Tips for Sustainable Travel
There are still a few uncertainties as tourism recovers from the COVID-19 epidemic. What will tourism look like after such a long break in travel? What will it be like?
In the last two decades, international tourism has more than doubled. It will surpass 1.4 Billion by 2019. This tourism boom has often been at the cost of local communities and the environment. Tourism boomed along with gentrification and pollution.
Destinations have taken steps to reduce the impact of unsustainable tourism in recent years. Hawaii banned the sale of reef-toxic sunscreens. Dubrovnik restricted the number of cruises that could dock daily. Palau protected 80 percent of its water. And Barcelona cracked down on illegal vacation rentals. These are all positive steps, but there is still much more work.
You can help by being a traveler. We have a unique opportunity as tourism recovers after the pandemic to choose a sustainable path and start fresh. It’s never been better to rethink our past habits and change how we travel.
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainability is much more than a way to reduce our carbon footprint. It’s a concept that encompasses all aspects of life. Sustainable tourism is about finding a balance between human well-being, economic growth, and environmental health. It is centered on reducing the negative impacts of tourism and maximizing its positive benefits to communities, cultures, and ecosystems. Sustainable tourism considers the immediate and long-term effects that future generations will experience.
Sustainable travel is not just about protecting the environment. It also considers tourism’s impact on people, cultures, and economies.
Ecotourism, for example, focuses on responsible travel to natural areas. A regenerative journey focuses more on leaving places better than they were before and repairing damage that has already been done. Ecotourism, for example, focuses on responsible tourism to natural areas. Regenerative travel, on the other hand, focuses on repairing any damage already done and leaving a place better than before.
Off the beaten track
Before the pandemic, many tourist destinations had been loved to death by their popularity. Overtourism is a phenomenon whereby historic cities, beaches, and other tourist hotspots are overrun with hordes.
You can prevent overtourism from resurging by avoiding tourist traps. It may be tempting to visit the same destinations on everyone’s bucket list, but it is more rewarding to discover less traveled places. Many tourist hotspots need to live up to expectations. You may spend hours in line only to find that the destination could look better in person.
Expectation vs. Reality: Though Instagram images often depict the Taj Mahal as a tranquil destination, in reality, the famous heritage site is usually packed with tourists trying to get the same photo.
By avoiding the crowds, travelers can enjoy a more authentic and unique experience. It doesn’t necessarily mean you must set up a tent in the middle of nowhere. But you will have to do some research. You can also explore Google Maps and ask other travelers or locals for suggestions. Visit smaller towns or rural areas instead of significant tourist hubs. This will help reduce the pressure on overcrowded tourist destinations and spread tourism benefits to local communities. Choose a cruise line that offers small ships. These boats can visit smaller ports and carry fewer passengers, so they relieve pressure on popular cruise destinations. Consider scheduling your trip in the off-season if you want to see a popular destination. Visit This Website to find out the best time to visit a popular destination.
Slow down and Stay awhile
You can easily get caught up in squeezing as much into a vacation as possible. This may be your only chance to visit this destination. While a busy itinerary might seem perfect on paper, you will likely spend most of your vacation running from one goal to another. You may be able to tick off a lot of sights on your bucket list, but you won’t get to know the place. This “hit-and-run” type of tourism can be stressful.
Give yourself some extra time to enjoy the destination. Opt for a more extended vacation instead of multiple shorter ones each year. After you reach your destination, stay in the same area for some time instead of moving from place to place.
You can enjoy the destination you’re visiting if you slow down. You can immerse yourself into the culture and build stronger connections with the locals without rushing. Learn how to cook traditional dishes and taste local flavors by taking a cooking course. You’ll find hidden gems, like an eccentric local coffeehouse if you spend a day cycling or walking around the town. Explore a museum to learn fun facts.
Taking a cooking class with a local host is a great (and tasty!) way to learn about the local food culture.
More time spent in a particular destination can lead to more meaningful, authentic, and memorable travel experiences. Visiting cities and towns less frequently reduces pressure while generating more significant benefits for local businesses. Slow travel has a bonus: it is better for the environment, as it reduces carbon emissions from flying or driving to your destination.
Efficient transport modes should be used
You can also reduce your carbon footprint by traveling slowly. Travel and tourism are responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions. The travel industry contributes significantly to climate change. This is one of the gravest threats to the future of tourism and people.
Tourism’s carbon footprint is primarily accounted for by air travel, driving, and other modes of transport. While all modes of transportation use energy, some are cleaner and more efficient than others. How you travel to, from, and around your destination is essential.
In general, cars and planes are the most minor energy-efficient modes of transport. Travel by train or bus to enjoy the scenery while saving emissions. If you are at your destination, take the bus, travel by rail, or cycle around town rather than renting a vehicle. Renting a car is fine, but choose an electric, hybrid, or smaller model.
Traveling by train is a great way to reduce your travel emissions and see smaller towns and picturesque landscapes.
Remember that the type of energy used will also affect the carbon footprint. The best option for each destination will be different. The Netherlands has wind-powered trains, Washington D.C. has zero-emission buses, and Thailand’s famous tuk-tuks have gone electric. Make an informed choice by researching the various transportation options available at your destination.