5 Sustainable travel tips: How to travel sustainable?

Tip one: Stay home...???

I am very aware that not travel is the most sustainable option. This applies also for all businesses in the world if they close their business it would be the most sustainable option. However they do not dot that, luckily more and more business are focusing on sustainable development. Same as businesses, if I want to travel, grow and explore when I am still young. It is my responsibility to travel as sustainable as possible. Is it hypocritical to think sustainability is important, but still travel? Yes maybe it is, but I feel we all are hypocritical sometimes. For me it is all about balance, now I want to travel, but not my whole life. Therefore during my travel time I want to travel sustainable as possible.

I lived in Cape Town South-Africa for 5 months to do an internship. Here I experienced the shortage of water that the city faces. At some point it was so critical that we were not allowed to use any water. Many cities in the world face the same water problems, it is very important to limit resources like water and energy. Here below there will be more things you can do to limit your impact:

5 Sustainable travel tips:

1. Reduce Carbon Footprint: Use eco-friendly transportation such as trains or buses over flights when possible. If flying is necessary, consider carbon offset programs. Also, try to minimize driving by walking, biking, or using public transport at your destination. Also hitchhiking is a sustainable option, but be aware in what areas you do this. My experience is that you can feel directly if the vibe is right or not. Hitchhiking can be a very adventurous, fun and unique way to travel sustainable. It brings you to people, places, and experiences that otherwise would never happen. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by be selective in what you eat. Eating vegetarian of vegan is the best option to reduce Carbon Footprint. If you want to try a meat dich try to consume it from a locally sourced region.
   

2. Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations & activities: Look for hotels, hostels, or lodges that prioritize sustainability by using renewable energy, recycling, minimizing water usage, and supporting local communities. Eco-lodges and green hotels are becoming increasingly popular options. Choose activities that prioritize sustainability and offer eco-friendly options. Research eco-tourism options, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, nature hikes, go to historical sites or museums. or eco-lodges, where you can experience nature responsibly.
   

3. Respect Local Culture and Environment: Learn, ask questions to locals and respect the local customs, traditions, and environment of the places you visit. Support local businesses, artisans, and guides to contribute positively to the local economy. Follow designated trails, avoid damaging ecosystems, and refrain from buying products made from endangered species or unsustainable materials.
   

4. Reduce Waste: Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to minimize single-use plastic waste. There are a lot of filtered water bottles you can use when you travel, this not only saves plastic, but also money. It costs a lot to buy plastic water bottles constantly in the supermarket. Choose products with minimal packaging, and dispose of waste responsibly by recycling or properly disposing of trash according to local guidelines (leave no trace). An extra tip is to bring a reusable food container with you while you travel. At a lot of hostels you can cook yourself and the left overs you can take with you for next day lunch. This saves money, and reduces food waste. (giving the meal away to a homeless person is also a good option)
   

5. Conserve Resources: Practice responsible resource usage by conserving water and energy wherever you stay. Take shorter showers, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and adjust room temperature settings to reduce energy consumption.
   

Thanks for reading these sustainable travel tips!

By incorporating these practices into your travels, you can help minimize your environmental impact and contribute to the sustainability of the places you visit.

If you have any creative suggestions, smart tricks on how to travel sustainable, please let me know and I can share and add them!