The word ''sustainable" is on trend. But what does it mean in relation to travel and how does it apply when you are planning your vacation?
Sometimes the word sustainable can seem a bit confusing or broad. Terms like eco-friendly, and green get thrown around loosely, but what does it mean when you travel? In relation to travel it generally refers to practices that are mindful of the travel destination and the community of people, plants, and animals that live there.
Over the years, mass travel to popular tourist destinations has left a negative impact on the local environment. Historical sites are tarnished, and the local people groups experience a poorer quality of life. With an average of 1.4 billion people traveling each year it's become an issue we cannot ignore.
HOW DO WE TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY?
In order to offset these tourist damages, there is a call to action to travel more consciously.
Just like in sustainable consumerism, every purchase we make has a direct impact to our world.
The same applies with travel. Be more mindful of your purchases- from your hotel, travel gear, tours, to your meals as you travel, it all has an affect on the whole of communities worldwide. The more you shop local as you travel the more you help the communities you are visiting. How much plastic are you using and discarding during your travels? To be conscious of your travel decisions will give you more peace of mind, and help better the planet.
When the travel world stopped traveling during COVID-19 it allowed us to pause and reflect, to not be in such a hurry to a new destination. There are many destinations that need a little more attention than others. The affect of COVID-19 on tourism has made a ripple in the economy and now more than ever is the time to be conscious of our footprints.
If you need help discovering a new destination or want to build a sustainable itinerary, travel companies like Jaden Allen Travel can give you the tools you need to travel consciously.
An example of a beautiful destination that could use your help, is Belize. There you can stay in an Eco Lodge, as well as help re-build the second largest coral reef in the world while earning your PADI diving license at the same time time. It's a win win for you and for the environment.. and what we call Sustainable travel.
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