Start being an eco traveler with these 10 invaluable tips that will not only enrich your travel experiences but also leave a positive impact on the planet. As an eco-conscious traveler, I’ve learned the importance of minimizing my environmental footprint while exploring the world. Follow these simple yet effective guidelines to become a responsible helper to our planet.
1. Choose Sustainable Accommodation
Opt for eco-friendly hotels, lodges, or eco-lodges that prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and conservation efforts. This means that it could be an airBnB, or a hotel that doesn’t wash bedsheets and towels daily if you don’t ask. Or they could be using more ecological products for the things that they do daily throughout the hotel. Many hotels in Sweden have it that if you leave your hotel room, and when you take the key with you, all the power goes out. It’s a great way to save energy!
Personally, my family and I tend to look for AirBnBs, hostels, or hotels with this in mind. I was really excited when I found this cozy hostel that was more dedicated to being eco-conscious and having space for the whole family! That place was in Brussels, Belgium and it was called Sleep Well Youth Hostel.
2. Pack Light and Smart
Pack only what you need to reduce weight and fuel consumption during transportation. Choose reusable and eco-friendly travel essentials such as water bottles, utensils, and reusable bags. My go to is my metal water bottle and every time that I travel, I always have a reusable bag for my dirty laundry.
Or, if I plan on shopping for food, I can use it for that as well! Now, I know many that may be an eco traveler also use the cubes in their backpacks where they suck the air out of it to fit more. But I’ve never done that. Plus, I know that this also depends on what you plan on doing in the place that you’re traveling to.
3. Use Public Transportation
Embrace local public transportation options such as buses, trains, or bicycles to minimize carbon emissions and support the community. My favorite is to go on the trains! The wind whips through my hair as I’m able to open the window as we speed down the track. My heart beats quickly as I take in the views in awe!
Take the Trains!
Besides giving back to the community when you ride on a train, you get to experience the area like a local and many train rides have wonderful views! If you’re planning on traveling in Europe, their public transportation is great! Plus, being an eco traveler, you might like to take the RailEurope! This especially good if you planon venturing through Europe.
The Netherlands, a Bicycle Country
If you enjoy riding bicycles, then I highly suggest traveling to the Netherlands! There, they have specific lanes for bicyclists. Plus, the locals are known to learn how to ride at the age of 4! When my hubby and wandered to Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands, we quickly learned that we can use the bicycles within the park for free! We just needed to leave our drivers’ licences with them at the desk.
4. Reduce Plastic Usage
Say no to single-use plastics by carrying a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils as I said above. Support businesses that offer plastic-free alternatives. When you do plan on shopping or eating, then you can just use your bag and the utensils that you already have. These are some of the nice and easy ways to help the environment. On top of that, doing this makes you an eco traveler!
5. Conserve Water and Energy
Practice water and energy conservation habits, such as taking shorter showers, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and reusing towels and linens. Besides that, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated with that water bottle of yours! As an eco traveler, taking care of the environment and yourself goes hand in hand. While you help the nature and communities, you get to help yourself with doing these kinds of things.
6. Support Local Communities
Engage with local communities by purchasing souvenirs and products made by local artisans, dining at locally owned restaurants, and participating in community-based tours and activities. This is by far my favorite thing to do in another country. I like to experience the new land as if I was a local. This gives you a feeling of more authenticity along with giving you a genuine experience. Plus, going with local businesses instead of big companies gives back to the community.
I experienced this the most when I went to Peru!
7. Respect Wildlife and Nature
Observe wildlife from a safe distance, avoid feeding or touching animals, and follow designated trails to minimize habitat disturbance. Leave natural spaces as you found them to preserve their beauty for future generations. Many places may not have their tour up to par with this.
So, I suggest researching a company or animal sanctuary beforehand. The reason that it’s not good to feed them is that they are wild animals. The more they get fed by humans, the less afraid they become and not ALL humans are nice to animals. Plus, if they grow accustomed to getting food from humans, they may stop looking for food themselves and rely on people.
The Elephant Valley in Cambodia
One of the animal sanctuaries that I’ve been to was the Elephant Valley in Cambodia and I was happy that I went there. We learned the sad stories of each elephant and learned that going in the lake or river with an elephant is like the same as if a stranger jumped in your shower with you! I didn’t realize that it was so intimate for an elephant. So, it’s good to give them space.
8. Minimize Waste Like an Eco Traveler
As an eco traveler, it might be best to travel with two reusable shopping bags and containers for leftovers. This helps to avoid excessive packaging and dispose of waste properly by recycling and composting whenever possible. When I travel, it’s usually my hubby, our son, my mom, and myself. So, we all work together to have extra bags and extra ways of dealing with leftovers and whatnots.
9. Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Consider offsetting your travel emissions by supporting carbon offset programs or investing in renewable energy projects. There’s even great ways to give back when you travel on a flight that helps with this. Plus, there are many companies out there that you can donate to that plants trees. So, you can make your own plan on figuring out how much you want to give back.
10. Educate and Inspire Others
Share your eco-friendly travel experiences and tips with friends, family, and fellow travelers to inspire positive change and promote sustainable travel practices worldwide. Many don’t realize that it’s the small things that can make a big difference. So, there are more than just you as an eco traveler out there that doesn’t even know it! Some of the things I mentioned many of us already do.
You don’t have to spend heaps of money to give back to nature and communities. There are all kinds of things that you can do. For example, volunteer! That could be an animal sanctuary, schools, or with many different workaways out there.
Use These Tips to Become an Eco Traveler!
By incorporating these 10 tips into your travel routine, you can take on meaningful adventures while minimizing your environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future for our planet. Let’s explore the world responsibly and leave behind a legacy of preservation and conservation for generations to come by each one of us being an eco travler!
Planning Your Next Trip?
Now, after learning more about being an eco traveler and learning some valuable tips, it’s time to plan your trip! Check out my Travel page to learn more about the do’s and don’ts when it comes to traveling. Plus, you can get some inspiration from my past experiences.
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