Image courtesy of Health and Fitness Travel © Chris Allan Photography
Seeing this beautiful planet we live on doesn’t have to be bad for the environment, or the local communities you are visiting. In fact, tourism can play a big part in helping make this world a better place, as well as benefiting the lives of those who rely on tourism. Here are some top tips for being an even more eco-minded traveller on your next trip and ways to support the community you are visiting.
- Consider travelling by train rather than by plane where possible.
- Choose non-stop flights to minimise CO2 emissions.
- Use public transport for transfers and travelling at your destination.
- Take a reusable water bottle – more and more places are installing water coolers for people to refill from as an alternative to buying bottled water.
- Say “no” to straws and plastic cups at bars, restaurants, hotels, trains and planes.
- Eat local cuisine with low food miles.
- Choose vegetarian dishes over meat dishes.
- Ask if the food you’re choosing is sustainably caught or grown.
- Keep showers short.
- Switch off the electrics in your hotel, apartment or hostel.
- Ask housekeeping not to change sheets and towels daily.
- Open windows instead of using air con.
- Choose resorts and hotels that are eco-minded.
- Choose packages that give back to the local community.
- Book excursions with local tour operators rather than the package provider.
- Join a local litter pick.
- Choose to do activities with minimal impact on the local environment such as hiking and biking.
- Share images of plastic pollution on social media to raise awareness and prompt change.
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