Nowadays, be it Gen-Z or Millenials, each one is concerned with protecting the environment, and animals. They want to live as sustainably as possible, and that desire spills over into travel. However, it is difficult to understand which transportation methods, accommodation, and sightseeing practices can actually preserve the environment and local communities. There are simple principles and habits which must be adopted to minimize our footprint while we travel or while we are on vacation to minimize our carbon footprints and leave happy footprints for our environment and its habitat.
This blog is about the meaning of sustainable tourism and gives 7 reasons to make your future vacations kinder towards the environment. Basically, sustainable traveling means \”to meet the current need without jeopardizing the ability to future generations to meet their own needs\”. It is important to see the big picture and consider the main aspects of sustainable travel:
Environmental impact
Socio-cultural impact
Economic impact
So, let us look into the reasons why we should travel sustainable right away:
Help Local Community Prosper
Where you spend your money has a direct impact on the local people living there. it is up to you to decide whether that impact will be positive or negative. Younger generations are abandoning their traditions of farming at tourist places and pursuing careers in hotel management to work in 5-star hotels. Tourists who stay at 5-star hotels encourage this trend. But if you choose a small guest house or cottages in the mountains and take a guided tour of farms from local it will keep their family business alive.
Similarly, instead of fridge magnets and plastic things as a souvenir you can buy some handicrafts and items that can only be found in that destination as mostly traditional products are made up of natural resources and helps local people to grow their business.
Preserve the Environment
With an unimaginable amount of damage already done on our planet, it is more important than ever for our actions to have a positive impact on the environment. Overtourism threatens the environment and its habitat.
Here comes, individual awareness and compassion towards the environment. Travelers spread harmful effects by not thinking twice about throwing their trash onto the nearest pavement, garden, park, or waterway. All these matters to protect the environment.
Responsible Tourism Benefits All
The goal of attracting more and more tourists each year eventually reaching on a tipping point where there are simply too many visitors, the locals either get fed up or leave.
Travel to offbeat destinations which are not overrun by tourists. You may have to venture a little further, but you\’re sure to have a better time away from crowds while spending in local communities.
Pollution
Instead o viewing a new city from the back of the seat of a taxi, why not hire a bicycle. It is a great way to exercise while traveling and you can explore the narrow laneways and areas not accessible by car. Moreover, you can share your footprint with other travelers by getting on a bus or train or any other public transport. If it is unavoidable to travel in a car you can hire a fuel-efficient car or electric vehicle.
Better Understanding of Culture
Sustainable tourism is not about preserving the environment, but also about preserving the local communities and exploring different cultures in a more meaningful & respectful way. Instead of just lining up to take selfies, have a coffee with locals, and try local dishes and learn the basic language.
Preserve Endangered Species
Many sustainable-minded travelers are so fond of seeing animals when they travel, and there are ethical ways to do so in most locations. Look for animal sanctuaries that invite tourists to help care for animals or volunteer at animal rescue organizations and wildlife sanctuaries. Always do a little research about which animal you are going to support.
Create Opportunities for Local Community
Mass tourism has created its standard when it comes to accommodation, tours, and meals. Unique places and experiences offered by local communities are often rejected in favor of more profitable bland options that can easily be rinsed and repeated. In contrast, travelers should learn from local communities, gain respect for their culture, and create job opportunities for them.
So, if you thought you didn\’t care about sustainable traveling, what do you think now?
