How to be a more sustainable traveller – Saving the world one trip at a time

 In today’s day and age, the issue of sustainability is a key point that is on the minds of everyone who is involved in all aspects of daily life from enterprise to entertainment. Nowadays, it is at the heart of much of the hospitality industry as well with many travellers being more sustainability-conscious and expecting their service providers to be on the same page.

This means that travellers will take steps to reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible.

Image via Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

Pick where you want to go with care

It is inevitable that the further you travel, the larger your carbon footprint. This is true whether you choose to drive, take a cruise or fly to your destination so the logical conclusion is that you should keep your travels within a reasonable radius of your home.

This can mean that you are simply going to visit a nearby lake to spend some time in the water, or even heading towards another city in your country to visit a national park. These small decisions will exponentially improve the impact travel has on the environment.

If you do want to visit some of the more popular postcard cities such as Venice or Paris, take some time to plan a trip that will avoid peak months, including a longer stay and accommodation that guarantees that they are a sustainability-conscious entity.

Choosing transport

For the sustainability-minded, picking a mode of transport may be the most difficult part of the planning process. Given that modern transport forms are some of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, it will need to be something that is seriously taken into consideration.

If you have no choice but to fly for your trip, then be sure to select a destination that is considered a long-distance journey. The reasoning behind this is that many planes are not efficient with fuel consumption until they can reach a specific altitude so short distance hauls will likely be more harmful to the environment.

In the circumstance, that you opt to take a boat keep in mind that cruise ships can emit 3 to 4 times more carbon monoxide than a commercial flight. So, it is best to avoid this option whenever possible.

Furthermore, while it limits your freedom to roam, trains are quite a good way to travel as they emit the lowest levels of greenhouse gases.

Packing for sustainability

One of the key aspects of any journey is packing smart. For example, during your travels, opt for biodegradable shampoo’s, soaps and even toothbrushes. Additionally, plan your wardrobe so that you can make do with just a few items by mixing and matching. This will help make your life easier during the travels but will also help reduce the burden of trying to transport the luggage.

Please also keep in mind that reducing the amount of plastic that you carry around will be hugely beneficial as well. If you are planning a trip that looks at the best things to do in the Maldives, be sure to look at hotels such as the Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences that prioritize sustainability.

Dining sustainably

When going out for meals during your trips, the best way to reduce the impact you have on the environment is by ensuring that you are avoiding red meat as much as possible. If you can enjoy some vegan and vegetarian meals will go a long way towards reducing the carbon footprint of your meals.

You can also consider packing snacks such as nuts and fruits with you when you are exploring your destination and by following the locals and indulging in fresh and locally sourced goods. Be sure to stay away from large scale resorts that have large carbon footprints as well.