Post Covid-19 pandemic, travelers have become more informed and inclined towards sustainable tourism. From staying at sustainable properties to reducing carbon emission, an increasing number of travelers now want to travel more sustainably.
In fact, Booking.com 2022 Sustainable Travel report reveals 81% of global travelers confirmed how sustainable travel is important to them, with 50% saying that recent news about climate change has influenced them to make more sustainable travel choices.
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Choosing to travel sustainable or the eco-friendly way means to make simple choices and travel responsibly. It means to find travel solutions on how to make the world a better place.
We are sharing 7 tips, which might come handy if you are thinking of traveling sustainably and responsibly.
Eat and buy local
If you want to know a community, try their cuisine. Yes, food is the easiest way to know about a culture and place. Also, you should buy local as it boosts the local economy and will reduce the carbon footprint.
Don’t pack heavy
Your bag shouldn’t weigh much when you are travelling. Remember the more the weight of the bag, the more the plane will weigh and the more carbon emission it will produce.
Homestays over hotels
To enjoy the rapport, and familiarity of the locals, homestays are the best option. You don’t need to act pricey and be completely ‘be yourself’ here.
Say no to plastic
Plastic bags take 1,000 years to decompose. So, those who are still using plastic items or bags while travelling, ditch them ASAP. Instead, go for the sustainable options like jute bags or reusable bottles and bags.
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Save water
According to WWF, a leading conservation organization, by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. So, it doesn’t matter if you don’t change your sheets or towels regularly at your homestay. In this way, you can save a lot of water each year.
Sharing a ride
The United Nations mentions that transportation is a major contributor to the carbon footprint from tourism. So, instead of private taxis, it’s best to explore a place using public transportation like trains, buses and shared cabs. These days, a lot of travelers prefer the bicycle, the cheapest way to explore a destination.
Leave only footprints
As already mentioned, sustainable tourism means to travel responsibly. So, we should be extremely cautious and not leave any trash behind. Don’t throw the packet of chips or the soft drink bottle on the road. Ensure, they are thrown into the bin and not into the ocean. Remember, wherever you go, never litter. As the saying goes, take only memories, leave only footprints.
