What is sustainable travel?

What is sustainable travel? Understanding the concept

Sustainable travel is the concept of travelling in a way that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism on communities and ecosystems. This means reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities and economies, and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the places we visit.

Sustainable travel practices can include things like using public transportation or low-emission vehicles, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and choosing tour operators and activities that support conservation and local communities.

Sustainable travel vs. eco-travel

Sustainable travel and eco-travel are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two terms.

Sustainable travel is a broader concept that takes into account the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism on the places we visit. This means reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities and economies, and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the places we visit.

Eco-travel, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the environmental impacts of travel. This can include things like using low-emission transportation, staying in eco-friendly accommodations, and choosing tour operators and activities that support conservation efforts. So while eco-travel is a type of sustainable travel, not all sustainable travel is necessarily eco-travel.

Why is everyone speaking about sustainability?

Sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years because of the growing awareness of the negative impacts that human activity is having on the environment.

From climate change and deforestation to pollution and overconsumption, the way we live and do business is having serious consequences for the planet. As a result, more and more people are calling for a shift towards sustainable practices in all areas of life, including how we travel.

Now you can answer the question, ‘What is sustainable travel?’, it’s time to act

Here are a few ways you can plan to travel sustainably:

Choose low-emission transportation options, such as public transportation, biking or electric cars. This will help reduce your carbon footprint and the amount of pollution caused by your travel.

Stay in eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels or guesthouses that use renewable energy and support local conservation efforts.

Choose tour operators and activities that support local communities and conservation efforts. This will help ensure that the money you spend on your trip goes directly to supporting the places you visit.

Reduce your waste by bringing reusable water bottles and shopping bags, and avoiding single-use plastics.

Be mindful of your impact on the places you visit. This means respecting local cultures and customs, and leaving no trace of your visit by not littering and properly disposing of waste.

By being more mindful of the environmental, social and economic impacts of our actions, we can help protect the places we love and ensure they remain healthy and thriving for future generations.

Ready to plan your next sustainable trip? GVI offers a range of travel experiences including conservation and community development projects with 24/7 support. Explore your options.