Travel empowers us to get out of our comfort zone and overcome our preconceived notions. It opens our minds and makes us kinder, more patient and respectful. Travel nurtures experiences, cultivates memories, and changes lives. At the same time, travel activities can be detrimental to the environment and local communities. Unless we act to protect the equilibrium of living organisms in the lands and waters we visit. But we are no strangers to the strains environmentally responsible travel sparks off. For this reason, we have compiled these practical tips on experiencing travel life to the full with your eco-conscious clean. 

What is environmentally responsible travel 

Travelers have a significant environmental footprint due to the long geographical distances we cover. Also, we raise the demand for infrastructure and services in the destinations we concentrate on. However, by reevaluating our choices and modifying our behaviors, we can leverage a positive environmental, social, and cultural impact during our travels. To travel sustainably, it is necessary to address not only our needs but also of the environment and the host communities. Follow through with our tips until different aspects of your travels — from accommodation and transportation to activities and social interactions — are protecting and improving the destinations you arrive at. 

Avoid contributing to overtourism

When we talk about overtourism, we tend to think of congested urban destinations. But, in peak season, even remote or less known destinations can suffer from visitor growth. In places that are unable to keep up with the number of visitors, you are more likely to encounter impolite residents and inadequate, yet costly services. If you cannot travel off-season, do thorough research before booking accommodation. Also, organize activities with operators who are conscious of the environmental impact of overtourism. They must take the necessary precautions, such as small groups, inclusion of the local community, conservation of marine and wildlife, and responsiveness to feedback.

Minimize your carbon emissions

Air travel is probably responsible for the largest part of your carbon footprint. If you must fly to your destination, prefer non-stop flights. During landing and takeoff, planes consume more fuel and produce more carbon dioxide and other emissions. If you are thinking about treating yourself to a first-class ticket, reconsider. According to World Bank research, passengers in first and business classes have up to nine times higher carbon footprint. Why? Because they are allowed more luggage and are sparsely distributed. You can offset the carbon emissions you produce during your flight by paying the appropriate amount to a project that reduces greenhouse gases. Many airlines offer the option to offset directly with them when you book your ticket. It is definitely becoming more realistic to achieve environmentally responsible travel.

Stay at an eco-labeled accommodation

Accommodation managers and owners have access to the knowledge required to commit to sustainable operations. Opt for a resort, hotel, or guesthouse that has pledged to specific environmental standards. So, you can maintain an environmentally sustainable travel experience. For example, stay in premises that source local products, promote eco-tours, collect rainwater, use biodegradable cleaning products, and don’t accept single-use plastics.

Reduce your waste

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This is not the case when we talk about piles of rubbish on hiking trails, beaches, and parks. Between 2017 and 2019, the Greek non-profit organization, All For Blue, removed 204 tons of garbage from beaches and underwater in Greece, San Diego, and the Bahamas. Seventy-three percent of the trash was plastic. If you are reading this article, you are concerned about the increase of trash in our seas, oceans, and woodlands. Remember to pack your reusable shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, and biodegradable cotton buds. When it’s sundowners o’clock, refuse the plastic straw, and enjoy sips of your favorite cocktail. 

Do cleanups with every opportunity

Ideally, we enjoy our home the most when it is clean and tidy, and sometimes we don’t mind putting extra effort and cleaning after our housemates or guests. Nature is our home too, which we share with several billion others. You can carry a bag to collect any rubbish that you will come across on your beach and hiking trips. But think safety first. Wear gloves, don’t carry more than your back can handle, and don’t collect medical waste or other hazardous materials. Greece has launched a Beach Clean app where you can let others know which beach you are initiating to clean, or join other eco-conscious citizens and travelers.

Protect both your skin and sealife

Chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and benzylidene, used in suntan lotions and skincare products to protect us from UV rays, enter our seas and disrupt marine life. They can corrupt the reproductive systems of sea urchins and fish, induce defects in young mussels and baby dolphins, and kill corals. If you have been looking forward to your beach holiday and metallic brown tan, make an informed sunscreen shopping decision. Likely, there are many marine-friendly unscented brands with natural minerals. But the best way to protect yourself and marine life is by staying in the shade, wearing a sun hat and sunglasses, and swimming in UV sun protective swimwear.

Act responsibly daily

During a holiday, whether it is a beach holiday or a holiday packed with sightseeing, our body needs frequent boosts of refreshment (aka showers). You might be tempted to fill that bathtub and cover yourself in bubbles before you head out again to explore the nightlife. But think of the value of water, especially in hot and dry destinations. Is it necessary to waste up to 80 liters of water to rejuvenate? You can also inform your hotel that you don’t want your towels and bedsheets changed every other day. Every small decision you make, can contribute or alienate you from an environmentally responsible travel stance.

Ditch memorabilia 

Are you familiar with the drawer somewhere in your home, filled to the brim with maps, brochures, and paper coasters? You have kept these items as souvenirs, but in reality, you know you will never go through them again. Not at a time when everything can be recorded on your mobile device. Protect the environment by not encouraging printing. It is more exciting to chat with a local about the best wine bar in town than reading through the leaflet at the information desk.

Be very selective with animal tourism

Overall, during environmentally responsible travel we say a big “no” to animal tourism such as whale watching, swimming with dolphins, or feeding lions. Intruding in a wild animal’s natural habitat, even with the friendliest of intentions, creates a disruption to their environment and distresses them. However, if you are determined to see wildlife, consider volunteering. For example, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece is offering such opportunities. You will be at the forefront of sea turtle conservation while getting to see the animals from up-close.  

Spread awareness about eco-influential travel

Eco-friendly habits like the above discussed may require more than one or two travels to become part of your travel routine. It’s worth keeping in mind that they are adaptable, and depending on your type of travel, you might be able to achieve all ten at once. If not, don’t be disheartened. Becoming a traveler who is making meaningful changes and reducing its impact on the environment is an ongoing process. But start with an accountability mindset.

The time is not tomorrow or next summer; the time is now, at this moment. So, take purposeful action. Rather than striving to be perfect, be curious, aware, and conscious about what is happening around you. Observe the communities you are visiting, connect with them, and respect their habitat.  But your duties of responsible travel don’t stop at the flight back home. Keep the dialogue alive by writing feedback to the hotels and tour operators you used, speaking to friends back home about sustainable travel, and sourcing more information for your next journey.