How to Be a More Sustainable Traveler

With hot topic issues like climate change, carbon footprints and overtourism on the mind, it’s important to consider travel’s role in the grand scheme of things. And the reality is that travel can cause a lot of stress on popular destinations and on our planet. The issue is bigger than any one person, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing we as individuals can do to confront it.

The next time you travel, consider how you can do so more mindfully, responsibly and sustainably. Don’t know where to start? Try some of these quick tips.?

Avoid the Crowds

Defined by the Dictionary as “the phenomenon whereby certain places of interest are visited by excessive numbers of tourists, causing undesirable effects for the paces visited,” the travel industry is no stranger to the issue of?overtourism. And when the undesirable effects include things like air pollution, excessive litter and an uptick in water consumption, the negative impact overtourism has on some of the world’s most beloved destinations is not to be understated.

But, it’s not all doom and gloom. Over the last several years, popular vacation spots have put rules into effect to protect themselves from the newfound epidemic. Take for example Italy’s Amalfi Coast which recently enacted a license plate system where plates ending in odd numbers are permitted to drive the stretch from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on odd-numbered days and plates ending in even numbers can drive the road on even-numbered days.

Wondering how you can help? One of the best ways sustainable-minded travelers can protect popular destinations is to travel during off-peak seasons. That means visiting places like Venice and Barcelona in the fall and spring instead of the busy summer months or checking out Mexico in the summer instead of during bustling spring break. And the benefits go both ways. Not only does visiting during off-peak times help the destination, it often means a more enjoyable (and sometimes cheaper) experience for travelers too.

And, if you want to take it a step further, consider choosing an off-the-beaten-path destination or attraction for your next getaway. In addition to a more unique vacation experience, exploring lesser-known spots is a great way to invest your money into smaller shops, hotels and restaurants while traveling.

Mind Your Accommodations

When it comes to traveling responsibly, not all accommodations are created equally. However, thanks to rising concerns among travelers, the hospitality industry is starting to confront its carbon footprint — namely by examining its strategy for reducing waste, conserving energy, implementing organic amenities and more.??

So, what does this mean for travelers? For starters, it means doing a little extra work. To ensure that your hotel or resort choice is truly sustainable, don’t be afraid to dig in and do some research. A good place to start is with a simple Google search to see if your potential accommodations have a sustainability policy as properties with serious sustainable initiatives typically have one listed on their website. And, if you want to go even deeper, another good indicator is how involved a hotel or resort is in its local community — does it hire local staff, use local suppliers and support local programs? Some properties even help guests get involved in the action too.

While it's common for hotels and resorts to ‘talk the talk’, it's important for travelers to hold them accountable by researching if they walk the walk. Some leaders in the hospitality industry are truly taking green initiatives to heart by implementing things like farm-to-table-style gardens, upgraded amenities, eco-friendly cleaning products, on-site beehives, locally made decor and furnishings and more.

Need a little lodging inspiration? Check out this article on?8 Eco-Friendly Domestic Hotels.

Be Choosy With Your Activities

Excursions and sightseeing are some of the best parts of a vacation, they’re also an easy way to make a positive impact while traveling. Money talks, and travelers can make a huge difference in a community when they opt to support locally run and operated shops, restaurants, accommodations, experiences and tours.

Don’t know where to start? Work with a travel advisor to help determine which tours and experiences are the best choice for you. Thanks to their connections throughout the industry and first-hand experience, advisors are a valuable resource for understanding what specific tour operators offer and how they give back to the community. If you’re looking for additional support, there are several apps and websites dedicated to finding local tours while traveling like?ToursByLocals,?WithLocals?and even?Airbnb Experiences.

And while you’re browsing tours and attractions, don’t forget to keep an eye out for those with a?sustainable focus?— think eco-friendly modes of transportation, the promotion of sustainable materials and the use of renewable energy.

Finally, while animal experiences are always fun, choose activities that involve wildlife with care. Reputable wildlife and marine sanctuaries are good examples of ethical and sustainable options.

Pack With Care

You know what they say, sustainability starts in your suitcase. Ok, maybe people don’t say that, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. You can easily up your sustainability game by adding a few items you probably already have laying around at home to your carry-on. For example, cutting down on single-use plastics during your travels is easy when you pack items like reusable water bottles, shopping bags, stainless steel straws and cutlery, collapsable food containers and even a coffee cup for that morning cup of Joe.?

And, if you’re really committed to the game, you can even experiment with new personal hygiene products like zero-waste toiletries — aka solid shampoo, conditioner and soap bars —, tooth tablets and deodorant paste. It may sound strange, but these quick swaps can make you a more eco-friendly traveler and they might even reduce your time spent in grueling TSA lines thanks to traveling sans liquids.???

Consider Your Transportation

Responsible for nearly a third of all U.S. air pollution, it’s no secret that cars aren’t great for the environment. And the issue isn’t unique to the states either, in fact, humanity’s most trusted mode of transportation is a major contaminant across the globe. While it’s hard for a single individual to combat the issue as a whole, there are a few small things people can do to reduce their car usage whether they’re at home or on the road.

The next time you travel, try traveling by foot, bike or rail instead of renting a car or hopping in a cab (Uber, Lyft, etc.…). Not only are these modes of transportation more environmentally friendly, but they can also be more efficient. Take for example rail transport, according to an?article from Travel Weekly?featuring travel supplier All Aboard, trains emit 66 to 75 percent fewer carbon emissions than cars and airplanes. Additionally, trains are great at moving large groups of people. The same article stated that the typical European train line can carry up to 50,000 people per hour compared to a freeway lane’s 2,500 people per hour. That’s an incredible stat!?

Another perk of nixing cars from your travel agenda is the ability to really familiarize yourself with a new destination. Traveling by foot or by bike is an easy way to absorb the scenery that you might not have otherwise noticed if your eyes were glued to the road. Not to mention, having the added mobility to explore off-the-beaten-path side streets and small nooks and crannies is priceless.