Responsible Tourism: Why Sustainable Travel Is Now More Important Than Ever

Recently, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on climate change talked about taking action on an international level to deal with the looming climate crisis. As a result, industries across the board are slowly taking note of the situation and adopting more sustainable policies.

One of the most significant factors behind the climate change crisis is the unmitigated consumption of fossil fuels. But, interestingly, it is not just big businesses that need to implement changes when it comes to fossil fuel consumption. The travel and vacation industry is also to blame for a huge percentage of carbon-emitting fossil fuel consumption. In fact, in 2021, a fact sheet released by the White House claimed that at least 11% of carbon emissions in the U.S. come from air travel. And we, as individual travelers, can do something to change that.

By becoming responsible tourists and adopting sustainable practices, we can reduce our carbon footprint and leave the least possible negative impact on our destination's environment.

What Is Sustainable Tourism

A lot of travelers are wanderers by nature. Caring about the environment shouldn't keep people from exploring beautiful destinations. By practicing sustainable tourism and being aware of the actions and responsibilities of travelers, we can lessen the economic, cultural, and environmental impact we often leave on our destinations.

Sustainable tourism involves supporting local communities, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, eating local, and traveling in a way that reduces the carbon footprint.

How To Travel Sustainably

Being a sustainable traveler doesn't involve much of a sacrifice - financial or otherwise. Sustainable and responsible tourism can often improve your overall experience during your trip. Here are some ways you can make your traveling habits more sustainable:

Use Public Transportation

While it is easy to succumb to the urge to rent a car or just hail rideshares and cabs at your destination, public transportation is the sustainable and cheaper alternative. In addition, it will reduce spending on local transport and let you better experience and interact with the local culture.

You will also get to see a lot more of your destination, including places untouched by tourists but frequented by locals.

Rent Electric Vehicles

If you prefer to rent a vehicle anyway, try and opt for a bicycle or electric car/scooter. This will significantly reduce your carbon footprint while offering the perks of renting a vehicle, including privacy and ease of access.

Traveling in groups may not always be ideal. But try and travel in groups whenever possible. This has several benefits. Opt to share rooms and transportation. You will be able to significantly reduce your expenditures while leaving a smaller carbon footprint.

There will be less chance of food going to waste, too, while also making for a fun experience in general.

Adopt The Ways of The Slow Traveler

It is normal to want to experience everything and go everywhere when visiting a new destination. But rushing from one place to the other can significantly increase your carbon footprint, especially if you rent personal vehicles to save time. You can never fully experience the beauty of the country where you are because you are always hurrying to the next spot. Instead of choosing such an exhausting way of travel, why not experience slow travel?

Slow traveling involves being mindful of where you are to experience its beauty fully. You don't travel with a hectic schedule in your head and aren't rushing from one spot to another. Instead, you take the time to explore and slowly take in your surroundings.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can not only save you money on accommodations and other bookings, but it can also reduce your overall ecological impact. If you plan how you will travel around and what you will do and eat, it will mean less running around and hailing cabs, decreasing your overall carbon footprint.

Consider The Impact of Your Actions

Small actions you do can have a significant impact. For example, something as simple as carrying your own water bottle can mean buying fewer plastic water bottles. Eating local can benefit the local community while also letting you experience local cuisine and reducing your overall expenditure. Avoiding activities that exploit animals can help stop such activities in the long run.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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