We are spending more and more money on the summer vacations. In fact, Groupon claim that one in three millennials are now prepared to spend as much as £5k or more on their holidays! However, while travelling is often a hugely rewarding and enjoyable experience, it can also create environmental and social issues for the planet. There are many different ways to reduce our travel footprints, so continue reading to discover some top tips for sustainable travel. They will help you to make the world a better place as you do some globetrotting.
1. Take fewer flights
The best way to cut your environmental footprint whilst travelling is to reduce the number of flights you are taking. CO2 emitted during flights are a huge contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to pollution and increased planetary temperatures. If you have to fly, choose non-stop trips rather than multiple connecting flights, as more carbon is emitted during take-off and landing than at other times.
2. Stay local
Staycations have become increasingly popular in recent years due to environmental awareness about the pollution caused by flying and the more extensive availability of ‘staycation’ package holidays and deals. So, if you fancy seeing more of your own country and want to do your bit for the environment, why not take a relaxing vacation in the land you call home?
3. Stay away from tourist traps
Wherever you go, there will be tourist traps! They are designed to make you feel comfortable (almost like you are in your home city) with their English menus, but the shock of the bill just might make you wish you could go back home. Tourist traps help feed the damaging side of the tourism industry, so do yourself (and the locals) a favour and avoid them like the plague.
4. Eat local
Do a bit of research before you arrive to discover the restaurants that locals love. Not only will you save yourself a lot of money, and be able to eat authentic dishes from your destination, you’ll also be helping the local economy.
5. Don’t exploit wildlife
Swimming with dolphins, riding an elephant or posing with a tiger might sound like a fantastic photo opportunity. However, the reality is pretty grim for the animals you will be posing with. For instance, dolphins find living in captivity incredibly stressful, which is why their lifespans are so short, and elephants are not designed to support the weight of humans, so they often develop severe health conditions as a result. Tigers are often drugged and declawed so that people can get the perfect Instagram-friendly photo. So, be aware of the ethical implications and try not to engage with any type of harmful animal tourism.
6. Carbon offsetting
Some airlines offer carbon offsetting programmes, but you often have to ask the airline about them as they don’t come included with the price of your ticket. There are also independent charities and non-governmental organisations which will plant trees to offset your carbon emissions. All you need to do is enter in the flights you have taken, and their calculators will work out how many trees will need to be planted to offset your emissions.
7. Be respectful
No matter where you are travelling, it is always best to understand a little bit about the local language and cultural customs. Learning basic phrases can go a long way in earning the respect of locals, which will probably make your experience more pleasant in the long run. Adhering to clothing norms, such as not wearing sleeveless tops and shorts in India (for example) is also a good idea if you don’t want to offend locals.
8. Use public transport (or walk)
Public transport is better for the environment than driving or taking taxis. But it is also a fantastic way to enjoy a more authentic travel experience since you will really be doing as the locals do. Using the metro, buses, trams and trains will allow you to see more of the place you are visiting, not to mention it will be significantly cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. Of course, you could always explore the location on foot. It will not only guarantee you get some of your recommended daily exercise but will also help you see things that you would miss if you were taking a car.
Do a bit of research before you arrive to discover the restaurants that locals love. Not only will you save yourself a lot of money, and be able to eat authentic dishes from your destination, you’ll also be helping the local economy.
