Sustainable tourism: advice and tips for responsible travel
Summer is finally here, the days are getting longer, temperatures are rising and when not swimming in a pool or eating ice cream, it’s time to plan our next holiday or day trip.
And while travelling is unquestionably one of life’s pleasures and for some a must, have you ever wondered if it is possible to do so sustainably?
What sustainable travel means
According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), sustainable travel respects the environment and nature and at the same time manages to pay attention to traditions of the country visited and enrich local communities.
Responsible travel therefore means being aware of the impact of tourism on the environment and adopting good practices to preserve nature, places and the people who live in them.
How to travel sustainably
When it’s all about helping the environment, each of us can play a part!
And this is precisely why we have decided to give you some suggestions for your next green holiday:
- Choose the means of transport with the lowest environmental impact
To reduce our impact on the environment it is a good idea to also pay attention to the means of transport we will use to reach our desired destination. Planes, for example, pollute the most, while trains, buses and bikes are the best choice if we have the environment at heart.
- Buy and consume zero-food-mile products
Responsible travel also means supporting the economy of the country where we have decided to spend our holiday. How? By choosing local products and small local businesses!
- Travel in off-peak periods
Avoiding the crowds during peak seasons is a strategic decision that not only allows travellers to save money on transport and accommodation, but also has other benefits in terms of safeguarding the environment.
- Don’t leave any trace of your presence
A responsible tourist chooses recycled products and disposes of rubbish properly, without littering or dirtying natural locations and at the same time does not take away local resources by not collecting shells, sand, stones...
- Respect local communities
Sustainable travel does not just mean safeguarding the environment, it also means showing respect to local communities, customs and traditions.
But these are just some of the many suggestions for best organisation of your next green holidays. What’s important is that you bear in mind the importance of safeguarding the environment even during the hottest most carefree time of the year!