The travel industry is at a critical juncture, where the need for sustainable and responsible travel practices has never been more urgent. As highlighted in Intrepid Travel’s report, ‘A Sustainable Future for Travel‘, the lack of action from the travel industry could see catastrophic and fatal trends continuing to develop. The report warns that if the climate crisis remains unaddressed, by 2040, many of the world’s favourite destinations will be forced to go virtual.
Imagine not being able to freely travel, to explore the cultures, landscapes, and experiences that shape our world. It’s a grim thought, but one that could become a reality if we don’t act now. This is a wake-up call for both travellers and the travel industry to adopt more sustainable practices. Collectively, we must invest in actions and infrastructure that prioritise the health of the planet and the preservation of the places we love to visit. The time to act is now – because once these destinations are lost, they can never truly be regained.
What is sustainable, responsible or regenerative travel?
Responsible travel is often associated with several popular terms (sustainable travel or regenerative travel), but at its core, the message remains the same: it’s about making mindful choices that protect the environment, respect local cultures, and benefit the communities we visit. Historically, responsible travel focused on issues like reducing plastic waste, avoiding animal exploitation, steering clear of overcrowded tourist spots, and respecting diverse customs. While these concerns are still crucial, today’s travel landscape faces an even greater challenge: climate change. On top of this, there’s a growing trend of tourism being privatised, meaning that local communities often miss out on the economic benefits of their own cultural and natural resources. As a result, it’s more critical than ever to rethink how we travel.
We need to shift our perspective from prioritising our own enjoyment to considering the well-being of the places we explore and the people who call them home. By integrating sustainability into our travel plans, we can create experiences that are enriching for both travellers and hosts. With a bit of foresight and conscious effort, we can help ensure that tourism contributes positively to both the environment and the local economy.
Choosing your destination
One of the most impactful ways to travel more sustainably is by minimising your carbon footprint. The mode of transportation you choose often represents the largest contributor to your CO2 emissions, so by simply reducing the distance you travel and opting for more fuel-efficient methods, you can have a significant positive effect on the environment.
A great way to see a country while keeping your environmental footprint in check is by travelling via train. Rail journeys often offer a unique and scenic perspective of a destination that flying or driving simply can’t match. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination and with companies such as Byway popping up, it’s never been easier to do so.
Picking the right time to go
If you have the flexibility to travel outside of peak season, it can offer a much more rewarding experience for both you and the local community. For starters, you’ll escape the hustle and bustle of overcrowded tourist spots, giving you a chance to truly soak in the surroundings. Plus, during off-peak times, you’ll often find that accommodation rates, food prices, and activity costs are significantly lower, meaning you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank. Travelling during quieter months also provides much-needed support to those working in tourism, especially seasonal workers who rely on consistent income. By choosing to visit when fewer tourists are around, you contribute to a more sustainable, year-round tourism economy.
Engaging with the locals
One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the opportunity to connect with people from different cultures and learn from their way of life. But beyond personal enrichment, engaging with locals directly is a cornerstone of responsible travel. When you seek out authentic, locally-driven experiences, you’re doing more than just ticking off tourist attractions – you’re making a positive impact on the communities you visit.
Supporting local businesses, artisans, and guides ensures that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the community. Whether it’s booking a tour with a local guide, purchasing handmade goods from a craftsman, or dining at a family-owned restaurant, your spending directly supports the people who make a destination unique. In contrast, opting for big-chain hotels or globally recognised tour operators often means that much of the revenue generated from tourism leaves the local area. Tour operators such as GetYourGuide are a great place to start when researching what activities to choose.
Protecting animals while exploring the wild
Wildlife tourism has long been a popular part of many travellers’ itineraries, but with this comes an increased need to ensure that the activities we engage in are ethical and beneficial to the animals and their habitats. It’s easy to forget that behind the photos of majestic elephants, towering giraffes, and playful dolphins, these animals often face immense challenges, including habitat destruction, poaching, and exploitation for profit. The key to responsible wildlife tourism lies in choosing experiences that promote conservation, respect animal welfare, and support local communities working to protect these species.
Before booking any wildlife-related activities, it’s a good idea to do a little research to make sure your experience is as ethical as it is exciting. Try to avoid tourist attractions that involve captive animals, like elephant rides or dolphin shows, as they often don’t prioritise the animals’ well-being. Instead, look for tour operators that are certified by respected conservation organisations or that have a clear commitment to sustainability. A great operator will focus on the health and happiness of the animals, offering fun and educational insights into local ecosystems, biodiversity, and why it’s so important to protect endangered species—without disrupting their natural habitats or stressing them out. This way, you can enjoy your adventure knowing you’re supporting responsible, wildlife-friendly experiences!
Packing wisely
Packing for your trip is the final step, and it’s just as important as the rest! A few simple changes in what you bring along can make a huge difference for both you and the planet. Start by saying goodbye to single-use plastics—bring along a reusable shopping bag and a refillable water bottle. If you’re headed to a place where tap water isn’t the best, consider picking up a portable water filter so you can stay hydrated without the plastic waste. And if you’re planning to hit the beach or go for a swim, don’t forget your coral-friendly sunscreen. Make sure it’s free from harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate to keep the ocean’s ecosystems safe while you soak up the sun.
When it comes to clothing, think twice before buying new items for the trip. Remember, a huge portion of clothes end up in landfills every year, so it’s better to pack what you already own. Less clothing means less weight in your luggage, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of transporting it all. If everyone packed a little lighter, just imagine the positive impact we’d have on the planet?!
Lastly, consider the cultural norms of the places you’re visiting. A little research can go a long way to ensure you’re respecting local customs. For instance, in many parts of the world, like the Middle East, parts of India, or Indonesia, wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees shows respect when visiting religious sites. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to show that you appreciate the culture you’re exploring.
Ready to travel?
Responsible travel is all about making mindful choices; whether it’s minimising our carbon footprint, supporting local businesses, choosing ethical wildlife experiences, or packing wisely. Together we can ensure that the places we love continue to thrive for future generations.
