Is it possible to be a sustainable tourist? 12 ways to make a positive impact on your travels |

There are many positive aspects to travel. About two billion people travel each year for tourism purposes. Travel and tourism connect people and bring the world closer through shared experiences, cultural knowledge and community building. It provides jobs, fosters community development, and is a key driver of economic progress.

However, there is often a downside; Popular destinations are threatened by pollution, environmental hazards, damage to heritage sites and resource exploitation. And that’s without considering the pollution caused by traveling to and from these places.

So, with that in mind here are some tips that will help you enjoy your trip, and leave with the confidence that your favorite tourist destination will not be spoiled by your presence, once you return. to home

1. Only single-use plastic

Often used for less than 15 minutes, single-use plastic items can take more than 1,000 years to degrade. Most of us are turning to sustainable options in our daily lives, and we can adopt the same behavior when we’re on the road. By choosing reusable bottles and bags wherever you go, you can help ensure that there is less plastic waste in the ocean and other habitats.

2. Eat ‘water’.

On average, tourists use more water than local residents. With a growing number of places experiencing water scarcity, the choices you make can help ensure people have adequate access to water in the future. By prioritizing the daily change of sheets and towels during hotel holidays, we can save millions of liters of water each year.

3. Buy local

When you buy local, you help boost the local economy, benefit local communities, and help reduce the destination’s carbon footprint from transporting the goods. This is also true at mealtimes, so enjoy fresh, locally grown produce every chance you get.

4. Use the action operator

Travel services include people, logistics, vendors, transportation and much more. Each link in the chain can affect the environment – positively or negatively. If you want to leave the system to someone else, make sure you choose an operator who is local, uses resources efficiently and respects local culture.

5. ‘Please don’t feed the animals’

Sharing food with wild animals or being close enough to do so increases the chances of spreading diseases such as colds, flu and pneumonia from humans to animals. Also, when animals become accustomed to receiving food from humans, their physical behaviors change, and they become dependent on humans for survival. In some cases, it can also lead to human-animal conflict.

6. And don’t eat them too!

By creating the demand, eating endangered animals or large animals leads to an increase in poaching, trafficking and exploitation of animals. Besides the harm done to each animal on your plate, careless eating can contribute to the extinction of species that are already threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Keep this in mind when shopping for souvenirs as well, and avoid products made from endangered animals.

7. Share a ride

Transportation is a major contributor to the carbon footprint from travel. Instead of private taxis, explore using public transportation like trains, buses and shared cars. You can also ride a bicycle, which offers an easy and cheap way to explore and learn about a place.

8 Consider a home base

Staying with a local resident or family is an eco-friendly option that allows you to get up close and personal with the local culture and traditions. Staying at homestays can elevate communities by providing income while giving you a glimpse into different ways of life.

9. Do your homework

Before your trip, educate yourself about your destination. Doing so will allow you to fully immerse yourself in local customs and practices and appreciate things you might otherwise overlook. With the right information, you can explore a destination in a more mysterious way and surprise yourself with new tours and discoveries.

10. Visit parks and sanctuaries

Exploring nature and wildlife through national parks is an intimate way to learn about animals and their ecosystems first hand. In some cases, your entrance fee supports conservation efforts that protect species and landscapes and preserve natural spaces for future visitors to enjoy.

11. Leave no trace

You can make a mark by leaving a mark at your resort. Put garbage in your place to avoid littering, don’t remove or change anything without permission. Let’s make sure we only leave soft footprints, not environmental ones.

12. Tell your friends

Now that you’re ready to travel in eco-friendly fashion, it’s time to spread the word! Tell fellow travelers, friends and family about how sustainable tourism benefits local people by improving their livelihoods and well-being, and helping us all by protecting our beautiful environment.