Leave Only Footprints: A Guide to Sustainable Travel
Last week, I spent a week in Budapest and had the most amazing time, but it got me thinking. Along with the flight I took, multiple bottles of water and waste thrown out, and the occasional taxi here and there, how much of a negative environmental impact did I have while there? How much do the other millions of tourists have when visiting different countries? I do what I can to make conscious environmental decisions at home, but why do I become lazy when visiting other countries, and how can I make better decisions moving forward?
After some self-reflection and research, it dawned on me that there are so many simple ways in which everyone can be kinder to the planet when travelling overseas. These things are elements I will be implementing into my travel plan moving forward. It’s not always possible, but when you have the opportunity and privilege to travel, it’s worth considering how you can be a better and more sustainable tourist. Here are some of the things I will be keeping in mind:
Travel slowly
‘Slow Travel’ is such an enriching way to explore the world, whilst also preserving it and reducing your carbon emissions. This is a multi-faced way to be a sustainable tourist. Still, the general guidance involves staying longer in one place, focusing on authentic experiences to avoid global business chains, minimising the volume of activities you do to focus on quality, and most importantly opting for sustainable methods of travel such as interrailing, cycling, and other green transportations. This is something I will be adopting moving forward, especially when it comes to not rushing from destination to destination. I want to be present and be in the moment, feeling the essence of the environment I’m in.
Avoid disposable toiletries
One thing I am entirely guilty of is using disposable toiletries. It’s so tempting to reduce the weight of your luggage and buy all of your items at the airport/your destination. Most of the time, you end up buying heaps of plastic, essentially emptying waste to your destination once they are finished. It’s time to prepare properly and bring reusable toiletries instead. From refillable shampoo bottles to replenishable deodorant, there are so many options for greener toiletries. You just need to find the product that works for you! Or, just be more conscious when choosing products and make sure they’re at eats made with recyclable packing.
Visit off-peak season
Sustainable tourism also takes into account the time of year when visiting. Yes, it’s nice to visit Budapest when the Christmas markets are on, or Thailand when the stormy seasons have passed, but this can be negative for their economy. Countries that rely on tourism tend to experience its benefits in bursts. For example, a waiter who works during the summer months in Spain will be working the same number of hours/ earning as much during the winter months when fewer people visit. If you want to be the change the world needs to see, be sure to visit your destination ‘off-peak season’.
Stay with locals
Although a luxury 5-star resort may be tempting, it’s always best to stay with locals. Whether it’s a house sit, a house share, or staying in a small hotel run by locals, try to plan your stays mindfully. Airbnb and Booking.com do offer easy-to-find stays, but keep in mind that several locations listed on these applications are owned by rich, overseas investors. Despite still adding to the economy, do your bit and spend some time finding locally managed stays. Often, they are much more authentic and you get to experience the true culture. Arguably, I stayed with my partner's Hungarian family in Budapest, so I did have an organic experience!
Respect the culture
Travelling sustainably also involves respecting the cultures you’re exposed to. For example, if you visit a country that is predominantly Muslim, make sure you do your research on how to respect their cultures. Whether it's restraining from drinking or wearing an abaya to dress modestly, be the better tourist and stick to their traditions. Most tourists seem to stick to their usual behaviours without realising they may be making the locals uncomfortable. Do your research, learn some of the basics of the language
Bring portable water filtration systems
Only 50 countries in the world have ‘drinkable’ tap water, and even then some advise against using it. With this, so many plastic bottles are bought to quench our thirst, because who is bringing over litres of water? Instead, be better, and invest in portable water filtration. For shorter trips, filter water bottles work a treat with replacement filtrations. Portable water purifiers are a godsend when you want to save money on water, while also reducing the masses of plastic waste that drinking water requires.
Eat locally, step outside of tourism
Lastly and possibly the most obvious point, be sure to step outside of tourism areas and taste the local cuisines. While tourism areas are beautiful, they host several non-authentic, and non-locally owned businesses. Stepping outside of tourist areas not only saves some coins but also showcases some of the more hidden gems. If you are uncertain of where to start, get talking with locals. The places where they visit will be the most trustworthy to go to. TikTok may seem reliable for recommendation, but in reality, creators are being made to lure you into the tourism areas. Be the driver of your journey, and step outside your comfort zone. The locals will appreciate it much more, and so will the environment!
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Amy Jones is a freelance health and wellness writer from Manchester UK. She loves researching and writing about health topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news, and eco-friendly brands. Her passion for health and wellness stems from her innate desire to educate people on how to properly take care of their bodies, spot any early signs of illness and take the best preventative methods. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog, listening to groundbreaking podcasts or browsing her nearest bookstore.
