7 Tips for Sustainable Travel

What is Community-Based Travel?

This article discusses how to reduce negative impacts on local communities & the environment when traveling and how to be a respectful & responsible visitor to foreign places.

Why Should We Care?

Unfortunately, over-tourism has destroyed ecosystems and communities over time with pollution, short-term rentals, prioritization of tourist revenue over local issues, leakage* and more.

I'm guessing if you're reading this article, I probably don't need to preach about why we need to care about these issues. But, it doesn't hurt to preface with a few reasons.

To me, the most obvious reason is respect. If we want to be well-received and respected as a visitor, we must respect our hosts and their ways of being. If we want to enjoy a place in all its beauty & glory, we must care for it while we're visiting.

Whether it's asking permission to take a picture, following local guidelines in nature, or educating ourselves about how to best navigate local problems like child welfare (think begging children), your consideration can make a world of difference for everyone involved.

But this topic can go so much further than an individual level. Changing how we move through the world is what changes the world. It's what decides if the capitalist core continues to profit while the rest of the world suffers the consequences.

It even decides something so dire as if we're able to keep living on this planet.

*Leakage is "when money spent traveling to or in a destination ends up in foreign hands."

Source: https://uncorneredmarket.com/tourism-spend-local/

Shouldn't We Just Stop Traveling?

You can! But let's be real - stopping at "everyone should just stop traveling!" would be like telling kids to not have sex instead of educating them on how to do in a safe and healthy way.

Travel isn't going away. In fact, its only growing. So, instead of kidding ourselves, let's educate ourselves, because exploring can be such an enriching part of life.

7 Ways to Consciously Travel

Let's dive right in.

1. Skip the resort &

   book a Homestay or Work-Exchange

   Rather than buying an expensive package deal, enjoy the hospitality and local knowledge of a family who actually lives there.

   
   

   Online resources like homestay.com help you find a host home in your desired location for a fraction of the price of a hotel.

   
   

   It's also easy to stay somewhere for no cost by exchanging a few hours work for housing & meals. Work-exchange hosts can be found on platforms like Helpx and Workaway.

   
   

   

   I've done heaps of work-exchanges that have been wonderful learning experiences. Plus, you'll be helping community members directly and not supporting short-term rentals or big hotels that often contribute to leakage.

   
   

   Which is a great segue into...

2. Plan for Community-Based Tourism

   What is community-based tourism? Basically, its planning a trip with the intention of supporting the local community and immersing yourself into their culture to learn. It's being picky about where and what you pay for/support.

   
   

   How?

   • When booking a tour or service, do your research. 

     Inquire about their relationship with the community. Who owns & manages the business and who do they hire (Are they all foreigners? Who benefits?).

     This is a popular area where leakage can occur. But a little digging can usually get you the answers you need to feel comfortable moving forward, or not.

     (Or better yet, befriend and/or hire a local to show you around!)

   • Take a walk through the village or town. 

     The easiest place to start is to take a walk, talk with locals, try the food...hop on the back of the motorbike and jump in the swimming hole!

     Basically, do what the locals do (respectfully). Making the most out of your travel means getting out of your comfort zone and into a state of curiosity and play.

   • Find activities that include local people.

     You don't need to follow the tourist track.

     Visit an artist's open studio, go fishing with locals, listen to their stories. Be simple. Slow down. Support what feels authentic and...

   
   

3. Buy Directly from Artisans

   Markets can be a great joy in foreign countries because that's where we can find traditional art and the opportunity to support artisans & their network.

   
   

   However, markets can also be tourist traps.

   
   

   Choose where you'll be browsing consciously to ensure you aren't buying from a middleman, who could be ripping off the artisan AND you. Whenever possible, buy directly from the maker.

   
   

   (HINT: Avoid 'Old Towns' and touristy hot spots!)

   
   

   

   Photo: Batik artist working outside their locally-owned shop, off the beaten path, Vietnam.

   
   

4. Use Public Transport

   Avoiding airplanes isn't always possible, but try to use the buses, trains, or ride-share systems when you get there. Not only is it cheaper and better for the environment, it also tends to be a more authentic experience. Better yet, get those walkin' shoes on or hop on a bike as much as possible!

   
   

5. Protect Local Ecosystems

   I know it's annoying to hear, but stay on the trail if you aren't familiar with the local ecology . You could unknowingly trample a nest or destroy an animals home by walking off path.

   
   

   Following local guidelines in nature parks might seem lame but they're in place for a reason. Don't be afraid to pick up litter if you see it and try not to do any unnecessary moving or altering of the ecosystem.

   
   

   And please, do not unwarrantedly feed or touch wildlife (or pay to hold them!) and definitely DON'T support any attractions that include captive (and possibly abused) animals.

6. Reduce Plastic

   It's honestly so hard to avoid plastics in some places, but always pack a refillable water bottle, reusable utensils, and cloth bag(s) for shopping. Just those three simple items will greatly reduce your contribution to the oceans of plastic waste plaguing the planet today.

   
   

7. Don't Share Specific Locations on Social Media

   In the age of Instagram and Youtube, publicly sharing a place's name or coordinates can mean the decided death of a once beautiful, pristine place. Be responsible with with special places you find, online & offline, to prevent over-tourism.

   
   

   It's cool to be mysterious anyway, right? Be vague and keep the secret. Of course, if you want to share the tip with a trusted friend or fellow traveler, there's nothing wrong with that. Just be conscious.

   
   

   Furthermore, it's usually a good idea to do the different thing than what everyones been posting about. Go the unpopular route, in the off-season, to the lesser-known region or town. Find your own adventure instead of following someone else's.

There are so many ways to get creative with reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable, responsible travel experience. I hope these tips helped to inspire your next unique adventure. Happy travels!