Travel is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences a person can have. From exploring hidden gems to visiting new cities, vacationing is an excellent way to see the world from a different perspective. Unfortunately, vacations can come with some serious downsides. The cost of traveling and staying in hotels has skyrocketed in recent years. It’s become more expensive to book that tropical getaway than ever before. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way forever. As awareness of environmental issues increases, more travelers are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint while on vacation. Luckily there are plenty of ways you can make your next trip eco-friendly and sustainable while still having a great time!
Consider camping and glamping.
Camping is one of the most sustainable travel methods, and it’s also one of the cheapest. Plus, if you use the right equipment, you can minimize the environmental impact of your trip. You can go completely zero waste while camping if you bring your own reusable water bottles and food containers, use biodegradable soap and pitch a tent. If you want to upgrade your experience, consider glamping. This is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of camping while still having an amenity-rich experience. Plus, glamping is often in a more remote location; for example, these glamping resorts in oregon have outstanding locations, which means you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without the noise of nearby cities.
If you must stay in a hotel, research sustainable hotel options, and eco-conscious providers before booking to ensure they are aware of their environmental impact and are doing everything in their power to reduce this.
Use eco-friendly products
When it comes to sustainable travel, you should always try to minimize your impact wherever possible. One of the best ways to do that is by using eco-friendly products during your stay. From organic toiletries to sustainable cleaning supplies, there are plenty of options. Eco-friendly travel products are usually more expensive than your average brands, but they’re well worth the investment. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also better for your health. Eco-friendly cleaning supplies, for example, are free of toxic chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. You can also find organic, non-toxic sunscreen that’s great for sensitive skin types. If you are staying in hotels, avoid using these products as they will be discarded and replaced daily, contributing to waste whether you have used them entirely or not.
Live like the locals.
If you’re visiting a city, don’t book a hotel. Instead, try to find a place to stay that’s closer to the heart of the city. Airbnb is an excellent app for finding affordable, sustainable accommodations. You can also use services like Home Exchange, which matches homeowners looking for a swap with travelers looking for a place to stay. This also means eating and shopping where the locals do in markets and independent restaurants and using local public transport options to minimize your impact on the local area.
Take showers, not baths.
Some hotels even offer unique showers that allow you to adjust the water flow while you wash. These are excellent for conserving water and can be found in many eco-friendly accommodations. This may be controversial given that some people enjoy the therapeutic effects of a bath, but it’s possible to spend less time in the water and still be clean. You can take this one step further by limiting your time using showers by using a timer. Keep water usage to 4 minutes or less for decreased consumption and less environmental impact.
Reduce waste and consumption
If you want to travel more sustainably, reducing your consumption while you’re away is essential. Focus on sustainability for your purchases and ensure everything you do choose to buy keeps to your ideologies. Avoid buying single-use products, carrying reusable water bottles with you, and not purchasing items that contribute to non-sustainable practices. Try traveling light and avoid buying commercialized products that might end up being thrown away once you get home.
Conclusion
Traveling sustainably means reducing your environmental impact wherever possible. That includes eating sustainably and responsibly, staying at sustainable accommodations, and booking with a company that offsets carbon emissions. You’ll feel good about your decision when you try to travel sustainably. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and positively impact the environment. When people travel sustainably, they’re more likely to return to that destination again.
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