03/08/2023
Whether you’re breaking a sweat hiking up Machu Picchu in Peru, turning into a lobster on the beaches of Barbados, or soaking in the sights of Budapest, we all love a good holiday. Nowadays it’s so easy (and sometimes so cheap!) to travel across the world, experience different cultures, and disconnect from our everyday lives. However, the prospect of these adventures and the disconnect they give us can sometimes make us forget our potential impact on the planet and its precious ecosystems and communities. So what is sustainable travel?
Sustainable travel is essentially being a responsible and respectful traveler/tourist. This not only means respecting the planet through your choices, such as choosing low-carbon travel options, but it also means respecting the communities you visit and understanding that your holiday is their home. So how do we become more responsible travellers?
Travel
- You can’t exactly go on holiday without traveling anywhere, even if it’s a bus to your local beach. Travel has one of the biggest impacts on our planet with the transport industry emitting 23% of global CO2 emissions p/a (IEA, 2021) so it is essential that we try to travel as low-impact as possible. Here’s how…
- Opt for traveling to destinations via train or bus as lower carbon options
- If flying is the only option, you can carbon offset your flight by donating to carbon offset charities and by selecting the ‘carbon offset your flight’ option if given by your airline
- Avoid unnecessary flights, always try to fly direct, travel with/between countries by train or bus if possible (e.g. interrailing in Europe)
- Once on your holiday prioritize travel by walking, cycling, taking public transport, driving
Packing
- I’ve done some magic packing in my time, but I definitely have those friends who pay for a bigger suitcase and still struggle…my top tip here is to PLAN your outfits, don’t just chuck anything in and end up not wearing it! Add these other tips to your packing portfolio and you’ll be a sustainable packing queen in no time!
- Pack light. Less weight on the plane means less fuel will be used! This can be easily achieved by planning your wardrobe and…
- Share your clothes with your travel buddy! This can halve the size of what you’re packing, and you can finally borrow that dress in your friend’s wardrobe you’ve been eyeing up for aaaages
- Pack refillable and reusable toiletries including…solid soap, refilled/ solid shampoo and conditioner, reusable cotton pads, biodegradable makeup wipes, period pants/menstrual cups, water bottle, tote bag, reusable cutlery
Accommodation
- Even though we spend the least amount of time in our accommodation when we’re on holiday it’s still nice to come back to a cozy room, flat or villa (jel…). It is even nicer when you know that you’re supporting the local economy through your accommodation choices and having a lower carbon impact. Always try to…
- Support local hotels, hostels, and homestays (avoid larger chains!)
- Research eco-hotels/ eco-accommodation and opt for this is possible
- Research your hotel’s sustainability policies (do they even have one?!), you can check out sustainable options like Expedia’s ‘Green Hotel Program’ and Booking.com’s ‘Travel Sustainable’ options
- Some hotels may also offer a ‘make a green choice’ option where you can opt-out of daily housekeeping to save water, electricity/gas, and chemicals
Activities
- What’s a holiday without a good itinerary? Are you the planner for your friends? If so, take these tips into consideration when you’re organizing your next hot girl summer trip…
- opt for eco-tourism via eco-tours, conservation activities, and ‘voluntourism’
- Avoid activities that involve exploitation e.g., animal tourism
- Take in the landmarks, views, and vibes on foot, bike, or public transport
- Eat local, always trying to opt for veggie/vegan options where possible
- Shop local, and support the local economy by buying from local artisans to celebrate their craftsmanship and culture
- Ideas that don’t involve clothes shopping…hikes, beach days/ water sports, art galleries, museums, walking tours, food markets, wine tasting (um YUM), local events
Waste
- So, you’ve already packed your water bottle, tote bag, and reusable/refillable toiletries but what else can you do to reduce waste on ya holibobs?
- Dispose of litter responsibly, especially in coastal areas (duh!)
- Pick up other people’s rubbish when you see it (you can wash/ sanitize after, get over it!)
- Keep your eye out for recycling and water refill points when you’re out and about, in your hotel, or even at the airport
- Avoid buying bottled water! In some areas you won’t be able to drink the tap water and instead if buying bottle after bottle of water why not bring a water filtering bottle or water filter/purifier systems (steripen and iodine tablets work well as well as products such a Gray water bottles and Lifestraw Straws)
- Buy items with minimal packaging whether buying food/other goods
- Finally, don’t forget to respect the local community, learn the language (even if it’s just hi, bye, please, thank you), understand their culture, and celebrate it! Now go off and enjoy your holiday 😊
Global energy-related CO2 emissions by sector – Charts – Data & Statistics – IEA
Author: Sophie Kendall
Sophie is a sustainable fashion advocate working to make the industry a more ethical and sustainable space, from campaigning for garment workers rights to where to go for the best vintage shopping. Her aim? To show others that sustainability is sexy and stylish! It’s so much more than a hemp t-shirt
