How to Lower Your Ecological Impact While Traveling
In the midst of COVID-19 and cancelled trips, uncertain futures, and heavy travel restrictions, many people have been planning and brainstorming future vacations- whether domestic or international.
Now is also a great time to plan ahead and take advantage of low airfare prices or discounts that may be available as airlines and resorts attempt to incentive or lure customers, but it’s also a great time for us to analyze our travel habits and to seek more sustainable methods of travelling. Sustainable travel is great because it protects the environment as well as the natural and cultural areas you may visit. Here are some ways to reduce our carbon footprint while traveling, so you can practice eco-friendly tourism when planning your next vacation!
Take direct flights whenever possible!
While layovers may seem to cut costs when traveling by plane, most carbon emissions are released during take-off and landing. If possible, try to fly directly to your destination rather than making multiple stops- the increase in cost is minimal but the carbon emissions are greatly reduced.
Travel by public transportation
While you may need to arrive via plane, many cities both within the U.S. and internationally have great public transportation systems. It can be a part of the cultural experience (hello Paris metro!) and is an eco-friendly way of exploring your destination.
Pack thoughtfully
By planning your wardrobe and packing choices, you can choose fabrics that dry quickly, versatile staples that can be re-worn multiple times, and have endless options without overpacking. Not only does this save electricity and water (and often money) when it comes to laundry day, it also lessens the burden on aircrafts when traveling.
Stay local, or look for “green” certifications
While these certifications may vary from country to country, there are often guidelines put in place that designate specific establishments as eco-friendly. These are often in regards to energy usage, building material, and other sustainable initiatives. Also, by choosing local or family-owned hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs, you are supporting the local economy over massive international hotel companies.
Be mindful of your time
Slow travel (like slow fashion) is often much more sustainable than unnecessary or frequent travel- really spend time exploring one destination rather than hopping to a new area day by day. The experience will be much more rewarding, and you are doing a small part to lower your ecological footprint. When choosing activities to participate in, try to look at low energy activities (hiking a beautiful mountain or taking a beach walk over a helicopter tour, etc.) and avoid activities or companies that don’t use responsible practices. If you are going on that Safari tour or scuba diving be sure that the company is reputable and treats the local ecosystem and its inhabitants humanely.
Hopefully, these tips will inspire you to make sustainable and ecologically responsible choices in your next vacation planning process. It is such a privilege to explore the world, and by doing so responsibly and intentionally, we will be able to enjoy it for much longer! Here are some articles and creators that are passionate about sustainability and may be able to help while planning your dream vacation in a sustainable manner!