5 Ultimate Tips for Sustainable Travel on a Budget
Photo by Student Across
Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly popular among environmental enthusiasts. Although, in order to have a big impact on the tourism industry, the message of sustainability needs to reach everyone, and yes, I’m talking to you too, backpackers. The truth is, we can all make slight changes to minimize the damaging effects that our travels have on the environment.
If you want to travel sustainably, but aren't sure where to begin, we've got you covered. This article will break down the 5 ultimate tips for sustainable travel on a budget to help you start making changes today.
Let’s dig deeper!
Sustainable Transportation
Transportation to your destination and during your stay should be your number one sustainable priority. The way you travel directly shapes your carbon footprint and significantly influences your budget.
Source: Pexels
Here’s a couple of rules you should follow:
Travel over land
Flying has a high CO2 footprint. For example, a one way flight from London to New York accounts for 11% of the average annual emissions for someone in the UK. (BBC) This is why, whenever you can, you should opt for another form of transportation rather than a plane.
Trains & buses
As a form of public transportation, trains and buses are a better option for sustainable travelers. Not only will it cost less than traveling by car, but it will also reduce your negative impact on the environment.
Rent a bike, not a car
Once you arrive at the desired destination, make sure you explore different options of getting around, which do not include renting a car. You should walk as much as possible, rent a bicycle, or use public transportation. Avoid taxis as well, unless necessary.
Sustainable Shopping
When you’re at your new destination, you’ll have to strategize about getting food and other things you’ll need for your stay. To make sure you’re traveling sustainably, you should be responsible for the way you do your shopping.
Taking it one step at a time, a few small changes that you can make include:
Cloth bag
Plastic bags are one of the worst things you can do for the environment. It takes hundreds of years for these bags to decompose and you use them on average for only half an hour.This is why you need a cloth/re-useable bag with you at all times, to avoid taking or buying plastic ones. If you forget your bag, try to carry as much as you can!
Local markets
Supporting local shops and markets is great for sustainability, not to mention small local businesses. Big supermarket chains are typically not great for the environment with all of the plastic and food waste generated. Buying locally is also cheaper and as a plus, you'll be able to experience the destination you're exploring like a local person.
Tupperware food containers
Avoid take-out food that is packed in plastic containers. Instead, bring your own Tupperware containers and have your food packed in those.
“Responsible shopping will reduce your plastic waste and support the local economy. And that’s one of the building blocks of traveling sustainably,” says Miriam Wilson, an animal conservationist and writer at Trust My Paper.
Sustainable Water Consumption
Drinking water is an essential human need, but it can cause serious sustainability issues.
When we’re in a foreign country and we’re not sure whether we can drink tap water or not, it’s easier to simply buy bottled water. However, this is not so sustainable.
In fact, it’s bad because:
you produce more plastic waste
you spend more money
the production of bottled water is bad for the environment
Instead of buying bottled water, you should first research if the tap water is drinkable and then:
get a reusable bottle water
refill it during your trip
use a self-purifying water bottle if the tap water is not of the best quality
It’s easier than it sounds and it adds up to your sustainable traveling.
Sustainable Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is another important factor if you want to be environmentally minded. It does include some research, but once you find what you need ,you’ll be doing the planet a huge favor.
Here’s what to look for in accommodation:
eco-friendly
solar heating
recycling
reduced plastic & food waste
biodegradable cleaning products
composting programs
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“Look for a hotel or better yet, a hostel, that cares about the environment. Look into their sustainability strategies and stay there to support their mission,” says Jason Pearson, a travel guide and a writer at Studicus.
Also, consider staying in a tent and doing outdoor camping (or glamping) as one of your accommodation options. It’s super-sustainable, cheap, and doesn’t harm the environment in any way.
Support Conservation Areas
When you travel, you should learn about the natural beauty of a country or a city and do an activity to contribute to its conservation.
So make sure that you explore:
national parks
conservation areas
reserves
natural monuments
protected landscapes
By paying an entrance fee, you’re supporting their conservation efforts and helping ensure their continued protection.
Just make sure you’re not visiting any fake sanctuaries that are keeping animals in captivity and avoid riding elephants, watching dolphin shows, taking selfies with wild animals and similar activities.
Source: Pexels
Takeaways
Sustainable traveling on a budget is absolutely possible and goes far beyond eco-tours. All it takes is some planning and strategizing, and you’re good to go.
Use the advice listed above to create your own sustainable travel strategy and you’ll be able to enjoy any destination and be responsible at the same time.
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Dorian Martin is a young, enthusiastic writer, who uses the power of the written word to educate, entertain, and inform. His favorite topics to cover go from being environment friendly to pursuing your life-long passions. He also runs a personal blog about business and marketing Be Innovative. In addition, he works as an editor at Wow Grade and Grab My Essay.