greatdestinations616We love to travel. But the ugly truth is that the tourism industry has fostered some unsustainable habits. From cities overrun by mass tourism to substantial environmental problems, our wanderlust has a serious impact. Air and water pollution, displacement of local populations, unfair distribution of wealth, and gentrification. In our attempts to see the world, we sometimes do more harm than good.
So, if we want to keep travelling and exploring the earth, we need to start taking better care of it. But sustainable travel is about more than just reducing your carbon footprint; it is also about supporting local communities. Travelling in a way that reduces our environmental impact as well as our social impact. Travelling in a way that benefits the local culture and economy rather than harms it. Travelling with respect for both people and the planet.
By practising sustainable tourism, we can have a positive impact on the world. And being a more sustainable traveller isn’t hard. It’s a matter of being mindful and making the right choices.
Pick your destination wisely
One of the first steps for planning any trip is picking a destination. You may not have considered it, but this is where you can start making more sustainable choices.
Enjoy a staycation
Travel isn’t always about distance; it’s about opening yourself up for new experiences. You don’t have to go far to get out of your comfort zone. There are probably lots of new and exciting things to do close to home. Instead of spending lots of money and flying halfway around the world, you can also have fun by travelling locally.
You could check into a hotel in your hometown and have a little staycation, plan a weekend trip to a nearby city, go on a road trip or why not go camping somewhere in your state or country. We are so obsessed with seeing the world, whilst there are probably a lot of beautiful places you haven’t visited nearby.
Avoid mass tourism destinations
If you don’t want to contribute to the negative impact of over-tourism, you’re best off avoiding the famous bucket-list destinations. Many places are popular for a reason but suffer from mass tourism.
So instead of planning a trip to the best-known places, why not pick something off the beaten track. Avoid cities like Amsterdam, Venice, or Barcelona or tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik, Phuket, and Bali.
There are plenty of beautiful places on this earth, so focus on the hidden gems rather than the big hitters. You’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without huge crowds, get a more authentic cultural experience, and have a much more original trip. Plus you’ll also help these smaller communities by providing them with income from your visit. Do you want to do what everyone else is doing?
Indulge in slow tourism
You could also travel slower and take the time to explore one country or region? They often have so much more to offer than just one capital city.
Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the countryside. You’ll be able to really relax and go at a leisurely pace, instead of constantly moving from place to place, rushing through the big tourist attractions and spending most of your trip in transit. And isn’t that vacation is really about?
If you have the time, it’s a great choice to plan a long trip where you travel overland, rather than flying back and forth. So instead of taking several short intercontinental trips a year, plan one big one.
