Sustainable Travel is a growing movement among travellers. A survey by travel site The Vacationer found that 83 percent of respondents felt that sustainability was “somewhat or very important” to them.
Choosing to travel in an environmentally responsible manner can benefit both you and the destination you visit. This is why it’s important to choose destinations and travel practices that are best for the environment, culture and economy.
Choosing a Sustainable Destination
When travel is not sustainable, it causes harm to the environment, local communities and other natural resources. It can also cause damage to cultural heritage and tourism experiences, resulting in short-term tourist success at the expense of the destination’s long-term future.
It can take time to implement and change a destination’s tourism practices into sustainable ones, but it is an essential step to maintaining its long-term viability. As a result, it is crucial to choose sustainable destinations when traveling, and adopt the right tourism habits that support this goal.
There are many ways to make your trip more sustainable, from choosing sustainable tour operators to avoiding plastics in the first place. Even small changes can help reduce your carbon footprint and make a difference for the environment, local community and other tourists.
Choosing a Responsible Tour Operator
Travelers who choose a responsible tour operator will ensure they are doing their part for the environment and local communities. They will also have the opportunity to take advantage of experiences that offer a more sustainable way to explore the destination.
Many companies are now focusing on making their tours and activities as sustainable as possible. This includes minimizing their environmental impact, reducing waste and CO2 emissions and supporting reforestation projects.
Choosing a responsible tour operator is important because it can affect the overall quality of your trip and the experience that you have. It can make your adventure more memorable and rewarding for you, your family or friends and the people of the destination.
If you want to know if a tour operator is a responsible one, look for transparency on their website and ask them any sustainability-related questions. If they are unable to answer your queries, they may not be the right choice for you!
Choosing a Responsible Hotel
Choosing where to stay on your holiday or business trip has an impact on both the environment and local communities. Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint or just want to support your favorite hotels, it is important to choose hotels that are truly committed to sustainability.
There are a few ways to tell whether or not a hotel is sustainable. One way is to look for a certification from a third party (like Green Key Global).
Another way to find out is to check with the hotel directly to get more information. You may also be able to search on the website of a sustainable travel organization that lists thousands of ethical accommodations.
Some hotels use carbon-offset programs, where they measure their emissions and then purchase a number of credits to fund renewable energy projects. Other hotels may focus on other sustainable practices such as growing food onsite, eliminating waste, or purchasing goods from locally owned businesses.
Choosing a Responsible Restaurant
When traveling, a lot of food waste can be avoided simply by choosing to dine in rather than having takeaway. This means that instead of ordering food in plastic containers and using disposable cutlery, you’ll be able to use your own reusable containers and utensils.
Eating at local restaurants also helps you support the local economy and culture. This is particularly important if you’re visiting a country that has low food security.
Often, if you look hard enough, you can find an amazing local restaurant that uses sustainable practices. This means that they have a small carbon footprint and source their ingredients from the local community.