Sustainable Travel – Eco-Friendly Destinations and Tips
Traveling sustainably means giving back to the places and people you visit – beyond simply avoiding littering, staying on designated trails and not disturbing wildlife.
Responsible businesses will make information about their sustainability and CSR programs prominent on their websites – be sure to look for this before booking your trip!
New Zealand
As part of your New Zealand trip planning, consider your impact on the environment. Achieve zero waste by packing reusable coffee cups, water bottles, bamboo travel cutlery sets, tote bags and stainless steel straws (for those who cannot go without their cocktail). Conserving water is equally crucial – shorten your showers and limit bath times while purchasing refillable travel bottles to reuse and washing your clothes using biodegradable soaps and detergents only.
Avoid driving as much as possible and instead choose walking, biking or public transit as an alternative means of transportation – not only will this save money but it can reduce congestion that contributes to air pollution in cities. If necessary, choose vehicles with energy efficient engines and low emissions features, like low emission engines.
Opt for attractions where part of your entry fee goes towards conservation projects or local communities, and try eating at restaurants owned and run locally whenever possible.
Australia
No matter your motivations for traveling sustainably – be it to reduce environmental impact or help local communities – there are numerous ways you can incorporate sustainability travel. From opting for train and EV rides instead of plane travel to choosing eco-friendly accommodations and choosing local guides – each choice makes a difference and each can help contribute towards sustainability travel.
Consider taking a walking tour to explore your destination instead of riding in a bus or driving yourself around, or enroll in a tour that allows you to collect native ingredients for cooking classes or bush tucker tours. These authentic experiences will help preserve Indigenous culture and customs while giving you a greater cultural understanding of your destination.
Australia takes ecotourism seriously and provides many eco-friendly accommodation, tours and tips for travellers interested in conserving resources. For instance, sailing over large coach excursions is often preferred as a means of discovering Great Barrier Reef or Whitsunday Islands or opting for an Aboriginal guided walking tour instead of group bus tour is often preferred for an enriching travel experience.
South Africa
South Africa’s stunning natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife and vibrant cultural history make it a prime eco-travel destination. Safari experiences often focus on responsible wildlife viewing while some hotels and lodges even invest part of their revenue towards animal species conservation and habitat preservation efforts.
South Africa’s beaches and oceans provide ample opportunities for responsible marine encounters such as whale watching and shark cage diving, in addition to nature-based excursions such as whale watching. Cultural tours enliven South Africa’s diversity with homestays and village visits; budget travelers may consider township tours that show that people in South Africa’s poor neighbourhoods are more than objects for ogling or photography.
As global population continues to expand, traveling responsibly becomes ever more crucial in order to protect the environment and uphold local communities. TravelGround’s sustainable travel destinations and activities help lessen our carbon footprint while offering unforgettable experiences – for instance in Cape Town public transportation and cycling are excellent ways of lowering your carbon footprint while supporting sustainability initiatives.
Mexico
Mexico is a natural ecotourism destination that perfectly combines nature conservation and cultural heritage. From whale nurseries on Baja Peninsula to Xochimilco’s beaches and jungles and Tulum’s beaches and jungles, experience Mexico’s vast biodiversity at these ecotourism hotspots.
Mexico boasts an extensive network of ejidos and cooperatives which provide tourism activities and services, so by traveling with these local operators you’ll ensure your money stays within their community and supports those most committed to its protection.
Mexico is well-positioned to capitalize on a global movement toward more eco-friendly travel, and Playa Viva Eco Lodge in Juluchuca provides organic architecture with beautiful beachfront views and beachside facilities; alternatively Harmony Glamping Resort made of recycled pallets is another unique accommodation option in Tulum. Or take in more immersive experiences at Lacandon Biosphere Reserve or Cuixmala rainforest during shoulder season visits for even greater immersion experiences!