Sustainable Travel, often referred to as eco-friendly or responsible travel, is the practice of visiting new destinations and respecting the people, the planet and certainly the local economy. In other words, traveling sustainably means putting the interests of the communities and the environments visited before our own.
Traveling sustainably is not much different than living sustainably. If you’re reading this blog, chances are you are already leading a sustainable lifestyle and are interested in how to apply these principles while traveling. If, however, this concept is new to you, well done! You’re taking the first step towards becoming a responsible citizen of the world and a steward of our beautiful and diverse planet.
Before we dive deeper into sustainable practices that we can follow while traveling, let’s take a quick look at how many principles of sustainable living can be applied to sustainable travel.
Sustainable Travel Starts with Sustainable Shopping
We all know that supporting small local businesses and shopping sustainably is the ideal way to build our wardrobes. But it is hard to deny that ordering clothes from fast fashion brands is tempting. We’ve all given in and bought the most convenient items when in need. I’ve done it.
My friends have done it. It’s just so easy. This is especially true when you are about to go on a trip.
All of the sudden, we’re missing the perfect dress, the perfect shoes, the purse that matches the Positano vibe, and so forth. Instead of placing a rushed online order on a fast fashion site, consider visiting a local boutique at your destination. It’s far more fun. You can interact with the owner, maybe practice a foreign language, learn about the local fashion and fabrics, while supporting a local family. You are far more likely to find the perfect Tuscan dress when you are actually in Tuscany!
On average, American families spend $1700 on clothing annually, which means if you took 1/10 of that and spent it in the destination you’re traveling to, you’d be giving them the equivalent $170 of their monthly stipend, and taking home items that will carry memories for a lifetime. Take that scenario to a developing nation, like Guatemala, and that money will go a long way for the community and artisans that live there.
Tip: We recommend hiring a local guide and asking for sustainable shopping recommendations. Ask them what souvenirs, treats, and clothes are made locally. And remember, less is more. Consider purchasing fewer, higher quality, artisan items that are likely more expensive and certainly more durable than the well-known brands.
Capsule wardrobes can be another clever way to beat overconsumption and be more prepared for your international travels. With a focus on classic, staple items that can easily be mixed and matched, it can become second nature to create outfits you love out of only a few items. This also allows you to purchase more mindfully, buying fewer, more long-lasting pieces.
One of the biggest benefits of this approach is also packing lighter. Traveling internationally with smaller, carry-on size baggage makes life a lot easier on many fronts. You can cut out the time it takes to check your bag, not worry about losing it on your connection, and have less to lug around the cobblestone streets of whichever European city you are visiting.
Ultimately, being intentional with your purchasing, packing, and dressing often makes for easier, more sustainable travel.
Eat Local, Travel Green: How Sustainable Travel Begins at the Table
Maintaining a sustainable lifestyle often means being mindful of what you eat and being aware of the foods that have less of an environmental impact. While at home, visiting local farmers’ markets is a great way to get the best food while connecting with your community.
The same goes for traveling abroad. There’s almost nothing more authentic and inspiring than getting lost in the vibrant colors and smells of a market in a foreign country. Not to mention the full immersion that this experience gives you into the local culture.
Imagine strolling through the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where the air is thick with the scent of spices, and vibrant textiles hang in every stall. Or London’s Borough Market, alive with the noise of vendors and the smells of fresh-baked bread and artisanal cheeses.
In Catania, Italy, the local street market buzzes with fishmongers and the sight of colorful produce, offering a true taste of Sicilian life. Each market has its own rhythm, and they are rich representations of culture and people that live there.
When traveling, sustainable food can be found in a variety of places. From a farm to table dinner at a starred restaurant, to more casual street food, or a slow food cooking class in a local’s home that starts with picking fresh ingredients from their home garden or local market. Centering the local people and land in your culinary experiences always pays off.
Tip: When entering a food establishment, pay attention to who the patrons of the restaurant are. If you are getting pizza at a restaurant where everyone is speaking Italian, then odds are you are in the right spot. Try to avoid the places where most other customers are tourists.
Fostering Community: Both at Home and When Traveling
Supporting local communities is a mindset that begins at home and extends to your travels. Engaging in local initiatives like park clean-ups or children’s programs, or mutual aid fosters a sense of responsibility and care for the place you live. By participating in these activities, you can gain insight into how small efforts add up to making a big difference, and how valuable a community centered mindset can be.
That same approach can be applied when exploring international destinations. By choosing accommodations and businesses that are locally owned and invested in their communities, you not only enjoy a more authentic experience but also contribute directly to local economies.
Staying in locally-run guesthouses or boutique hotels ensures that your spending supports the people that actually live there through job creation and reinvestment into the community’s social and cultural fabric.
This becomes even more important in destinations where tourism can be a lifeline. Small local accommodations often rely on visitor support to sustain themselves and their traditions. Your conscious choices can help preserve the heritage of these places and ensure that your travel dollars are having a lasting, positive impact.
Tipping generously is another tangible way to support the local workers. Whether it’s a waiter, a driver, or cleaning staff, your tips not only show appreciation but also provide a meaningful contribution to the local community.
Tip: Research the tipping culture of your destination before arriving. In many places, tipping customs differ, and a smaller tip can still make a big difference.
Ultimately, your international travel choices can reflect the same sense of community care you practice at home, creating a lasting impact. By supporting local accommodations, tipping fairly, and immersing yourself in the local culture, you help sustain the communities you visit. Being mindful of local customs and traditions, especially in heavily touristed areas, shows respect and consideration for those who call these places home.
Engaging in community-based tourism not only offers authentic experiences but also directly benefits local residents. Seeking out educational travel opportunities further deepens your understanding of a destination’s environmental and cultural significance. As a conscious traveler, your positive impact can extend far beyond your trip.
Travel Mindfully By Protecting Local Ecosystems
Minimizing waste is one of the best ways to protect the environment, both at home and while traveling. If you’ve visited major tourist destinations, you’ve likely seen the way trash can accumulate in the heavily trafficked streets. Imagine if that same trash was left in front of your home—it’s easy to understand why some locals resent tourism.
Little things can add up in helping create less waste for these destinations. For instance, instead of buying plastic water bottles when caught in the summer heat, pack a reusable bottle to refill at fountains, especially in European cities. If your Airbnb or the community you’re visiting has a recycling program, take the time to sort your trash properly. A few extra minutes spent recycling can make a huge difference in preserving our planet.
Other efforts that can further minimize your impact:
– Opt for transportation with lower carbon emissions, like trains or electric vehicles
– Explore carbon offset programs when flying
– Consider traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations that focus on conserving natural resources, wildlife, and biodiversity
When engaging in wildlife tourism, it is also important to avoid activities that exploit animals and instead seek out experiences that protect their natural habitats. Participate in guided nature hikes, conservation projects, or educational programs that promote sustainability. These efforts not only enrich your trip but also contribute to the protection of wildlife and ecosystems for future generations.
Does Sustainable Luxury Really Exist?
While harder to find, sustainable luxury can exist, but it requires careful discernment. Many luxury brands may engage in “greenwashing” marketing tactics, meaning they promote eco-friendly practices for marketing but don’t make real environmental impacts.
However, some luxury products are genuinely sustainable, with higher prices reflecting handmade craftsmanship, ethically sourced materials, and environmentally responsible production methods.
The key is to differentiate between products that are expensive due to their sustainability and quality, versus those that charge more for name recognition or non-sustainable amenities. With thoughtful choices, and an understanding of what drives those you purchase from, it’s possible to enjoy luxury without compromising the planet.
Sometimes traveling sustainably takes inside knowledge. Diverging from traditional mass tourism often takes deep expertise of a destination. Our travel designers are experts on the tips and tricks needed to travel responsibly and we design itineraries matched to the traveler and the communities being visited. Let us start your itinerary today, or explore our planned small group trips, so you can begin traveling beyond the beaten path.
