Travelling to your favourite destinations grants you the opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. It helps you experience different cultures by stretching your boundaries. However, there is more to travel than just enjoying the view. Make your journey memorable and environmentally friendly. Everyone shares a basic responsibility to preserve nature and relish the place for years.
Many popular tourist destinations implement measures to combat the challenges. For example, Hawaii banned the sale of reef-toxic sunscreen. It limited the number of cruise ships that can dock each day. Thus, this is just the beginning. Every responsible traveller must contribute to conserving the environment and vegetation with minimal effort. If you want to, the blog lists the best ways.
What does sustainable travel mean?
Sustainable travel means travelling to minimise the impact of a carbon footprint on nature. It is about being sensitive towards flora and fauna. It is about maximising the positives of travelling and reducing the negatives. Sustainable tourism is about meeting the needs of today’s generation and protecting the opportunity for the future. It is about managing social, economic, and aesthetic aspects alongside cultural integrity.
6 Ways to be a responsible and sustainable traveller
However, if one usually exposes the environment to serious threats, you can protect it. You may feel overwhelmed on your journey to ensure sustainable travel. The strategies below may help you be a sustainable traveller and protect nature:
1) Change your travel bucket list
Most people choose the most visited travel destinations as their destination. You, too, may have some popular places like- the Eiffel Tower, Burj Khalifa, Bali, Bagota and France on your bucket list. You may spot a crowd taking the same pictures. Historic cities, beaches, and other tourist hotspots are replete with visitors.
Thus, you can escape it by choosing some less explored places. Many hidden spots in the world are beautiful and less known. What if it turns out to be a worthy experience? It will help you avoid chaos and preserve nature indirectly. Additionally, visiting such places allows you to know rural life closely. It adds to the aesthetic experience.
2) Choose a carbon-free transportation mode
Some self-propelled transport modes are not just good for you but for the environment too. If travelling to a different country, hire a bicycle to visit nearby places instead of a shuttle or train. It will help you explore the routes and spot the lifestyle from a close angle. You may spot different bicycle hiring companies there. It just takes minimal costs to hire it.
Additionally, if travelling to Venice, take a boat to explore maximum spots. It would be a memorable experience. It is one of the best ways to immerse yourself and explore the beauty the other way.
3) Do not leave any waste behind
It is one of the most essential principles for preserving nature. Generally, tourist places are the most crowded and dirty ones. It impacts the lifestyle of people and flora-fauna. Being a responsible traveller, you must carry a spare bag for eatables. Dispose of it in a bin whenever you spot it. By doing so, you do the environment a real favour. Here are other tips that may help you ensure a clean and nature-friendly holiday:
- Plan and prepare carefully
- Set camp on durable surfaces
- Avoid plastic usage
- Minimise the campfire impact
- Avoid disturbing wildlife just for fun
For example, you can rely on green coconut water for hydration. It is best instead of plastic bottles. Apart from hydration, it provides the needed nutrients to your body. Additionally, carry tote bags for shopping. It will help you cut back on plastic waste.
4) Check out eco-friendly accommodations
You may spot eco-friendly settings in nearly every country you want to travel to. This is especially true if travelling to the beautiful Kenyan coast. It attracts a mix of globe-trotters, creatives and business people. It is sometimes better to wake up in the lap of nature with birds humming around.
Moreover, the sound of waves flashing over the beach makes it a surreal experience. You can even rent a tree house in some countries for a different experience. It is one of the economic ways to relish and enjoy the activities.
Though these are generally affordable, some unseen costs may add up to the bill. The accommodation owner explains the associated costs. However, if you missed a thing and overspend, do not panic. Identify the best modes to pay without hassle. Figure in the savings and credit score before exploring options. You may spot options where you do not need a guarantee/guarantor.
If yes, options like quick money approval may help. It may help you clear the additional costs individually. Moreover, you get the money within 15 minutes to your account to settle the bill and check out peacefully.
5) Be respective towards other cultures
Sustainable travelling also implies respecting foreign cultures. Something you may find weird may be their tradition. So, it is always best to respect other traditions and avoid commenting. Additionally, take permission before recording their traditions.
Also, encourage other shopkeepers and restaurant owners to tell more about the culture and the staple food there. It makes them feel confident about their religion and culture. They respect such tourists and may help you if you need anything. Moreover, you may capture some heartfelt smiles within your camera roll.
6) Visit national parks and protected areas
National parks, marine life sanctuaries and other protected areas help preserve biodiversity. Many countries rely on tourism funds for management, maintenance, and awareness promotion. They also rely on fees like- operator permits, entrance fees and bed levies to preserve animals and flora. The national parks earn around £850m every year.
These funds also help create employment opportunities for the locals. Thus, contributing to an environmental cause is inspiring. It also brings about a change in your usual lifestyle and perspectives.
Bottom line
One should aim to travel in a greener and nature-friendly world. As travellers, you are responsible for exploring the planet without harming it. Additionally, one should relish the trip without hampering the local’s emotions. You can become a sustainable traveller by adopting these few changes. Inspiration begets action, and it can turn your journey into something exciting. What’s better than contributing to nature’s growth and preservation?
