Travel is the best way to expand your horizons, embrace new cultures, and meet new people from around the world. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to traveling and tourism, especially where our planet is concerned. Because travel is becoming more affordable, it’s growing rapidly as an industry. There are over 1 billion tourists in the world each year, and by 2020, this number is expected to increase by 60%. All of these tourists coming and going takes a toll on the environment, and it’s up to all of us to make smarter choices. Here are 5 tips to travel greener in 2019.
1. Book Non-Stop Flights
As you might expect, the biggest environmental concern in 2019 is plane travel. Of course it’s not possible to give up air travel altogether. How else are you expected to get from Point A to Point B? However, with more flights being taken than ever before, air travel now accounts for a large portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s the solution? First, ask yourself if air travel is necessary. For many parts of the world, you might be able to get around by ship, train, or some other means of transport. If you must travel by plane, book a non-stop flight which limits your carbon footprint.
2. Stay in Green Accommodation
We’re in the middle of an eco-movement, and it’s now easier than ever to find eco-friendly places to stay when you travel. Instead of staying in a luxury resort, consider choosing an environmentally friendly alternative.
Staying in an apartment or home might be more affordable and more environmentally friendly since you have more control over your energy usage. Check out these accommodation in Thredbo in Lantern Apartments for more inspiration.
3. Buy Local Products
When you’re shopping in your destination, it pays to shop local. Not only will you get the best deal, but you’ll be doing the environment a favor. Instead of buying things that have been shipped from overseas, look for things that are made locally.
The same goes for when you eat out. Eating local is not only the best way to get a taste of the local cuisine, but it’s much better for the environment than eating foods that have been shipped a long distance.
4. Stay on the Trail
With the rise of Instagram and social media, lots of travelers are going as far off the beaten path as possible. When it comes to being green, you should always stay on the trail. Whenever you’re hiking or out in nature, make sure you stay on marked trails and keep a safe distance from any animals or off-limit areas.
5. Skip the Car
Finally, when you’re traveling, try to skip renting a car. While this isn’t possible everywhere, most places have great public transportation and are easy to walk around. Biking, walking, and taking public transport will greatly reduce your carbon footprint. If you must rent a car, always carpool whenever possible.
Travel Greener by Exploring and Protecting the Planet
We all love exploring this amazing planet, and now it’s time for us to take care of it too. Travel is amazing, but it can also have some negative effects we don’t talk about. Let’s change the stigma around travel to make travel greener an activity for everyone.
These green travel tips above are easy to adapt to your own travel plans, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun. As travelers, we have a responsibility to leave our destination in a better condition than we found it.
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