We are all excited to hit the road this summer, which is why it’s the perfect time to explore some easy ways to travel sustainably. It’s a crucial yet effortless addition to your summer agenda and it’s much simpler than you may think!
By making some simple changes to your travel habits, you can make a positive impact. With a little bit of awareness and planning, anyone can embrace eco-friendly travel and contribute to a healthier planet. Let’s explore 7 easy ways you can travel sustainably this summer.
1) Say “No” To Single Use Plastics It’s easy to opt for the most convenient options when traveling, but it’s easy to say “no” to single use plastics when we plan ahead. Simple gestures such as bringing your own reusable water bottle and shopping bags can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste in our environment.
2) Minimize Waste In addition to refusing single use plastics, if you’re planning a day trip, consider packing your snacks and meals using reusable containers. If you’re going for a longer trip, consider bringing reusable containers for leftovers.
People bring their own bags to grocery stores and metal water bottles everywhere, so why not apply that line of thinking to packing up leftovers when dining out?
la eater, bring your own takeout containers…
3) Plan Efficient Routes If you’re going on a road trip, plan your route in advance to minimize driving distances and optimize fuel usage. Consider using GPS apps that offer eco-routing options, which prioritize fuel-efficient paths.
4) Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations Choose accommodations that prioritize sustainability, such as eco-lodges, hotels with green certifications, or vacation rentals with energy-efficient features. Also look for businesses that implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, water conservation, and renewable energy usage.
All hotels, especially independently owned hotels, should strive for the gold standard: net zero carbon operations. But travelers also share this responsibility.
Not only is it important that we actively choose to stay at eco-friendly accommodations, but we should also go out of our way to ensure all aspects of our trip are as sustainable as possible.
insight vacations, choosing eco-friendly ACCOMMODATION
5) Embrace Slow Travel Traveling shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture and environment rather than rushing from one place to another. Consider exploring nearby attractions on foot, by bicycle, or even public transportation to reduce carbon emissions.
6) Support Sustainable Tourism Choose tour operators and activities that prioritize environmental conservation, respect local communities, and contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Say no to activities that exploit wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems.
Many tour operators serve the same destinations, but few have the same sustainability credentials. Travel companies who are sincerely committed to eco-friendly travel will be vocal in their plans and voracious in their actions.
Remember, sustainability means continuing to protect and preserve the environment long after the act of sustainable travelling has ended.
insight vacations, how to check if your tour…
7) Leave No Trace Practice Leave No Trace principles by respecting nature, minimizing your impact on the environment, and leaving natural areas as you found them. This includes staying on designated trails, picking up your trash, and respecting the wildlife and their habitats.
By incorporating simple yet impactful practices into our travel routines, such as carrying sustainable essentials and planning ahead we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint on our summer adventures. What eco-friendly tips will you be using this summer? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
RELATED POST: 3 Easy Ways to Be a Slow Traveller This Summer
I loved your idea to embrace slow travel. It’s too easy to miss most of the very best parts of a location when covering a lot of ground quickly. By picking a general area and spending more time there, you really can have a fuller, more relaxing experience.
Absolutely, it makes the traveling experience much more authentic. Thank you for reading Heidi!
I like the ‘leave no trace’ it’s a good practice. Also reminds me of something I learned in 4H Club
It’s a great practice! Thank you for reading.
With travel at an all time high these are some very good tips to keep in mind.
Thank you for reading Hena!
I’m going to be trapped under the weight of my dissertation writing this summer, so no travel for me. But these tips are helpful in general–and next summer, maybe I’ll get the chance to use them!
Sounds like a busy summer! Thank you for reading ER and good luck on the writing!
I have to say, it’s absolutely lovely!
It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought and care into crafting this piece. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
Cheers!
Bellanesia.com
Thank you for reading and for your kind words, Bella!
What great tips, this is such a great post. I especially love number 5. It’s so nice to slow down and walk around instead of rushing. You’re able to get a real feel for the place, and see things that you would miss if you had rushed through xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
I agree, it makes the travelling experience that much better! Thank you for reading Hannah!
Gracias por los consejos. Te mando un beso.
Thank you for reading Citu!
These are all helpful tips Winnie! I don’t know why more countries haven’t adopted a no plastics approach to their shopping bags. I always bring one in the event I do any shopping anywhere I travel.
My reusable bags have been my best purchase! I use them every single time without fail. Thank you for reading Jodie!
These are fantastic tips! It’s so important to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. I really like the tip of staying in eco-friendly accommodation and we always leave no trace when we go somewhere!
That’s great to hear, Jordanne! Im making it a priority to choose eco-friendly accommodations this summer. Thank you for reading!
All of these are great ways to help the environment. I think each one is impactful, but I think leaving things as they are or better is a good thing to do. I also think it is wise not to go to areas where people are experiencing a lack of resources.
That’s great advice, Lanae! I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for reading!
As a child in 1970’s UK, I learned a phrase that has tatoo’ed itself into my brain – take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.
That’s a wonderful phrase to live by. Thank you for reading Lesley!
Great suggestions. I’d love to prioritise slow and sustainable travel for my next trip.
That’s great too hear, Chloe! We can always do more to make our trips more sustainable. Thank you for reading!
These are some amazing suggestions for a sustainable travel…thanks for sharing dear 🙂
The Trendy Bride
Thank you for reading Jiya!
Great suggestions, I wish more people would embrace ‘leave no trace’
I agree, it only makes sense to leave a space how you found it. Thank you for reading Sarah!
These are great suggestions on how to make traveling more sustainable! I’m all for slow travel, and I’ll walk to places in my city and take the train elsewhere! Also, Leave No Trace are good principles to follow.
That’s wonderful to hear, Karalee! Slow traveling gives you a more authentic and immersive experience. Thank you for reading!