What is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel is understanding the impacts your actions are having on the economy, the environment, and host communities. As time has passed, coming generations have become more concerned about the welfare of our environment. It’s essential to know the impacts of our actions on our environment. After all, this is the only earth we get.
How You Can Travel Sustainably
Getting off the beaten path
A lot of the time, tourist hotspots are overrun and overly crowded by hoards of people. This phenomenon is known as “overtourism.” Excess pollution, damage to wildlife, and increased prices for locals are all negative effects of overtourism . Exploring the unknown spots will create a unique, authentic, and fulfilling experience without having to deal with the crowds. Spreading tourism across the area and not just in the popular areas will decrease the burden on heavily visited areas. This allows other local attractions to get some business flow. Traveling around local areas and in off-seasons will not only benefit the environment and the locals but you as well! You can check out this link to see when to avoid the crowds at select destinations.
Stay in eco-friendly accommodations
Staying at an eco-conscious hotel, lodge, villa, etc. is a great way to minimize negative effects of tourism and traveling. Large commercial hotels are major contributors to the decline of the environment due to the high volume of guests. They create excess pollution, water consumption, and waste. Choosing to stay in eco-friendly accommodations is a great way to help the environment while enjoying your vacation. Staying at these places can also be healthier for you. Eco-conscious hotels tend to use organic ingredients in their food, have chemical free pools, and provide guests with eco-friendly soaps. Finding eco-conscious hotels and villas/lodges can be difficult so here’s links to get you started!
Support a local business
Instead of going to trending restaurants or shops, try out a local business. The money you spend at a local business will also go right back into the local economy. This will help fund local public services and schools. Touristy spots will be more expensive compared to local spots and there’s a higher chance of getting scammed. Exploring local businesses will immerse you in the culture and create connections with the locals all while saving money!
Use public transportation and other modes of efficient transportation
About 8% of the world’s carbon emissions are due to travel and tourism. Taking public transportation is much more eco-friendly than driving a car or using a taxi. Public transportation produces less pollution per passenger mile because it carries multiple passengers compared to a single occupant vehicle. This makes transportation less harmful to the environment and it’s also cheaper than renting a car or using a taxi.
Avoid single-use plastics
Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Due to COVID, the use of disposable plastic has increased for sanitary purposes. However many countries lack efficient waste management protocols. Plastic ends up overflowing from landfills and remain in the environment for years to come. On the bright side, there are easy solutions to this problem. Bringing reusable water bottles, refillable toiletry bottles, dining in, etc. all help to prevent overuse of plastic while traveling.
At Wander Camp, sustainability is at the center of who we are. You can learn more about our mission and impact by checking out our website!
Post written by: Marie Barroca