Seven habits of a sustainable traveller
Simple tips for planning a green vacation
What does it mean to be a green traveller? It means developing smart travelling habits that do not sacrifice the environment for your gain. It’s getting some relaxation while giving back to the planet. And the best part? It’s travel that fits any budget.
Here are seven habits of a sustainable traveller.
PACKING GREEN
The golden rule of packing is to bring half the clothes you were planning on wearing. But, a greener rule is to avoid packing any single-use plastic. Instead, pack a reusable water bottle, cloth napkins, cutlery and reusable bags for the markets. These are greener options than relying on disposable ones.
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Skip the tempting travel-size toiletries. Alternatively, fill reusable containers with these products you use at home every day. These do-it-yourself travel-size toiletries are just as convenient.
VISIT DESTINATIONS THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Planning is an essential habit for learning where to visit and what to do when you get there. This includes researching a destination’s customs and practices.
Do they actively conserve their natural environment, or do they exploit it?
There is no point in supporting an economy that doesn’t respect their natural habitat and wildlife. There are plenty of destinations that re-invest your tourist dollars into their environment and deserve your support.
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CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE LOCATIONS AND LOOK FOR LOCAL EXPERIENCES
The number one habit of a sustainable traveller is leaving no trace. This means disposing of waste properly. When in doubt, make it a routine to leave behind nothing but footprints. If you are travelling to a busy location, consider visiting off-season and search out local activities that give back to the community.
Jumping from one tourist trap to another is the quickest way of draining both your wallet and your enthusiasm for travel. Again, this is all about planning before you travel. This means finding a responsible travel organization with a proven track record. An organization with sustainable commitments that also supports local businesses gives a more rewarding experience.
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PLANES, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES AND BOATS
Travelling by foot is the greenest mode of transportation but walking to a vacation spot is not realistic. The odds are you will need to fly. Unfortunately, air travel is not green, but there are ways for you to help reduce your carbon footprint. Look for direct flights and use digital tickets and boarding passes instead of paper. Yes, a day full of multiple flights and layovers may be less expensive but think of your shrinking wallet at airport lounges and restaurants while waiting for that connecting flight. When you factor in these extra charges, you’ll be surprised how a direct flight works out to be the same price.
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If you’re travelling to multiple locations, consider greener transportation like a train or a river cruise. It’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the ride. If you need to rent a car, think about electric or hybrid. Again, the prices for these vehicles cost a little more, but factor in the cost of gas for a cheaper rental and you may be surprised. Once you get to your destination, a better option is to walk or take public transportation to submerge yourself into the experience.
EAT AND DRINK LOCAL
The real benefit of eating and drinking local is these delicacies are served with a minimal carbon footprint. You’re also supporting the real economy. If you are travelling to an area where English isn’t the first language, but restaurant menus are posted in English, keep walking. If the restaurant has a gift shop, keep walking. If a restaurant is full of tourists gobbling down plates of freezer to fryer food, keep walking. There is nothing better than escaping these touristy restaurants for local places to eat. Local restaurants serving regional food eaten by locals - these are the spots you want to seek out.
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Markets are another great spot to experience local food. They are brimming with clues on what’s fresh and in season. With the growth of microbrewers, wineries and micro-distilleries, travelling is a chance to experience the local beer, wine and cocktails made with ingredients grown miles away instead of imported from across the globe.
SHOP LOCAL
Buying green is purchasing crafts and souvenirs made locally. Check the tag, that cheaper hat may be an imported knock-off with no authenticity.
By supporting merchants with genuine products, you won’t be coming home with a souvenir that’s also sold at your local dollar store. But above everything else, do not buy wildlife products no matter how authentic they appear. Businesses that support the illegal wildlife trade never deserve your hard-earned greenbacks.
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CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
Again, research is your best friend when selecting a place to spend the night. Find out if the accommodation has programs and policies to protect and conserve the environment. For example, check to see if the accommodation is environmentally certified. If you are staying in a hotel, treat it like your home. Reuse towels and sheets instead of having your room made up every day. And since you packed your toiletries, there is no need to use their disposable plastic options.
Courtesy: Avalon Waterways
Better yet, look for smaller scale establishments such as river cruises. Nothing beats waking up to your own private terrace floating down a calm river. It's experiences and memories like these that are the whole point of travel. They make developing green travel habits a lot easier than you think.
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