7 Easy Steps to be a Sustainable Traveler

With the world slowly returning to normal, travel is on the rise and as a whole we are also becoming more eco-conscious. People are searching for ways to make their travels more sustainable and a new breed of sustainable travelers is taking shape. Sustainable travelers are looking to continue exploring the world while making an effort to reduce their impact on the environment. This can mean anything from choosing eco-friendly transportation to offsetting carbon emissions to seeking out more environmentally-conscious brands to travel with and stay at.

What is a sustainable traveler?

A sustainable traveler is someone who consciously makes an effort to minimize their negative impact on the environment and the local communities they interact with while they travel. This can mean finding volunteering opportunities in those communities, booking tours and attractions with more sustainable brands and tour companies, or eating at more locally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurants. Sustainable travelers are increasingly thinking more about their footprint and impact as they travel the globe.

How to be a Sustainable Traveler

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There are many ways to be a sustainable traveler. One way is to choose environmentally friendly transportation options when possible. This can mean taking public transit, biking, walking, or carpooling instead of driving. It can also mean taking trains or buses instead of flying whenever possible.

Another way to be a sustainable traveler is to support local businesses. This means patronizing local restaurants, shops, and tour operators instead of large chain businesses. Finally, one way to give back as a sustainable traveler is to volunteer in the community you’re visiting. This could involve helping with local conservation efforts or working with a non-profit organization. What are the benefits of sustainable travel?

Here are a few tips on how to be a Sustainable Traveler:

1. Do your research before you go. Learn about the local culture and customs so that you can respect them while you’re visiting. Remember that you’re a guest in someone else’s country or region and act accordingly.

2. Pack light and use reusable items whenever possible. This will help reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Choose eco-friendly accommodation options. Many hotels are starting to replace single use plastics, reducing the number of chemicals they use and allowing you to opt out of daily housecleaning.

4. Be conscious of your impact while you’re traveling. Try to avoid activities that could damage the environment or harm local wildlife.

5. Look for ways to offset the emissions of your travel or purchase carbon credits. Consider your transportation options carefully; tour companies are now offering green options for travelers.

Flying is often the fastest and most convenient option, but it also has the biggest carbon footprint. If you can, take a train or bus instead. Or, better yet, walk or ride your bike! Once you’re at your destination, try to stick to public transportation or other eco-friendly options for getting around. This means less pollution and traffic, and it’s often cheaper too!

6. Be mindful of the things you buy while on vacation. How often have you bought a souvenir only to find it collecting dust a few years later? Make memories, take pictures and only buy things you and your friends and family can actually use.

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7. Everyone loves to try new cuisines and restaurants while traveling – it’s part of exploring new cultures and exposes you to new flavors and experiences. Many up and coming restaurants are becoming increasingly conscious of where and how they source their foods. These foods are generally more fresh, healthier and taste amazing – not only that, you’re able to experience the best local cuisines have to offer!

The Importance of being a Sustainable Traveler

Being a sustainable traveler is important for many reasons. It can help reduce your carbon footprint, save you money, and allow you to see the world in a different way.

As the tourism industry continues to grow, sustainable travel is becoming more and more important. Being more conscious of the travel choices you make can help turn you into a sustainable traveler allowing you to travel the world and benefit it at the same time. Sustainable travel is a great way to help protect the environment. There are many easy ways to be a sustainable traveler.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and work to become a more sustainable traveler.

Still feeling nervous? Check out some of our other sustainable travel tips or check out some of these eco-friendly destinations.

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