Tips on Travelling Sustainably

Sustainable tourism involves adopting practices that consider economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, aiming to mitigate negative effects like economic leakage, environmental degradation, and overcrowding, while enhancing positive outcomes such as job creation, cultural heritage preservation, wildlife conservation, and landscape restoration (Global Sustainable Tourism Council, N.D.).

Sustainable travel starts with thorough planning and informed decisions, as simple as adopting the fundamental questioning method of 5W 1H – what, who, where, when, why and how. Identify your purpose and budget before researching suitable destinations for maximum fulfilment and efficiency.

It is important to note that although numerous destinations and accommodations boast green credentials, the enforcement of these standards is often inconsistent, and their actual environmental stewardship frequently falls short of their promotional claims (McClanahan, 2021). Hence, it is imperative to look for reputable green certifications like those from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council or browse through reviews on blogs and navigation applications.

 According to Sustainable Travel International (2021), some factors to consider in determining a sustainable travel incorporate the following:

• Opting for less frequented destinations to alleviate the strain on local resources and pursue corporations that are actively mitigating their ecological footprint while enhancing the welfare of the local community, including conservation sites (national parks and marine sanctuaries).

• Indulging an extended vacation rather than numerous brief excursions throughout the year, and schedule them during non-peak periods for a more immersive experience.

• Planning activities around local businesses (package tours, homestays, food stalls, markets and charities) and eco-friendly transportation modes (buses, trains, coaches, electric or hybrid cars and cycling).

• Respecting local history, traditions, laws and regulations, and etiquette.

• Conserving energy resources by turning off electronics when not in use, taking short showers, handwashing clothes, and using accommodations that employ renewable energy and efficient technologies.

• Avoiding littering and single-use plastics by bringing reusable utensils and water bottle with built-in purifier, refillable toiletry bottles, and choosing to dine out or acquiring takeouts in biodegradable packaging.

• Engaging in carbon offsetting by calculating your carbon footprint and investing in credible providers that manage carbon emission reduction projects and other beneficial causes.

 In a nutshell, while numerous elements must be considered for sustainable travel, the essence lies in seeking self-actualisation and meaning throughout the journey.

Written by: Aisyah Binte Abu Bakar

09/2024

References

Global Sustainable Tourism Council. (n.d.). What is sustainable tourism? https://www.gstcouncil.org/what-is-sustainable-tourism/

McClanahan, P. (2021, April 22). How to travel more sustainably. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/22/travel/sustainable-travel.html

Sustainable Travel International. (2021, March 9). Top 10 tips for sustainable travel. https://sustainabletravel.org/top-10-tips-for-sustainable-travel/