Okay, so today I wanted to try and be a little more conscious about my travel footprint. I’ve been reading a lot about sustainable tourism, and honestly, it felt like something I should be doing more of. So, I decided to put some of that into practice during my weekend trip.
Planning the Trip
First thing, I picked a destination that wasn’t too far away. No long flights this time! I found this cute little town about a two-hour train ride away, which seemed perfect.
Next, I looked for accommodation that had some kind of eco-friendly certification. It wasn’t super easy, but I found a small guesthouse that mentioned using solar power and having a recycling program. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt like a step in the right direction.
Getting There
As I mentioned, I took the train. It was actually pretty relaxing! I got to see the countryside, read a book, and not worry about driving. Plus, it felt good knowing I was choosing a greener option.
Exploring the Town
Once I arrived, I decided to explore mostly on foot. The town was small enough to walk around, and it was a great way to see the sights and get a feel for the place. I also rented a bike one day to go a little further afield, which was a lot of fun.
- I made sure to stick to marked trails and paths, especially when I was out in nature.
- I also tried to be mindful of my water usage, especially when showering at the guesthouse.
Eating and Shopping
This part was surprisingly easy! I focused on eating at local restaurants and cafes, and tried to choose places that sourced their ingredients locally. The food was delicious, and it felt good to support local businesses.
I also avoided buying a bunch of mass-produced souvenirs. Instead, I looked for a few locally made crafts that would actually remind me of the trip.
The Results(My feel)
Overall, I’m happy with how my “sustainable tourism” experiment went.
It made me think a lot more about my choices when I travel, and how those choices can impact the places I visit.
I learned that even small changes, like taking the train or eating at local restaurants, can make a difference.
Will try next trip!
