You're planning a vacation. How can you make sure your travel is sustainable?

1 Choose your destination wisely

Some places are more vulnerable to the effects of tourism than others. For example, fragile ecosystems, endangered species, and cultural heritage sites may suffer from overexploitation, pollution, and degradation. To avoid contributing to these problems, you can research your destination and look for indicators of sustainability, such as environmental certifications, conservation initiatives, and community involvement. You can also opt for less popular or off-season destinations that can benefit from your visit without being overwhelmed.

3 Stay at green accommodations

Where you stay can also make a difference in your sustainability. Hotels and resorts can consume a lot of water, energy, and materials, and generate a lot of waste and emissions. To avoid supporting these practices, you can look for accommodations that have green credentials, such as eco-labels, certifications, or awards. These indicate that the property follows environmental and social standards, such as using renewable energy, saving water, recycling waste, and supporting local communities.

4 Eat and shop locally

One of the best ways to experience a destination is to taste its cuisine and buy its products. However, not all food and goods are created equal. Some may come from far away, involve harmful chemicals or practices, or exploit workers or animals. To avoid these issues, you can eat and shop locally, which means choosing food and goods that are produced, grown, or made in the region. This way, you can support the local economy, culture, and environment, and enjoy the freshness and authenticity of your purchases.

5 Respect the culture and nature

Finally, you can make your travel sustainable by respecting the culture and nature of your destination. This means following the local customs, laws, and etiquette, and being polite and courteous to the people you meet. It also means being mindful of the natural resources, wildlife, and landscapes you encounter, and avoiding any damage or disturbance. You can also participate in activities that promote cultural and environmental awareness, such as volunteering, learning, or donating.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?