Alright, so I’ve been trying to get into this whole “eco-friendly tourism” thing. It’s been on my mind lately, you know, with all the stuff going on in the world. I figured it was time to make some changes in how I travel.
First off, I started looking into where I stay when I go places. I used to just book whatever was cheapest or most convenient, but now I’m trying to find spots that are a bit more…conscious? I read that there are places in like 191 countries where you can find eco-friendly rooms. You can find all sorts of places, even entire homes that are good for the planet.
Then, I got to thinking about the whole single-use plastics thing. Man, those things are everywhere! I grabbed a reusable water bottle and some of those metal straws. It felt a bit weird at first, but I got used to it. I also started packing my own snacks in reusable containers instead of buying those individually wrapped ones. It was kind of cool to prepare and organize my own snacks.
The big thing I did was change how I actually get around. I used to just hop on a plane without a second thought. But I’ve started taking the train more often. It takes longer, sure, but you see so much more of the country that way. I did this trip from the north to the south of the country recently, just me and my backpack, and it was amazing. I got to witness some amazing scenery from the train window.
- Booked eco-friendly accommodations: I searched for places with good environmental ratings and chose to stay in a small, locally-run guesthouse.
- Packed reusable items: I brought my own water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag to reduce plastic use.
- Chose sustainable transportation: I opted for a train journey instead of flying, which was both scenic and less impactful on the environment.
- Supported local businesses: I ate at local restaurants and bought souvenirs from local artisans, contributing to the local economy.
I also tried one of those guided tours. I used to think they were kind of cheesy, but it was actually pretty cool. The guide knew so much about the area and its history, and he took us to these little local spots I never would have found on my own. And the tour was focused on food and wine. It’s much more than just simply sightseeing.
It’s not like I’ve become some kind of eco-warrior overnight, but I feel like I’m making a difference, even if it’s just a small one. It’s definitely made me more mindful of my impact when I travel. And honestly, it’s been kind of fun figuring it all out. I feel like I’ve learned so much about myself and the places I visit.
So yeah, that’s my little eco-friendly tourism journey so far. I’m still learning and there’s still a lot I want to do, but I think I’m on the right track. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making an effort, right? And hopefully, my little changes can make a difference. I’ve tried my hardest to change my way of traveling.
Changes I have made
- Using reusable bottles and containers.
- Choosing trains over planes.
- Supporting local businesses.
- Taking guided tours that focus on local culture and sustainability.
It’s all about taking those small steps, you know? And who knows, maybe I’ll inspire someone else to give it a try. If we all start making these little changes, it could make a big difference in the long run. At least, that is what I am hoping for, that way, I know my changes matter.
