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A lot of planning and research goes into traveling. One of the things we don’t want you to forget about is how to travel sustainably. Just take a few extra minutes to consider how you can travel with a little less impact on our precious planet.
What Does Travel Sustainably Mean?
It means that when you travel you think of your impact on the planet and the places you’d like to visit. When you’re making your plans there are a few things that you can do to lighten the load on this world we call home.
Here are some of our favorite tips for more sustainable travel.
Take A Train Instead of A Plane
You might be surprised that taking a train uses significantly less energy than taking a plane. Train trips may take a bit longer but it will give the time to unwind, watch the scenery go by, read a book, or even take a cat nap.
If you simply have to fly, book a non-stop flight when you can. This will help decrease your carbon footprint.
Walk, Bike, or Take Public Transportation
Once you arrive at your destination get to know your new place by walking, biking, or taking the local transportation. You don’t always need to rent a car. Learn how the locals get around and follow suit.
Our favorite thing to do in a new destination is to walk around and go down the smaller streets, checking out small shops and restaurants. We wandered off the main streets during our last visit to Paris and found some beautiful uncrowded parks and restaurants. It was lovely.
Bring Reusable/Refillable Containers
We always travel with our water bottles (it’s safe to drink the water throughout Europe and most countries, but check to be sure) and refill them often. A lot of people seem to like to carry around huge water bottles. I’m a fan of lightweight ones, especially for travel. This water bottle from GSI is microlight and keeps water or any beverage cold or hot for hours. I’ve had mine for years. It’s been everywhere and still is like new.
Pro Tip: Take the bar of soap, unused shampoo and toiletries with you when you check out. You can use them on the rest of your trip or at home. They will be thrown out so why not use them!
Bring along reusable shopping bags for your shopping days. They also are great to have in case you need a little more room to bring your lunch along or extra goodies back with you from your travels. We always carry our foldable shopping bags. They fit easily in a pocket, purse, or backpack and many come with a handy little pouch to keep them nice and neat.
If you have cosmetics or toiletries you use regularly, get refillable travel-size bottles and keep them in your travel bag.
Consume Water Responsibly
Be sure to find out the current situation on water wherever you visit. Here in Portugal, many areas are often in a drought status. You don’t want to add to the problem, so take shorter showers and turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Hang up and reuse your towels (do you use clean towels at home daily?).
Support Local Businesses
Buying from local shops and local producers reduces the energy spent bringing items to the destination. Shopping at the local market and trying out food grown and raised nearby is also a great way to get to know what’s available and different while you visit.
Be sure to ask restaurants about their local specialties what local ingredients they are using and if they are sustainably sourced.
As you know, we’re focused on helping you discover the joy of “Deliciously Mindful Travel.” Supporting the local economy, experiencing the flavors of the community, and getting to know the residents are wonderful ways to start.
Here are a few resources to help:
Dine Green – their mission “shift the restaurant industry toward ecological sustainability.”
The Sustainable Restaurant Association – has a “vision of creating a clear intersection between the sustainable food movement and the hospitality industry.”
Viator – Book Local experiences with pros who will guide you.
EatWith.com dine with locals! Have a culinary experience in the home of a local, take a food tour, or enjoy a cooking class.
Stay Longer
Traveling from destination to destination in an effort to see as much as you can is tiring and also takes more energy. There is no better thing you can do than spend more time in one destination. Take a deep dive into what makes each place unique and special. Go to a local concert or a play and root out the unexpected and unmarketed local restaurants that locals cherish. Take your time, slow down, and truly get to know the place.
Choose A Destination That Cherishes Travel Sustainability
When you begin your planning, look for places to value sustainability for its residents as well as its visitors. There are many websites and much research has been done around sustainability around the world.
Many destinations now talk about their sustainability programs on their tourism websites. Be sure to look for that as you plan.
Many, many articles have been written about cities and countries that are the “most” sustainable. Honestly, it’s a monumental task to try to root out the most accurate information. This guide from Green.org is a pretty good place to start.
Stay in a Sustainable Hotel
Many hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts now focus on being more sustainable. You’ll need to do a little homework but we think it’s worth the effort.
Here are a few resources to help you choose:
Booking.com has a sustainability certification filter that allows you to choose property options that are certified as sustainable.
EcoHotels.com finds eco-certified hotels on this platform that plant one tree for every booking. More benefits if you create a profile and become a member.
Green Hotels Association – highlights environmentally friendly properties.
Select Green Hotels – hotel portal for sustainable hotels in Europe.
Green Key Portugal – if you’re traveling to Portugal be sure to check out this guide. It includes hotels, rentals, restaurants, and more that are sustainable tourism in Portugal.
TripAdvisor – Save on top-rated hotels on Tripadvisor. Find the GreenLeaders by looking for the green leaf on the properties listing page to see what green practices they have in place.
Visit During Off-Season or Shoulder Season
If you’re visiting a spot that is very popular and suffers from over-tourism try planning your trip in the off-season or shoulder season before or after the peak season. You’ll enjoy your visit with fewer visitors and see it in other seasons that will be just as lovely.
Granted many destinations don’t have much of a break any longer, but you can typically find a time of year when they are less visited. Portugal for example is not as busy in the winter months. You do risk experiencing the rainy season but you also get to enjoy the cooler weather and fewer crowds.
We visited Yellowstone National Park in the winter. It was unbelievably peaceful and being among only a few visitors made it even more special.
Visit Lesser Known Destinations
The next time you have the urge to visit a popular destination take a look at a map and look for other places nearby. Paris is lovely but typically jammed with tourists especially this year with the Olympics. Check out Toulouse, Montpellier or Reims. Each has its own distinct features and attractions. They are undeniably French with exquisite food and local charm worth exploring.
Pack Light
Most of us overpack. Consider using a packing list to keep yourself from throwing in one more thing you most likely won’t need. Keep to a simple color palate so that you can easily mix and match your outfits. One nice-looking scarf can help perk up an outfit or help keep you warm on a chilly night.
Lightening your load makes it easier on you and on the planet. Using packing cubes is another way to organize and reduce your packing. The latest compression packing cubes let you pack just a little more, too.
Buy Only What You Need
Take it from someone who has downsized two homes. Carefully consider what you need to purchase when traveling. Sometimes we all get caught up in the moment and find ourselves buying something as a keepsake or buying that souvenir that ends up in a drawer.
If you want to buy a memento, get something special like a piece of artwork that will always bring back a happy memory or a special taste of a place you can’t get at home. I used to collect unique travel magnets but after realizing I had a 20-pound box of them I knew it was time to stop. I gave them to my niece and nephew along with a globe. My hope is that they learn a little bit about geography from them.
Now when I go to buy anything I always ask myself, “Do I need this?” The answer is typically, no.
We hope that when you start to make any travel plans you consider the impact that your trip and you have on the world. Making a few slightly different choices to travel sustainably can make a big difference. Happy travels!
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