4 Tips to Achieve Your Sustainable Travel Goals
Written in collaboration with Mary Davis
Sustainable travel is transitioning from something we would like to do, to something we all must do to protect the wellbeing of our planet and ourselves. Here are a few tips on how to travel sustainably in the new year, of course, once we are able to travel again safely.
Tips to travel sustainably:
1. Buy one long-lasting, high-quality suitcase and backpack
While you travel and your luggage proves to gain some wear and tear, you want it to last you years and adventures to come. So, when you invest in luggage, buy one long-lasting, high-quality suitcase and backpack so you get the most use of out them. For quality and stylish Italian backpacks, check out websites like Mirta for bags that you can travel the world with. Otherwise, buying flimsy luggage that breaks after one or two uses just leads to more waste and will even end up being more expensive for you in the long run as you have to replace it more often.
2. Look for sustainable destinations and try to explore them by foot or bike
When it comes to sustainable destinations, your best options are those that are closest to home. But if you do want to travel a bit further, there are some destinations that are known for being the best to visit and leave a light footprint at. For example, Ljubjana is a standout destination as well as many cities in Spain.
3. Pack a couple of reusable straws, small containers and biodegradable products like toothbrushes
As you are making sustainable efforts in everyday life, bring those supportive items with you on your journeys! Pack a couple of reusable straws, small containers and biodegradable products like toothbrushes rather than using single-use plastic items. They don’t take up much space in your luggage and are more convenient than anything. For your small containers, opt for reusable bags that you can pack snacks or anything else in depending on the need.
Find these items from social enterprises like Bambu, EcoBags and Pela.
4. Support the local economy
While you travel, keep in mind that where you spend your money is what you choose to support. So, make an active effort to choose to support the local economy! Shop at local markets, eat locally, shop at ‘mom and pop’ stores and support local artisans. You can have a major impact on the local economy, and the more travelers that have this mentality, the more we can travel sustainably and boost the local economies as we visit these incredible places.
Sustainable travel is going to be huge in the upcoming years as we are crawling out of the pandemic and looking to explore the world. While we explore, keeping sustainability in mind and making conscious efforts to support the local economies and our world at the same time can make a significant impact. Please enjoy your travels, and be mindful of where you spend your money!
