The good news is that sustainable travel is on the up in 2019 but - while we all want to be travelling smarter, fairer and more aware - just how do we go about it? We asked the eco-tourism experts for their tips on how we can all be travelling in a more sustainable fashion this year and beyond.
Do Your Research
The obvious way to start is by informing yourself so that you know exactly what your money is going towards when planning a trip- and don't be afraid to defer to the experts for advice.
"Choose a travel company that has a proven track record within the industry and that will tailor-make your travel," says Joss Kent, the CEO of sustainable travel organisation &Beyond. "The most important thing to look for is transparency, with most reputable travel companies quite happy to provide additional information when asked."
And what exactly should you be asking for? "Examples of the company’s conservation and community initiatives, which should be clearly stated and have formal goals and objectives that can be easily measured," Kent tells us. "Conservation and wildlife management are an exact science and companies that take this seriously are likely to have carried out research studies, either on their own or in partnership with other organisations."
Support Local Communities
A fundamental factor in sustainable travel is that the local community benefits from its visitors "by ensuring that they are given a stake," says Kent. "Look for travel companies that share economic and social value with local communities. Elements to look at are whether lodge operational expenses are sourced from small local business and if properties employ local people."
"Travellers who spend their money on local businesses can have great positive impact on the places they visit," agrees Eytan Elterman, co-founder of Lokal. "Look for locally owned hotels, tour operators, and sustainable awards/certifications when planning a trip. By leaving money directly with the communities, travellers can help preserve fragile environments and local cultures."
...And Natural Habitats
"If you want to see wild animals thriving in their original habitats, then you need to support those habitats," says Kent from &Beyond. "Travelling is a wonderful way of doing this. Until a guest comes on safari with us and sees a rhino in the bush just a few feet from them, it might be hard for them to identify with the cause. But after that experience, many guests become ardent conservationists. Be prepared – travel is a life changing experience, and ignites a passion to explore and delve into authentic experiences."
Again, it's crucial to use a trustworthy organiser in order to ensure the ethical and conservational practice of the organisation. "You might think your elephant experience in Thailand is harmless, but do you really know the background of the company and how they’re treating the animals/where they sourced the elephants from?" asks Max Sinclair, founder of Eco Companion. "If in doubt, you can speak to Eco Companion's eco experts who are always happy to do research for you at no charge."
Where to Stay
Choosing your accommodation is an opportunity to invest in the community and economy, so look to locally-owned guesthouses and bed & breakfasts. "This could mean staying in a family-owned lodge on the edge of a lake, rather than a multinational hotel or resort," says Justin Francis, CEO of Responsible Travel.
How to Get Around
Cutting down on your carbon footprint when travelling is difficult, but there are ways to do so - such as looking for the shortest flight path to your destination and using public transport where possible for longer journeys when you arrive - and even more when it comes to getting around the local area. "Explore a new destination on foot or bike rather than being tempted to use cars or taxis to get around," advises Eco Companion's Sinclair.
What to Buy (And What to Avoid)
"Support local economies by shopping small, with independent local businesses who source their products locally and sustainably rather than at large hotel chain gift shops," says Louree Maya from Kynder. "Lodgings, restaurants, coffee houses and sweet shops, who take extra care of people and the planet, are worth investing in."
And what should you avoid?
"When gift shopping, be aware of materials used because some things could be made of cruelly sourced and unsustainable products, such as coral or turtle shell," says Sinclair. "And when it comes to packing, don't buy travel minis (shampoo/conditioner etc) - it's cheaper and better for the environment if you pour from a larger bottle into a reusable smaller one."
