates a domino effect of goodwill.Â
Enjoy sustainable activities
As you explore new places, opt for recreational activities that don’t pollute or use energy, such as kayaking, biking, or hiking. Not only will you create zero carbon emissions, you’ll likely discover unique sights and experiences away from the beaten path.
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Plan your next trip responsibly! What’s your next destination? Let us know in the comments section.Â
