Alright, so I’ve been meaning to share this for a while. I got a bit tired of the usual holidays, you know? The ones where you feel like you’re just another tourist ticking off a list. I wanted to try something a bit different, something that felt a bit more, well, decent, I guess. That’s how I stumbled into trying to make my trips a bit more sustainable, especially the day trips and excursions.
Figuring Out Where to Start
First off, I had to actually figure out what “sustainable” even meant in practice. It’s a buzzword, right? So, I spent a fair bit of time just poking around online, reading bits and pieces. Lots of confusing stuff out there, to be honest. I decided to keep it simple: try to support local folks, be mindful of nature, and just generally not be a nuisance.
My first proper attempt was a trip I took last spring. I picked a destination that wasn’t super overrun with tourists. I looked for smaller, locally-owned guesthouses instead of big chain hotels. That already felt like a good step.
Planning the Actual Excursion Bit
Okay, so for the “excursion” part. Normally, I might have just booked a popular tour. This time, I dug a little deeper. I wanted to do some hiking and see some local wildlife, but I didn’t want to be part of a massive group trampling through everything.
- I asked around at the guesthouse. The owner was super helpful and knew a local guy who did small group walks.
- I checked out if this guide had any kind of local certification or good reviews from other travellers focused on responsible stuff. He did.
- I also decided to use public transport to get to the starting point of the hike, or at least a shared taxi, instead of hiring a private car.
- And, a small thing, but I made sure to pack my own reusable water bottle and some snacks in reusable containers. Trying to cut down on plastic waste, you know?
It took a bit more effort than just clicking a button online, I won’t lie. I had to send a few emails, make a call, and be a bit more flexible with timings.
How It Actually Went
The excursion itself? It was brilliant, actually. We were a small group, just four of us plus the guide. He was amazing! He showed us so much stuff we would have just walked past – tiny flowers, animal tracks, birds I’d never seen before. He also talked a lot about the local area, the challenges they faced, and how tourism, when done right, could actually help.
Walking instead of driving through felt so much more connected. We stopped at a tiny village cafe for lunch, proper local food, and the money went straight to the family who owned it. That felt good.
Sure, there were little hiccups. The bus was a bit late one morning. And sometimes it was harder to find exactly what I wanted without the big tourist infrastructure. But honestly, it wasn’t a big deal. It was part of the experience.
What I Reckon Now
So, looking back, I’m really glad I put in that extra effort. It wasn’t perfect, and I’m still learning. But the whole experience felt more genuine. I felt like I was actually contributing something positive, or at least minimizing my negative impact. I talked to more local people, learned more, and just generally had a richer time.
It’s not about being some kind of eco-saint. It’s just about being a bit more thoughtful. For me, that’s what sustainable travel excursions are becoming all about. Just trying to do a little bit better each time. And honestly, the experiences have been way more memorable.
