Travel Writer Thisbe Titley outlines her top tips for travelling sustainably, highlighting global role models for ecotourism that we can all learn from
With more and more individuals wanting to adventure into new places, learning how to travel sustainably is becoming increasingly important. To travel sustainably means to minimise your impact on nature as a tourist, to respect local culture, build on your own environmental and cultural awareness, and to provide financial aid to conservation efforts and local people.
Ecotourism, a type of nature travel rapidly gaining popularity, involves travelling to relatively undisturbed locations, admiring and studying the scenery whilst adhering to these pillars of sustainable travel. One of the most popular destinations for ecotourism is Costa Rica. One reason for this is because, in spite of its size, the country makes up around 5% of the earth’s biodiversity, with over half of the land being covered in forest. Many accommodation options here are eco lodges, designed to have the least possible impact on the natural environment. Additionally, locals are encouraged to provide tours and excursions, in turn gaining financial reward for themselves and a chance to spread their culture. Released in 2019, Costa Rica’s new scheme to offset the flight emissions of visitors makes it even more desirable for ecotourists. Visitors can track their carbon footprint from home to Costa Rica on an app which then calculates the amount of money required to offset their emissions. When visitors voluntarily compensate for their carbon footprint, Costa Rica raises the funds to continue preserving nature.
Locals are encouraged to provide tours and excursions, in turn gaining financial reward for themselves and a chance to spread their culture
Following in the footsteps of countries such as Costa Rica, how can we, on our next weekend away or summer holiday, travel more sustainably? Firstly, try staying in places designed specifically with sustainable travel in mind. One such place, and one of the first to combine advanced technology with ecological conservation, is the Bawah Reserve, hidden in the Anambas archipelago in Indonesia. This area is nothing short of an eco-oasis, and a perfect example of somewhere designed for those conscious of travelling sustainably. The bungalows making up the resort are made from sustainable bamboo and recycled materials, the water used is locally sourced and solar heated, and the whole resort is fueled by renewable energy. Most importantly, the profits from this resort are directed back into the Anamabas Foundation which is dedicated to conservation and to elevating the local community. Tourists who stay here can be confident their choice of accommodation puts sustainability first, and that they are supporting local communities and conservation efforts by staying here.
This area is nothing short of an eco-oasis, and a perfect example of somewhere designed for those conscious of travelling sustainably
As amazing as the Bawah Reserve sounds, staying in an accommodation that puts sustainability first does not have to be miles away from home or break the bank. Coombeshead Farm in the Cornish countryside has a restaurant that offers seasonal and locally sourced foods. Furthermore, the farmhouse has been designed with water saving showers, and includes recycled blankets and ethical toiletries.
Camping is another great option for those aiming to travel sustainably. Many campsites prioritise being eco-friendly and promoting sustainable practices. Eco Escape campsite in South Wales emphasise their commitment to being a ‘back to nature’ site, pledging to plant a tree for every family that stays there.
Even if you aren’t staying in a place designed with sustainable travel in mind, there are plenty of other ways you can travel sustainably. Looking for tours guided by locals is important for benefitting local people first hand. Along the same vein, try booking an apartment or room directly from locals. Avoiding big websites such as airbnb means that your money is instead flowing directly into the local economy. If you are travelling around Europe this summer, bring a bottle and make use of the fountains scattered around! It is always amazing how many you can find. Another important way you can travel sustainably is by using public transport instead of taxis to get around. Sometimes this isn’t possible: public transport in a different country can be like solving a puzzle to a tourist. However, it is worth research how public transport in the country you are visiting works. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it will also save you money.
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