With a growing awareness of our impact on the planet, the focus on travel sustainability has evolved beyond a trend – it’s a conscious choice that’s shaping how we explore the world in 2024. This guide is your go-to resource for understanding the ins and outs of sustainable travel. We’ll share actionable advice and expert tips to make your trips greener, covering everything from finding eco-conscious accommodation to shrinking your carbon footprint.

Ready to make a difference? Join us as we unpack how to travel in a way that’s kind to both you and the planet.

{Image: Victor Lucas via Pexels}

What is travel sustainability?

Sustainable travel means minimising the negative environmental impact of tourism while giving back to the local communities and cultures you visit. It means making thoughtful choices that protect the environment, respect local traditions and contribute to the local economy.

Understanding sustainable travel is the first step towards more responsible travel decisions. It goes beyond simply offsetting carbon emissions; it’s about being a conscious traveller who selects options that align with sustainability principles. Whether jetting off to an international conference or taking a short train trip to a nearby city, every choice you make has an impact.

Here are a few examples of what can happen when we don’t prioritise sustainable travel:

Environmental damage

Travelling without regard for the environment can lead to pollution, harm to wildlife and the deterioration of natural areas. A prime example is Maya Bay in Thailand, once a pristine paradise featured in the film “The Beach”. The influx of tourists overwhelmed the ecosystem, leading to significant coral reef damage and environmental degradation. This ultimately forced authorities to temporarily close the beach to allow for recovery.

Unequal wealth distribution

When the profits from tourism don’t reach the local communities, it can create economic inequality and leave residents feeling left out. This often occurs when big international hotels hold back most of the revenue instead of supporting local businesses and workers.

Loss of cultural identity

When a location gets flooded with tourists, it can sometimes feel like the local culture gets lost in the shuffle. Unique customs and traditions can start to fade as the focus shifts towards catering to visitors. In Venice, for instance, the sheer number of tourists has sparked worries that the city’s unique character and traditions are slowly fading away.

Developing a sustainable travel policy

A sustainable travel policy is becoming a vital strategy for forward-thinking businesses. This approach tackles environmental concerns and resonates with consumers who increasingly value responsible travel.

The rise of regenerative tourism

Booking.com’s 2023 Sustainable Travel Report shows that people are really into the idea of regenerative tourism, with 69% of travellers wanting their spending to directly benefit local communities. This demonstrates a real shift towards travel experiences that actually make places better, not just try to avoid causing damage. It’s not just about taking; it’s about giving back!

 

However, the report also reveals some challenges:

• 74% of travellers are calling for more sustainable options from travel companies.
• 51% feel there need to be more sustainable choices available.
• 40% are unsure where to find tours and experiences that positively impact local communities.

 

These findings are proof of a real demand for sustainable and regenerative travel, highlighting a gap in the market that businesses can fill. Companies committed to sustainability have a chance to lead the way by incorporating traveller feedback into their policies.

How to build an effective sustainable travel policy 

A solid sustainable travel policy should focus on:

• Funding local and regenerative projects that improve destinations’ environment and social fabric.
• Supporting local economies, ensuring tourism benefits communities directly.
• Providing transparent and trustworthy information so travellers can make informed choices about sustainable options.

Budgeting for better travel

Let’s face it, cost is a big deal when it comes to planning a trip. While many travellers want to make sustainable choices, these aren’t always easy on the wallet. The report highlights this struggle, showing that a lot of people feel held back by their budget when it comes to choosing greener options. It’s clear that there’s a need for sustainable travel that doesn’t break the bank.

In response, businesses should consider:

• Developing accessible sustainable options that don’t break the bank.
• Encouraging sustainable choices by offering rewards or discounts.

 

Addressing these needs can boost a company’s image and help create a more sustainable and equitable global travel industry. Crafting a policy that genuinely supports travel sustainability requires a deep understanding of these trends, ensuring that efforts are practical and meet the needs of modern travellers.

 

{Image: freepik via Freepik – Ditch the traffic and embrace the ride with sustainable commutes for the eco-conscious business traveller.}

Practical steps towards greener travel

Making your travels more eco-friendly goes beyond sweeping policy changes; it’s also about the small, everyday choices you make. Here’s your practical guide to sustainable travel, whether you’re travelling for work or for pleasure:

Choosing where to stay

• Look for the green seal of approval: Choose hotels and other accommodation certified by reputable environmental organisations. This means they’ve met certain standards for energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation.
• Support the locals: Staying in locally owned hotels or bed and breakfasts helps keep your money in the community, strengthening the local economy and reducing the environmental impact of big hotel chains.
• Ask about their green practices: Before booking, inquire about the hotel’s sustainability efforts, like renewable energy use, recycling programmes and water-saving measures.

Getting around

• Hop on public transportation: Whenever you can, use buses, trains or trams. They’re a far greener option than moving around in individual cars.
• Take a stroll or hop on a bike: For shorter distances, walking or cycling is not only better for the planet – it’s a great way to really experience a new place and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
• Go electric (or hybrid): If you do need to rent a car, opt for an electric or hybrid vehicle to minimise pollution. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

Reducing waste on your travels

• Pack your own reusables: Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and shopping bag to cut down on single-use plastics.
• Skip the plastic straws and utensils: Politely refuse plastic straws and utensils at restaurants or cafes or bring your own reusable set. It’s a small act of rebellion with a big impact.
• Choose digital over paper: Go for digital tickets, boarding passes and hotel confirmations to reduce paper waste. Let’s face it, most of us have our phones glued to our hands anyway!

Supporting local communities

• Shop local: Support local artisans and markets instead of big international chains. This helps local businesses thrive and reduces the carbon footprint of shipping goods long distances.
• Eat local: Dine at restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms. It’s good for the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of food transportation. Plus, you’ll probably get to try some amazing dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
• Connect with the community: Take part in tours and activities run by locals, like guided walks or cooking classes with local chefs. Who better to show you the heart and soul of a place than the people who live there?

Tracking your progress and going greener

Making sustainable travel more than just good intentions means tracking and improving your efforts, whether you’re an individual or a company. Here are some ways to do just that:

Keeping tabs on your carbon footprint

• Calculate your impact: There are plenty of online tools and apps that can estimate the carbon emissions from your travels. By regularly checking your footprint, you can set realistic goals to reduce it over time.
• Track company-wide travel: For businesses, integrating carbon tracking into your booking process can help you understand and manage the environmental impact of corporate travel.
• Set goals and offset: Once you know your footprint, set achievable reduction targets. You can also look into carbon offsetting programmes that support renewable energy or reforestation projects to balance out your emissions.

 

Getting everyone on board

• Reward eco-friendly choices: Offer incentives like extra annual leave days, bonuses or recognition programmes to encourage your employees to choose sustainable travel options.
• Provide resources: Give your team the information and tools they need to make eco-conscious decisions, like guides to green accommodation, tips for minimising waste and lists of approved sustainable travel providers.
• Share your wins: Celebrate successes and share stories of sustainable travel within your company. This can inspire others to follow suit!

Reviewing and improving your travel policies

• Regular check-ups: Evaluate how well your travel policies are working and make changes based on new sustainability trends and technologies.
• Get feedback: Ask employees and partners for their thoughts on your travel policies. Their firsthand experiences can provide valuable insights into what’s working and what needs tweaking.
• Stay in the know: The world of sustainable travel is constantly evolving. Make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest practices and technologies so your policies stay relevant and effective.

 

Wrapping up

As we move forward in 2024, the importance of sustainable travel is clear. Each of us can make a difference through the travel choices we make. By adopting eco-conscious practices and constantly striving to lessen our impact, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Travel isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about understanding our role in preserving them for future generations. From choosing eco-friendly places to stay to supporting local communities, our actions can create real change.

Every little bit counts, and those small actions can lead to big changes. So as you plan your next trip, think about how you can travel more sustainably and become part of the movement towards a greener, more responsible way to explore the world.