Okay, so folks sometimes ask me how I go about my adventure travels without, you know, leaving a huge mess behind for the planet. It’s not like I’m some perfect eco-saint, far from it. But I did start to really think about it a few years back. I remember standing on this beach, supposed to be paradise, and it was just littered with plastic. That image, it just kinda stuck with me, you know? Made me want to try and do things a bit differently.
Getting Started: The Planning Mess
So, the first thing I started doing was actually thinking before I even booked anything. Sounds obvious, right? But it wasn’t how I used to travel.
Where to go: I began looking for places that weren’t already completely overrun. Or, if it was a popular spot, I’d aim for the shoulder seasons. Fewer people usually means less pressure on the local environment and resources. I also tried to find destinations or tour operators that seemed genuinely committed to looking after their patch, not just slapping an “eco” label on something for marketing.
Packing less crap: This was a big one for me. I used to be terrible, packing for every imaginable “what if” scenario. Now, I try to be much more deliberate.
- My trusty reusable water bottle: This is a non-negotiable. Saves a ton of plastic bottles.
- Solid toiletries: Shampoo bars, solid deodorant, that kind of stuff. Less plastic packaging, and no spills in my bag.
- A good pair of walking shoes: Means I can actually walk places instead of always looking for a ride.
- My own cloth shopping bag: Super simple, but cuts out so many plastic bags when I’m buying snacks or souvenirs.
I still find packing light a challenge sometimes. That little voice always says, “But you MIGHT need it!” Most of the time, I don’t.
On The Road: Trying to Make it Work
Once I’m actually on the trip, that’s where the real practice comes in.
Getting from A to B: I try to walk as much as I can. It’s the best way to see a place, I reckon. For longer distances, I opt for public transport like trains or local buses. Yeah, it can be slower, but you see more of the real country and meet more local folks. I really try to cut down on short internal flights. Sometimes they’re unavoidable, but I always check for ground options first. Renting a bicycle is another great way to explore.
Where I lay my head and what I eat: I tend to go for smaller, locally-owned guesthouses or homestays over big chain hotels. The money usually stays in the community, and the owners often have the best local tips. When it comes to food, I’m all about eating local. Street food stalls, little family-run restaurants – that’s where the good stuff is. It’s usually fresher, supports local producers, and hasn’t been flown halfway around the world. I also started carrying a small reusable container. If I have leftovers or buy takeout, it helps avoid those single-use plastic or styrofoam boxes.
Out in nature – the main event for me: My kind of adventure usually involves hiking, kayaking, just being outdoors. So the whole “leave no trace” thing is massive.
- Stick to the paths: Pretty basic, but it protects the plants and soil.
- Pack it in, pack it out: All my rubbish comes back with me. That includes stuff like apple cores or banana peels. They don’t belong in wild habitats.
- Don’t feed the wildlife: It messes with their natural behavior and diet.
- Keep it down: I’m there to enjoy the sounds of nature, not to blast my tunes.
It’s mostly just common sense and respect, really. Treating the place like you’d want your own home to be treated.
The Not-So-Easy Bits
Now, I’m not going to sit here and pretend it’s all smooth sailing. It definitely isn’t. There are times when it’s really tough. You arrive somewhere, and there’s nowhere to refill your water bottle safely. Or the only way to reach that remote spot you’ve dreamed of is in some old, fuel-guzzling vehicle. I’ve made compromises, and I’ve definitely messed up plenty of times. It’s not about being absolutely perfect, because that’s just paralyzing. It’s about being aware and making the best choices you can in that moment. Some folks get really militant about this stuff, but I think that just turns people away. My philosophy is just do what you can.
So, Was It Worth Changing My Ways?
For me, yeah, absolutely. Traveling this way has actually made my trips better, richer. I feel like I connect more with the places and the people. And honestly, it often ends up being cheaper too – fewer fancy flights, less money on bottled drinks, eating where the locals eat. It doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. It’s just a different mindset for traveling. A mindset that, hopefully, helps keep these incredible places around for other people to experience long after I’m done exploring. That’s the main goal, isn’t it? To keep these wild and wonderful spots just that – wild and wonderful.
