SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL-THE FAB FIVE

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

THE FAB FIVE

According to research by Booking.com, 76% of travelers say they want to travel more sustainably, but many travelers don’t know where to begin. Servas members can be part of the solution by adopting more responsible travel habits. By rethinking the way we travel, we can collectively create a future where travel protects and respects our planet and its cultures. Read on to discover our top five tips for eco-friendly travel.

Use more efficient modes of transportation

Air travel and driving make up the largest part of tourism’s carbon footprint. How you get to/from and around your destination makes a difference. Once you’re at your destination, consider taking the bus, traveling by rail, or cycling around town instead of renting a car. If you do rent a car, opt for an electric, hybrid, or smaller model.

Calculate your carbon footprint

Some carbon emissions are unavoidable, especially while traveling, but you can make more sustainable choices by calculating the carbon footprint of various travel options.

https://sustainabletravel.org/our-work/carbon-offsets/calculate-footprint/

For example, book the least number of connecting flights possible, as each take-off and landing produces more carbon emissions.

Get off the beaten path

As a traveler, you can help prevent a resurgence of overtourism by skipping tourist hotspots and getting off the beaten path. While it may be tempting to go to the same bucket list destinations as everyone, it can be even more rewarding to explore less traversed places. 

Getting off the beaten path allows you to have a more unique and authentic experience, visiting hosts who Want More Travelers, while avoiding the crowds. 

Avoid single-use plastics

Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic ends up in our oceans. This is equivalent to one garbage truck full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every single minute of every single day. 

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to reducing this: bring your own reusable water bottle on your trip. If you’re worried about the water quality at your destination, bring a water bottle with a built-in purifier. Refillable toiletry bottles are another eco-friendly item to add to your packing list. Buying drinks in cans and glass bottles also reduces plastics.

Support Local Communities

The best way to ensure host communities reap the benefits of visitors is by supporting local businesses, like dining at local restaurants, savoring traditional dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. You can help promote the equitable distribution of wealth by patroning businesses that are owned or managed by marginalized groups such as women, indigenous populations, or minorities.

Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun navigating the local market. 

Book excursions led by local guides or learn a new skill from a local expert.

By: Servas Environment Team