The world is burning. That might seem like an overstatement, but with pollution at record highs and more extreme weather events than ever before, it’s not an overreaction to say we need to change our habits, and fast.
Travel is one of the most important areas we can focus our efforts on – yet that’s not to say we have to stop taking vacations! Time off work, and away from your usual environment, is massively important for your mental health, and no one should have to sacrifice that. Instead, it’s about finding small alternative ways to live and travel in style, but just be that little bit more eco-friendly. To help out, here are a few ideas that don’t sacrifice that globetrotting feeling, whilst still helping out the planet in every way we can.
Avoid Flights
This is the most important one. It has been projected that airplanes could generate around 43 gigatonnes (yes, gigatonnes) of pollution from now until 2050. This would make up almost 5 percent of the world’s remaining carbon. Clearly, this is one we need to take seriously! Avoiding flights on your travels is one of the most useful changes you can make to vacation in an eco-conscious manner. Now, this might seem a recipe for long, boring journeys and wasting time traveling when you could already be at your destination… but you couldn’t be more mistaken. Why not have a look at luxury train journeys inspired by the famous Orient Express, taking passengers across Europe from London to Venice to Istanbul. Cruises are also no longer the domain of the retired and elderly, and can offer amazing experiences across the globe, with far less carbon emissions than a jet-setting lifestyle. By investing in luxury travel, you’re making the journey itself part of your vacation; so sit back, enjoy a cocktail, watch the scenery flash past, and imagine you’re traveling back in the 1890s, in the age of style and sophistication.
Use Eco-Companies
Aside from ditching the flights, you can also use eco-travel companies to help put a dent in the environmental impact of your travels. There are some fantastic options out there, who will help you see the world whilst giving something back to it – and there isn’t anything more stylish than that. Do be careful though, as there are many scam companies who trade off the ‘ecotourism’ market to offer experiences that are actually harmful to the places you are visiting. Make sure to do your research before you travel, and know exactly who you’re trusting your vacation with.
Eco-Camping and Glamping
Camping might be some people’s idea of an absolute nightmare, but it’s not all portable toilets, mosquitos and face-wipes instead of showers. Glamping (glamorous camping) is the new weekend-in-the-Maldives, and it can be a unique and fantastic vacation idea. There are plenty of sites to choose from, all of which offer various models of accommodation and lifestyle. These range from family cabins with luxurious bedding – even balconies overlooking the sea or the forest wilderness – to treehouses, wagons, teepees and tents (but not as you know them). If you’re going for a slightly more rustic option, make sure to keep your glamping eco-friendly by cleaning up after yourself, and taking good care of any bonfires you might want to roast marshmallows over. Fatwood is a great eco-friendly way to start these fires, with starter wood that won’t harm the natural environment around you.
Stay Local
Of course, if you’re not heading out to the wilderness, the best way to cut down on your carbon emissions and travel in an eco-friendly way, is to stay local. Consider a city break in your neighboring city or state – sometimes you can feel a world away even if you’re actually just a few hours drive from home. You can even take the time to explore your own city or town; how many of us live somewhere for years but never take the time to see all the tourist attractions and go to the exciting restaurants and locations in our own backyard. Even if you’d rather get out to the countryside, check out sites like AirBnB for small local gems to take yourself away to and escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
In conclusion, the world may be going through some tough times, but there are always little changes we can make to help, without compromising on the things that bring you joy. Travel is an essential way to broaden your horizons and take an escape from your daily life, and by following these tips you can find ways to have eco-adventures to feel good about.