Okay, so, I’ve been trying to get into this whole “sustainable travel” thing, and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a journey in itself. I started off pretty clueless, to be honest. Just booked a flight to Bali ’cause it looked cool on Instagram. Then I started reading about the impact of tourism, and, well, I felt pretty bad.
So I decided to change my ways. Not cancel my trip, but change how I travel. First thing I did was some serious research. I mean, I really dug deep. Not just where to go, but how to get there in a way that wouldn’t totally wreck the planet. I learned about carbon footprints, which is basically how much your travel screws up the environment. Turns out, flying is a big no-no if you want to keep things green.
- I started looking into trains and buses.
- Honestly, it’s a bit slower, but you see so much more! I took a train across Europe last summer, and it was amazing.
- Plus, it felt good knowing I wasn’t contributing as much to pollution.
Then there’s the whole issue of where you stay. I used to just book whatever was cheapest on those big travel sites. But now, I try to find eco-friendly accommodations. It’s not always easy, but some places are really making an effort. They use less water, recycle, and source their food locally. It might cost a little more, but it’s worth it, I think.
And it’s not just about the environment, it’s also about the people who live where you’re going. I try to eat at local restaurants, buy from local artists, and just generally support the community. It makes the whole experience richer, you know? You get to learn about the culture and actually connect with the place you’re visiting.
What I am trying to keep on my mind
One thing I’m still working on is reducing waste. It’s tough, especially when you’re on the go. I try to carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and some cutlery. And I’m trying to get better at saying no to single-use plastics, like straws and those little shampoo bottles in hotels.
It’s a learning process, for sure. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying. And honestly, it’s made traveling even more rewarding. I feel like I’m actually making a difference, even if it’s just a small one. Plus, I’ve discovered some amazing places and met some really cool people along the way. It’s not just about being “eco-friendly,” it’s about being a more conscious and responsible traveler. And that’s something I think we can all get behind. After all those steps I took, I finally get to know the meaning of sustainable travel, not just reducing waste, but also protecting wildlife and respecting local cultures.
So yeah, that’s my sustainable travel story so far. Still a work in progress, but hey, we all gotta start somewhere, right?
