Sustainability has become a huge topic in recent years, and for a good reason: our planet is in critical conditions, and there’s only so much we can all do. However, sustainability can also teach us a different way of living our lives. Being less concerned with consumerism and shopping and adopting some minimalist habits are sure ways to make your lifestyle more environmentally-friendly. Travelling often causes a lot of pollution, but with some right steps, it’s possible to make your trip more sustainable. So, here are some useful tips that can help you make that happen.

Find eco-friendly accommodation

This is a great step toward making your trip more eco-friendly. Also, such accommodation doesn’t have to be devoid of luxury and other amenities that make for a pleasant travel experience. There are some ways to determine that the accommodation is indeed committed to eco-friendly practices: waste disposal, recycling, and using renewable materials, to name only a few. 

Skip flying, if possible 

Flying is responsible for a lot of pollution, so if you could reduce flying in order to arrive at your destination, then that would be great. For example, you can opt to travel by train, a bus or simply to drive. If that’s not possible due to distance, then combining flying short distances with other means of transport is a great solution. 

Explore less popular places

Visiting tourist hotspots is great, because, who doesn’t want to see The Eiffel tower or Angkor Wat? But, if you want to make your trip more sustainable, visiting some less popular places is a good idea. This is due to the fact that such off the beaten path destinations aren’t as frequented by tourists, which is why they’re more pleasant to enjoy and better for the environment. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit the popular sites, by all means, feel free to do so, just don’t forget to change your itinerary for a bit, and explore some hidden gems you discover along the way. 

Support the local economy 

We live in a world that values shopping and spending money, which is why it’s easy to find shopping centers everywhere that look exactly the same. And even though there are certain benefits to that, shopping at such places when traveling isn’t the way to support the local economy. Instead, it’s better to go to local sellers that own their shops or to buy from family-owned businesses. That way, the money you spend there will go directly to the local community, and you’ll have an authentic local shopping experience. 

Wear the right types of clothes

Not all clothes were made to be equal. So, when traveling, it’s important to take that into account. Going to the beach is a sure way to have fun and enjoy your trip, so opting for sustainable swimwear is the right thing to do if you want to turn your trip into a lovely eco-friendly experience. Also, if you enjoy shopping for clothes, make sure to avoid fast fashion brands and buy from small local manufacturers or brands that value ethical and sustainable principles.

Don’t overpack your suitcase

Sometimes, traveling can be stressful, especially when packing a suitcase. Choosing what to bring can be exhausting, which is why many people tend to overpack. That’s not really the way to be, since heavy baggage requires the place to burn more fuel, thus harming the environment in the process. So, if you want to avoid overpacking, make sure to prepare the list, and bring clothes that are easy to wash in case they get stained.

Respect local rules and guidelines 

This one is crucial, especially if you’re visiting a UNESCO heritage site or similar place that holds significant value. Additionally, if your destination has stunning nature or certain animal species, you should make sure to follow local rules and guidelines regarding the local wildlife. This is extremely important since many places have fines in case of damage, theft, or trespassing. If you care about environmental issues, then you should be respectful toward nature and stay away from behavior that damages the environment.

Conclusion

Traveling is the only thing that costs money but makes your life richer and more meaningful. However, making your trips more sustainable can help the planet heal, so these tips will definitely help you start your journey toward sustainable traveling and a more eco-friendly way of living.