Sustainable travel is all about reducing the negative impacts of tourism and maximizing its positive benefits for cultures, communities, and the planet. But how is it done in practice? Here are three tips.
Get Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path means looking beyond the “top 10” destinations and attraction lists and skipping popular tourist traps. Instead, visit smaller towns and rural areas, or ask locals or other travelers about lesser-known worthwhile spots and recommendations. This will reduce the burden on over visited destinations while spreading the benefits of tourism to other local communities.
Slow Down
A packed itinerary may look good on paper, but in reality, it usually means you spend much of your vacation rushing from one place to another. Slowing down to explore your destination thoroughly is not just better for the environment. It will also allow you to truly get to know the place you are visiting and make the experience deeper and more memorable.
Use Transportation Wisely
In addition to traveling slowly, there are other ways you can reduce the carbon emission produced by your trip. Opt for trains or coach travel whenever possible, instead of planes or cars. When you get to your destinations try taking the bus or cycling around instead of renting a car.
