How to travel sustainably is becoming an increasingly important concern for backpackers and travellers around the world. As a traveller, there are countless ways you can help the environment. Listed below are some of the quickest and easiest things you can do to travel sustainably and reduce your impact on our planet whilst travelling.
Use public transport
Using public transport will not only minimize your carbon footprint whilst travelling, but it will also help you save your pennies, rather than ordering a private transfer. Taking public transport is a greener way to travel and is also a great opportunity to chat to the locals. Why not test out your language skills?
Pack light
Packing light and travelling with a backpack will make it much easier for you to transfer from place to place and will also make it easier for you to take public transport. Carrying less weight is definitely much more convenient for you as a traveller and will generally make your travels a lot easier!
Support the local community
Invest in everything local – food, products, clothes, souvenirs. Imitating the local way of life is a respectful way to travel and don’t be afraid to ask a local for restaurant or activity recommendations, we are sure that they will be happy to offer their advice.
Clean up the beaches
When visiting a beach, make sure to always bring a bag with you that you can fill up with litter that’s polluting the beach. If you don’t have bag, you can always use a plastic bottle that’s lying around. Make a difference and clean up the beautiful beach you’re enjoying and contribute towards protecting the environment you’re in.
Say no to plastic!
Try to avoid single-use plastics and always say no to unnecessary plastics such as straws or bags – just bring a reusable cloth bag with you for shopping! To completely avoid single-use plastics, we recommend packing a reusable water bottle, a travel mug, a shopping bag, a metal straw, utensils and a container for leftovers. If you pack these, you’ll never need to use single-use plastics again!
Respect the wildlife
Respect the wildlife and do your research, only visit centres that are ethical and sustainable and never touch an animal in the wild unless given permission to do so! Not only can touching a wild animal without permission be extremely dangerous, but it can also spread disease – not what you want on holiday!
Learn some water hacks
If you’re investing in a reusable water bottle, that’s great because you can usually fill up your bottle at your hostel with clean, drinkable water. However, if you’re struggling to find clean water, you can get filtered water refills from restaurants. Nowadays, you can find water bottles that come with built-in filters, or you can use a portable travel water purifier or a filter system, water purifying tablets are also another option.
Choose souvenirs with caution
When scouting for souvenirs, check where they are made and make sure they are truly local, not imported from far away. It is better to invest in things of lasting value, as opposed to items that may be thrown away. Why not look at art, textiles or ceramics? For presents, local food is also a good idea – perhaps local sweets, coffee, tea, spices or snacks.
Eco-friendly toiletries
Resist those travel sized toiletries that you can find at the airport and invest in some ‘reef safe’ sun cream, a bamboo toothbrush and eco-friendly washing powder. Little changes like this go a long way and really help reduce your impact on the environment.
We hope you enjoyed our list of how to travel sustainably when exploring our beautiful planet. We wish you happy and eco-friendly travels!
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