Tips for Sustainable Travel

Tips for Sustainability

Travel Facts

Why does travel matter?

  • It is currently 10% of the global GDP.
  • The tourism field is responsible for 235 million jobs worldwide.
  • Many countries have travel and tourism as a main source of income.
  • By 2030, it is expected that there will be 1.8 billion international travelers per year.

Why must travel change?

  • With certain types of tourism, less than 10% of the profits actually benefit and go towards the local community.
  • Tourism is the 4th largest source of pollution in Europe.
  • Close to 8% of the world’s global carbon emissions come from travel and tourism.
  • Programs that promote “western” or “white” saviorism continue to promote systems of social oppression.

Environmental Sustainability Tips

Transportation

Things to bring

To do

Not to do

Ethical Travel Tips

  • Buy from local artisans
    • Even though it may be common culture in that society, do not haggle too much as this is their livelihood.
  • If volunteering or donating, be sure to go with an ongoing, established project.
  • If you plan to get rid of clothing or supplies after a trip, donate or give them away to someone or a reputable charity, do not throw them away in trash.
  • Do not give money to beggars- including children- as this could contribute to them being abused or trafficked for the money and/or them dropping out of school.
  • If a sign says, “Do Not Enter,” do not enter.  This is for your own safety and/or the safety of locals and the environment.
  • Go off the beaten path.  Increased tourism in developing regions often leads to higher rents and costs of food and other goods.  Try a place not known or go in the off season.
    • Do not take photos of humans without permission. Do not take and post photos of minors.
    • Be mindful of taking photos at religious sites.
    • Be mindful of the photos posted on social media.
  • Be respectful of local religious norms, even if you do not follow that religion and/or it may seem offensive to you.
  • Learn some of the local language.  It is polite to learn how to say “hello,” “thank you,” “please,” etc.
  • Spend more time in one destination.  This allows you to better learn about a culture and reduces your carbon footprint by not going from one place to the next so quickly.
  • Support a local social enterprise organization- a tour company that gives back to the local community somehow.

Looking for further reading on sustainable travel? Check out the links below! Note: this is not a comprehensive list as there are a lot of resources available.

Books:

Journals and Articles

Videos:

Websites: