Summer is in full swing, and most people are planning to go on a holiday to make the most of the warm weather. According to a recent survey, more than 90 million Americans are going to travel at least once this summer, while more than 115 million will travel more than once. Traveling is a great way to experience and learn new things, especially if you're going on a trip abroad. However, it can also cause considerable damage to the environment, since air travel, boat rides, and various tourist activities contribute roughly about 8% of the world's carbon emissions.
It's unlikely that people will refrain from traveling, but there are ways to go on a holiday without causing further harm to the environment. If you're thinking about going on a trip, here's a guide on how to have a fun and sustainable summer vacation.
Include Sustainable Experiences in Your Travel Itinerary
To reduce your carbon footprint, consider including ethical and eco friendly experiences in your travel itinerary. For instance, if you're going to the UK, you can register to join a sustainable urban beekeeping lesson at Hive Beers in London, or go on a foraging experience organized by Totally Wild. When buying trinkets and souvenirs, make sure to buy products made by the locals. You should also buy locally made food, snacks, and handicrafts, especially if a large chunk of the sales go to farmers or artisans. Meanwhile, going on a bike tour or a walking tour is not only a fun way to explore a new place, but it's also healthier for the environment. Engaging in these sustainable experiences can be the highlight of your trip, so make an effort to include them in your travel plans whenever possible.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics such as plastic utensils, straws, water bottles, and grocery bags make up 85 percent of landfill waste all over the world. To reduce disposable plastic use during your summer vacation, carry a set of reusable utensils and a metal, glass, silicon, or bamboo straw in your bag, and make sure to use them whenever you eat. You should also have a cloth or reusable bag in your backpack and use it whenever you shop.
You should also make it a point to bring a reusable water bottle so you can stay hydrated wherever you are. Summer days, especially in tropical countries, can be brutally hot and humid, and it's easy to get dehydrated when you're out and about all day. Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, moodiness, and tiredness, which could take all the fun out of your vacation, so don't forget to pack a water bottle in your bag and refill it as often as needed to stay well hydrated. To save space, consider taking a foldable reusable water container, such as an Anti-Bottle, since it lays flat when empty, and it can be folded and stored easily in a tote bag or a small backpack.
Don't Follow the Crowd
Most places that are touted to be must-visit tourist destinations are often overly crowded. Overtourism can cause negative effects on the environment since it can cause air and noise pollution, and it can even be harmful to the local wildlife. It can be stressful too, so instead of going to overly hyped up places, seek out underrated destinations, or plan on visiting these popular places during the off-season.
Summertime is the best time to go on a getaway. Consider these tips to have a fun summer adventure, and have an enjoyable vacation without harming the planet.
