Alright, so I’m diving into this whole eco-friendly travel thing, right? Figured it’s time to put my money where my mouth is and actually do something instead of just talking about it. So, here’s the lowdown on my recent attempt at more sustainable travel.
First Up: The Planning Phase (aka, the Research Rabbit Hole)
Started by ditching the usual booking sites. Instead, I went hunting for tour operators that actually give a damn about the environment. It was a slog, honestly. Lots of greenwashing out there. Had to dig deep, read reviews carefully, and see what their actual practices were. Things like:
- Do they minimize waste? Like, seriously minimize it?
- Are they supporting local communities? Not just paying lip service.
- How do they handle their carbon footprint? Offsetting? Reducing?
Found this one company that seemed legit. They focused on small groups, worked with local guides, and had a clear sustainability policy. Booked a hiking trip with them in the mountains.
Packing Smart (aka, Less Crap, More Essentials)
Okay, this was tough. I’m a chronic over-packer. Had to seriously Marie Kondo my suitcase. Key things I focused on:
- Reusable water bottle. Obvious, but essential.
- Solid toiletries. Shampoo bars, conditioner bars, etc. Less plastic waste.
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothes. Less to wash, less water used.
- A small, reusable shopping bag. For groceries or souvenirs.
On the Ground (aka, Actually Doing the Thing)
The trip itself was…interesting. Here’s what I learned:
- Trails are there for a reason. Stay on ’em! Don’t be that idiot trampling all over the plants.
- Don’t feed the animals. Seriously, don’t. Messes with their natural behavior.
- Water is precious. Short showers. Refill your bottle. Don’t waste it.
- Say no to single-use plastics. This is harder than it sounds. You have to be vigilant.
- Support local businesses. Eat at local restaurants, buy from local artisans.
The Hiccups (aka, It Wasn’t All Sunshine and Rainbows)
Look, it wasn’t perfect. There were moments where it was just plain inconvenient to be eco-friendly. Like when I was starving and the only option was a pre-packaged snack. Or when I realized I’d forgotten my reusable coffee cup. But, I tried to make the best choices I could with what I had.
The Takeaway (aka, Was It Worth It?)
Yeah, I think so. It was definitely more effort than just booking a generic package tour and vegging out on a beach. But, I felt like I was actually contributing something positive. Plus, I learned a lot about the local culture and environment. I saw some amazing things and met some awesome people. And, even though it was challenging at times, I came away feeling like I’d made a small difference.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, think about the impact you’re having. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but every little bit helps.
What’s Next? (aka, Always Room for Improvement)
Thinking about trying a cycling tour next. Or maybe volunteering on a conservation project. The possibilities are endless, really. Just gotta keep learning and keep trying.
