What is Sustainable Travel and Why is it Important?

Traveling is essential to the human experience. Through travel, we gain a better understanding of the world around us, appreciation for different cultures and oftentimes a newfound sense of open-mindedness.

However, while travel has an immeasurable impact on our own lives, our tourism can sometimes also have a damaging effect on the world around us. While this is never our intention, this is also a stark reality. In good news, there is a way to overcome this. Sustainable travel, or travel that can be maintained without harming natural or cultural environments, is incredibly important and something that every individual can implement. This concept is growing in popularity. In fact, Travel Agent Central recently reported that 69% of travelers are currently seeking sustainable travel options and ideas. This type of travel can be symbiotic in the sense that it benefits both the traveler and the destination.

Responsible, or eco-friendly travel has various benefits, including:

Reducing negative impacts on the environment
Pouring into local communities and businesses
Promotes cultural preservation

Responsible tourism involves making conscious choices to make the world around us a better place. You have the power to enact this positivity for yourself and for future generations to come.

Environmental Aspects of Sustainable Travel

Sustainable travel encompasses both the environment and cultural aspects of a society. Although there are many benefits to tourism, oftentimes tourists can unknowingly wreck havoc on a local environment and wildlife. In benefit to the physical planet itself, sustainable tourism benefits the environment.

Choosing to travel via train, electric vehicle or by sharing transportation with a group of people can leave less of an imprint on the environment. Intercity buses are also another travel avenue to consider! In fact, choosing to take a bus over flying can decrease your carbon footprint by up to 77.5% As an added bonus, you can oftentimes find traveling via bus or train puts you in closer touch with locals, and leads to an overall more authentic travel experience.

In addition, when traveling you get to choose where to invest your money. Consider staying at accommodations that have earned a green certification. Businesses that have earned a green certification exist in buildings that operate to protect the natural environment. It is important to pay attention to labels and how businesses are categorized. Lookout for eco-labels like the Green Key, which certify that the establishment has made a commitment to sustainability.

To be a responsible traveler who is also cognisant of the environment, you will also want to ensure that you are protecting the local wildlife. Avoid tourist traps that exploit or harm animals. Pro-animal organizations such as PETA provide tourists with information on how to become a compassionate traveler. They provide resources that inform tourists on harmful animal practices, and information on why these activities should be avoided. This does not mean you need to avoid all animals on your travels! PETA in partnership with TripAdvisor published some animal-friendly travel tips and experiences.

Cultural Aspects of Sustainable Travel

As a sustainable traveler, you need to not only be aware of your environmental footprint, but it is important to be mindful of the way in which your presence affects the locals and culture of a travel destination.

Many local economies and businesses are struggling. As a traveler, consider avoiding chains and big-name restaurants, hotels and shops. Shopping locally pours into the local economy, and benefits those who actually live in that area.

Education is a priceless tool. Before traveling to a destination, it is important that you familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions. Sustainable travelers respect cultural heritage. Learning about how locals actually live will also give you a richer and deeper travel experience!

On your travels, consider booking an educational tour – often led by a local- to learn more about the place you are visiting. Learning about another group of people and their values can be a life changing experience. By taking the time to listen and learn how another group of people values time, money, family, friendships, social interactions and even relationships can open one’s eyes to a whole new way of thinking!

Tips and Tricks for Affordable Sustainable Travel

The average American has 17 PTO days per year. Between family obligations, illness and celebrations, that does not leave much time for travel. Time to travel is precious, and many individuals and families are looking for ways to travel and see the world, while also being budget-friendly. Now that we have established the importance of sustainable travel, it is also important to gain an understanding of how to make this type of travel a financial reality.

Traveling sustainably doesn’t need to break the bank or require you to go into debt with credit card miles or car title loans. In fact, sustainable travel often lends to cost-savings. Some tips and tricks for affordable sustainable travel include:

Use public transportation: Public transport consumes less energy, emits less pollution and is oftentimes far more affordable than other means of transportation! In addition, public transit also allows you to travel in groups, and can provide groups of travelers with the ability to ride-share.
Eat locally: Eating locally, particularly at a locally-owned restaurant is a great way to serve both the environment and those in it. Eating locally sourced food is often less expensive than imported foods. In addition, eating locally sourced food, cooked by locals will help give you an authentic travel experience!
Pack light: Not only will your back thank you, but your wallet will as well! Packing light not only benefits the environment, because it uses less fuel in transportation, but it also benefits you as an individual. Packing light will allow you to maneuver on public transportation with ease, thus saving you money. In addition, if you must fly to your destination, packing light will help you to avoid any airline oversized or overweight luggage fees. For example, Delta airlines will charge you $100 for any bag over 50 pounds and $200 for any bag over 70 pounds!
Volunteer: If you are looking for activities to fill your vacation itinerary, consider volunteering locally. Not only does this benefit the place in which you are visiting, but it is typically free to volunteer. Volunteering will give you an authentic experience in a local community, and you will leave your trip having made a difference!

Overall, sustainable travel boils down to one simple aspect: respect. Respect for the environment in which you are visiting, respect for the local communities that you are sharing space with, and even respect for your financial wellbeing. Sustainable travel does not limit your travels, but enhances your journey!