Got travel plans but worried about your ecological footprint? You’re in good company. Travelers are increasingly looking for ways to explore the places they love while also taking steps to preserve them for future generations. We’ll outline some of those steps here.
Eco-travel Benefits everyone
As travellers and global citizens, it’s our responsibility to find solutions that can help deliver a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future. And if there are ways to explore the world while reducing our ecological impact, why not? It’s simply win-win.
Smaller footprints, big wins
Managing your ecological impact while you’re on vacation can be challenging as you don’t have the same resources as you do at home. And then there’s the journey… how do you get to your destination while managing your carbon footprint?
Sustainable travel isn’t about perfection. It’s about being mindful and knowing that your decisions matter. If every person takes the time to understand the environmental cost of travel and takes steps to mitigate those costs, together we can make a difference.
We’ll outline some of those steps here:
Tip 1: Getting there: choose efficiency
- Keep in mind that a plane’s take-off uses a significant amount of fuel. Use the “direct flights” filter when booking through Blue Rewards Travel.
- Fly economy. You can cut your carbon footprint by an estimated 50% compared to business class on the same flight.
- Consider using bikes, public transit or walking to explore your destination.
- If driving or renting a vehicle, consider an electric vehicle (EV) if it’s available.
- Try to avoid last-minute bookings, they often result in options that are more expensive and less eco-friendly.
Tip 2: Enjoy your destination responsibly
- Select the “eco-certifications” filter when booking accommodations through Blue Rewards Travel.
- Consider locally-run accommodations to help support the community.
- Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and toiletries to avoid single-use plastics.
- Pack with purpose! Lighter luggage means less fuel consumption, and you can truly roam footloose and fancy-free.
Tip 3: Leave every place better than when you found it
- Support your destination’s ecosystems and economy by choosing locally owned restaurants, stores and businesses.
- Respect local rules and choose ethical tours. Wildlife experiences should never involve feeding, riding or handling animals in ways that seem unnatural.
- Help protect natural spaces by staying on paths, minimizing disturbances and maintaining a “leave no trace” mindset.
Tip 4: Shop with your conscience
- Less is more: Resist the urge to fill your suitcase with, mass-produced souvenirs. (Remember the tip about packing light?)
- Shop for items made in the region to help support social enterprises and the local economy.
- Be wary of unethical products: Avoid anything made from endangered plants or animals. Coral, ivory and exotic skins are just a few examples. So are spices, mushrooms, seafood and other foods that can be overly harvested or ecologically sensitive.
- Bring reusable bags! They’re one of the most compact, versatile items you can pack.
The One Small Change Challenge
If you’re not already building sustainability into travel, it’s never too late to start. Why not incorporate a single practice into your next vacation and then challenge yourself to build on that practice for future trips? As sustainable travel continues to grow, planning eco–friendly trips will keep getting easier.
In the meantime, you can make your next getaway a little greener by redeeming your Blue Points for eco–friendlier stays through Blue Rewards Travel. Happy (and sustainable) travels!
