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Sustainable Journeys And Timeless Memories

Introduction:

In an era marked by climate change and environmental consciousness, the way we travel has a profound impact on the planet. Sustainable journeys not only contribute to the well-being of the Earth but also provide the opportunity to create timeless memories.

 

As responsible travellers, it is our moral duty to to explore the world in a manner that respects the environment and preserves its beauty for our future generations to witness and cherish.

Being a sustainable traveller means

• Having a low Ecological footprint   while supporting ethical economic development in local communities affected by tourism.
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• Everything from minimizing plastic consumption and making greener transportation choices to eating at locally owned restaurants
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• Booking eco conscious accommodations such as ecotels.

Sustainable Practices:

Sustainable practises that are required to be followed are divided into three categories and sub categories

 

1. Sustainable travel practises
2. Connecting with the nature
3. Cultural Immersions

 

1.Sustainable travel practises

• History
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• Travel
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• Sustainable Fashion
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• Art & Media
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• Holidays
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• Community

1.1 Eco-friendly transportation

Make Smarter Flight Choices

Air travel emissions make up a whopping 20% of a tourist’s carbon    footprint. If you must fly, be sure to pack light to lessen the plane’s load and try to book a non-stop flight for reducing carbon emissions.       On an  average, non-stop flights reduce carbon emissions by 100 kg per      person.  

Walk as Much as Possible:

As transport systems contribute to a large extent to the overall carbon footprint generated in tourism business, adopt various environmental friendly measures such as use of public transport as much as possible, adopting cab / bike sharing options if available and also use of eco-friendly means of transport such as electric vehicles contribute significantly in reducing carbon footprint. For shorter distances, try walking or cycling which will also enhance the experience of seeing the tourist destination.

1.2 Mindful consumption

1. Switch to Reusables

• Bring along reusable water bottles during travel for refill at destination from water purifying system.
• Bring along reusable utensils, tote bags, containers, and straws so you can say no to single use plastic while shopping or eating out

 

1. Skip Travel Size ToiletrieS

• Single use travel size toiletry bottles are a huge source of tourism-related plastic pollution and help contribute to the nearly 11 million metric tonsof plastic pollution dumped into the oceans annually.
• Switch to refillable and reusable bottles made of glass, silicone, or even recycled plastic material and fill them up with products from your larger sized bottles at home.

1. Be Mindful of Local Resources

• Ensure conservation of local resources by limiting use of water, electricity and fuel.
• Use biodegradable soaps, packets etc. so that the local destination is not polluted with non-recyclable materials.
• Always research weather conditions and terrain before hiking or taking a road trip to avoid getting lost or injured and having to get rescued, which can drain important public resources and tax dollars

1. Don’t Leave Your Sustainable Habits at Home

Turn the lights off and the air conditioning down when you leave a room. Conserve all energy sources while at the destination.

1.3 Responsible accommodation

1.Choice of accomodation

• Look for accommodations, destination, products, and tour companies that have been deemed sustainable by a legitimate certifying body. In the sustainable tourism world, that means organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The Rainforest Alliance, and Earth Check and now certification given by MOT

2. Stay Longer

• Tourism transportation demands affects energy use and CO2 emissions, but also puts pressures on infrastructure and land.
• Shorter lengths of stays that focus on restricted time budgets can lead to high concentrations of tourist flows in “must see” attractions, while tourists who stay longer are more likely to visit more small businesses in locations outside of main tourist areas.
• Instead of planning trips where you try to visit as many places or see as much as possible in a short amount of time, consider staying in one spot for longer and really getting a feel for the area.

3. Look Into Carbon Offsets

• Sustainable travelers should always try to reduce their carbon footprint first, but offsetting can be a useful tool in situations where reducing your footprint might be more difficult.
• Carbon offsettinginvolves compensating for generated greenhouse gas emissions by reducing emission elsewhere.

2. Connecting with the nature
3. Respect Natural Places

• Remember that marked hiking trails are there for a reason, usually to help preserve the surrounding environment and keep native flora out of harm’s way.
• Take out what you brought in and don’t litter. Keep your distance from wildlife and never feed or touch wild animals, for your own safety and for the safety of the animals themselves.

1. Don’t Support Unethical Wildlife Tourism

• If you want to view wildlife, see them in their natural habitats or go to accredited wildlife sanctuaries that work to rescue and rehabilitate animals..
• Supporting activities like cub petting and elephant riding helps encourage abusive industries that often illegally capture animals from the wild.
• Never buy products made from wildlife parts, as this helps support marketplaces for animal trafficking.

3.Cultural Immersions

1. Support Locals Directly

• Seeking out local experiences like homestays and hiring local guides is the best way to learn about a new culture besides stimulating the local economy.
• Purchasing handmade souvenirs and local food from the local community preserves the cultural heritage of the destination and creates employment thereby strengthening local economy.
• Choose vacations that demand less resources and make less of an impact on the environment. 

1. Find Ways to Give Back

• Consider the ways that you can contribute to the local community and give back while traveling. This can be as simple as picking up a piece of trash in the park or volunteering for a beach clean up.

1. Respect Local Culture and Traditions

• Do some research on the culture and traditions of a destination before you travel; it will not only help you make a connection to the place, but also help ensure that you honor the local customs.
• Even better, learn the language or a few important words and simple phrases such as “please,” and “thank you.” If you run across a local ceremony while on your travels, keep a respectful distance

1. Share What You’ve Learned

• Share sustainable travel tips with friends, family members, and fellow travelers; even small changes can make a huge difference.
• Travel teaches us how to better understand the world by introducing us to new cultures and customs different than our own. Plus, humans are innate explorers, so traveling will always be a massive industry.
• If we can share ways to make travel more environmentally friendly, respectful, and sustainable, we can highlight the valuable aspects of tourism and reduce the negative ones.

Sustainable Tourism  Can Surely Have Timeless Memories

Sustainable journeys can create timeless memories, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and fostering a deeper connection with the world and leave an experience which is remembered with fond memories . Here are a few examples of sustainable journeys:

1. Eco-Friendly Road Trip: Embarking on a road trip with an electric or hybrid vehicle allows travellers to explore different destinations while minimizing carbon emissions.
2. Bicycle Touring: Traveling by bicycle is not only an excellent way to reduce carbon footprint but also provides an intimate and slow-paced experience. Volunteer Tourism (Voluntourism): Engaging in volunteer tourism allows travelers to actively contribute to conservation or community development projects.
3. Sustainable Hiking Expedition: Hiking trips to natural wonders, national parks, or UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a sustainable way to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Travelers can choose trails that are well-managed and adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
4. Cultural Homestays: Opting for homestays with local families provides a more authentic cultural experience while directly benefiting the community besides supporting local economy.
5. Zero-Waste Backpacking: Adopting a zero-waste approach while backpacking involves minimizing single-use items, carrying reusable essentials, and properly disposing of waste.
6. Sustainable Cruises: Choosing eco-friendly cruise options that prioritize environmental conservation, utilize clean energy, and follow strict waste disposal policies can provide a unique way to explore coastal regions while minimizing the ecological impact.
7. Train Travel Exploration: Opting for train travel over air transport reduces carbon emissions significantly. Train journeys offer a scenic and leisurely way to discover diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical sites while contributing to a lower carbon footprint.
8. Carbon-Neutral Backpacking: Some travellers choose to offset the carbon footprint of their journeys by investing in carbon offset programs. This can involve supporting reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, or other activities that counterbalance the environmental impact of travel.