We all love travel and our planet. That’s why we’re taking this Earth Month to re-think how our personal travel behaviors have far-reaching and long-term effects. We’ve come up with a list of things you can do on your next trip to travel more sustainably and help preserve our beautiful planet for the enjoyment of generations to come. | |
Tips for Sustainable Travel | |
|
1. Bring your own reusable items:
Whether it’s a water bottle with built-in filter, reusable bags, or straws and utensils, there are tons of options when it comes to reusable personal items. Choices range from bamboo and glass, to silicone or stainless steel. Not only will you reduce your single-use plastic usage, you’ll also save money!
| |
|
|
2. Go paperless:
Whenever possible, choose to receive documents electronically, rather than printed versions. Everything from hotel receipts, room keys, rideshares, boarding passes, and much more, are available right on your mobile device. You’ll save time and paper. Plus, these days, contactless is the way to go… no waste, no germs!
|
|
|
3. Carbon off-setting:
Typically, staying closer to home will help you to leave a smaller carbon footprint. However, if you choose to travel further, be sure to offset your carbon footprint. Carbon off-setting is a process by which you calculate your carbon footprint for each activity (like your flight), then purchase offset credits that fund various projects, such as planting trees that capture CO2 and other greenhouse gases. The ultimate goal would be reaching carbon neutrality—off-setting your entire carbon footprint.
| |
|
|
4. Take your recycling habits on the road:
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you let your good recycling habits go to waste (pun intended). When traveling or abroad, be sure to continue to recycle by placing your waste in the proper receptacles. Keep in mind, though, that recycling protocol varies from place to place, so follow directions and if you aren’t sure, ask!
|
|
|
5. Not just sustainable, responsible, too:
Sustainable travel is imperative to the preservation of our planet. But we also want to be responsible travelers, too. Being a responsible traveler means that you leave a place the way—or better—than you found it. We can do this by shopping small and spending local. When you shop small and spend locally, you contribute directly to the local economy and support nearby families and communities. Ways to achieve this are hiring local drivers, using in-town tour guides, dining at family-owned and local restaurants, shopping small at nearby markets and purchasing handicrafts made by locals.
| |
|
|
6. Research travel companies:
We should all be doing our part to participate in sustainable travel, and the major travel companies are no exception. Be sure to do your research before booking travel to make sure you’re spending your money with a brand whose sustainability initiatives are aligned with your values. Check to see if they have off-setting goals, practice destination stewardship, give back to local communities, and are actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact.
|
|
7. Visit National Parks & Protected Areas:
Protected areas like national parks and marine sanctuaries protect Earth’s biodiversity and natural resources. They’re so important that during the 2021 UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a new global biodiversity framework was agreed upon to steer actions worldwide through 2030. One of the goals included in the framework is to “ensure that at least 30% globally of land areas and sea areas are conserved.” However, many of these protected areas rely on tourists to continue to support and fund the area. By visiting and paying entrance fees, you contribute to the conservation efforts required to preserve these locations while generating income for nearby communities.
| |
|
|
8. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is essential for preventing sunburn when travelling to sunny places, especially near the equator, where the sun’s rays are strongest. Using sunscreen while swimming, diving, snorkelling, and other outside activities are expected. However, much of the sunscreen sold in stores daily can contain chemicals and particles that harm the environment, especially coral reefs. By buying reef-safe sunscreen, you can prevent harmful chemicals from entering the ocean.
|
|
|
5 most sustainable travel destinations in the world
Copenhagen, Denmark: The capital city is one of Europe’s oldest and considered one of the cleanest. Denmark, as a whole, has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2025. More than two-thirds of the city’s hotels hold an eco-certificate and the city even has vending-style machines that give money in exchange for an empty can or plastic cup.
Singapore: Known for its innovative green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and sustainable transportation systems, Singapore is a model for sustainable urban development in Asia. The city-state has invested heavily in renewable energy, and it is working to reduce its carbon footprint by transitioning to cleaner fuels and improving energy efficiency.
Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability has made it a leader in environmental efforts. From sustainable transportation to renewable energy, Melbourne has implemented various policies to reduce its environmental impact. The city’s focus on sustainable practices has not only improved the environment but has also created a more livable city for its residents.
Oslo, Norway: The capital of Norway is one of the most sustainable cities. The city welcomes 10,000 new residents each year, bringing in a flood of green developers and architects ready to tackle sustainability in a growing city. Eco-friendly initiatives are on the rise, like the mandate that requires all new municipality-built buildings be not only zero-emission, but to also be “energy-plus,” actually generating energy.
Belfast, United Kingdom: Since the 2021 launch of its Belfast Resilience Goal targeting an inclusive, zero-emissions, climate-resilient economy within a generation, the city has seen more than 90 hotels, attractions and restaurants committed to sustainable tourism through Visit Belfast's internationally recognized Green Tourism program, with 75% of Belfast hotel rooms now holding a sustainability certification.
Source: Tripadvisor
| |
InteleTravel Terms and Conditions: This email was sent to you by InteleTravel on behalf of your InteleTravel Advisor. It is a benefit of your registration at InteleTravel.com and is designed to provide you with the latest information and offers in travel. You may unsubscribe at any time. All advertised rates are for new bookings only, are listed in US dollars per person, and based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional. InteleTravel and its partners reserve the right to change or update fares or fees without prior notice. All pricing and offers are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. InteleTravel reserves the right to correct errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. Additional restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions of listed offers, please contact your Travel Advisor. InteleTravel is a registered seller of travel with the states of California (2091941-40), Florida (ST-32452), Washington (602-735-106), Iowa (977) and Hawaii (TAR 6732). | | | | |
