A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Travel
“Take only memories, leave only footprints” - Chief Seattle
While you all know we only have one earth, I am passionate about keeping it as clean as possible. Around 2019, I decided to switch to a zero-waste lifestyle. I’ve posted about making eco-friendly swaps and finding different ways to use what I already have. One way I am continuing to learn more about sustainability is through travel. We can all make strides to think about Mother Earth first before planning our next trip.
Overtourism at the Roman Forum in Italy
Sustainable travel doesn’t have one set definition as it is many things. Therefore, I will pair it with the term overtourism for this post. According to the Oxford Dictionary, it is “an excessive number of tourist visits to a popular destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment and historical sites and poorer quality of life for residents.”
How can we protect that destination? How can we support the residents there? While I am just beginning the search, I’d like to share a few simple tips and tricks to help you get started.
Four Ways to Travel More Sustainably
Eat/shop at locally owned restaurants and shops- this puts money directly into the hands of the locals.
If staying at a hotel, ask what their sustainable travel plan is. Do they recycle? Opt out of unnecessary shampoos and conditioners that end up thrown away.
Take a walking tour with a local guide at least once throughout your trip.
Keep plants and wildlife just that- wild. Photo opts and swimming with activities are not animals in their natural habitat. The animals are trained to do so. Book safaris and excursions that take a step back so you can see the plants and animals how they truly are.
Easy Zero-Waste Swaps
Raw Elements Sunscreen is certified natural and organic. They use sustainable packaging for their made-in-the-USA products. They are certified reef-safe, meaning they have no known ingredients that are harmful to coral or marine life.
A Hydroflask: If I could count the number of times people ask me if I ever leave the house without it, I don’t. Many places in the United States have available drinking water for free. While traveling, I typically fill mine up during meals. Apps like Tap even allow you to search where water is! In the EU, fountains are throughout the cities, so leave the plastic at the store.
Cutlery Set: Are you eating on the go? Restaurants typically supply you with plastic cutlery sets for eating. Wait, did I just use the term cutlery instead of silverware? Who am I? Anyways, try carrying a set like these in your purse or backpack for on-the-go use. You can go one step further by packing an old set you have lying in the basement or at Goodwill!
Fabric bags for shopping. While I know and love my large grocery bags, these are the perfect travel companion. They fold up easily and are great for a farmers' market while traveling. I also use mine when shopping for souvenirs and opt out of the plastic wrapping they typically include.
Anticipate upcoming blog entries as I further explore the realm of eco-friendly travel. In the pipeline are articles covering essential packing lists featuring eco-conscious alternatives and tips on offsetting your carbon footprint during your travels. Keep in mind the importance of choosing sustainable options when planning your next adventure.
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Happy Travels, Hannah
P.S. If you are ready, head to the Book Now section for a 1:1 consultation about your next trip!
