16 Easy Ways To Be A Better Tourist, Make A Positive Impact And Play Your Part In Making Travel More Sustainable

Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering new experiences, diverse cultures, and memories that last a lifetime. However, as we explore the world, it’s important to do so responsibly by embracing sustainable tourism practices. After all, it’s estimated that tourism and travel accounts for roughly 8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it a bigger polluter than the construction industry according to Nature Climate Change. Another interesting stat is that air travel accounted for only about 12% of that GHG total. So important as it is to reduce our flying, there are lots of other small, meaningful changes that collectively have a big impact. Here are 16 easy ways to be a better tourist and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly travel experience.

1. Look For A Published Sustainability Policy

When booking accommodation, choose places with a clear and published sustainability policy. Better still, choose a business that is certified in sustainability. Either way, that business’s sustainability policy should be easily found on their website or social media. In other words, vote with your feet and use your tourism spend to support businesses that care for the world around us. Businesses that are certified or that credible published sustainability policies are committed to reducing their environmental footprint and actively engaging with the local community. This ensures your stay benefits both people and the planet. Furthermore, employees that you encounter should be willing and able to chat about the sustainability policy; this shows that the policy is not just lip-service but is embedded in the business

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2. Act Like You’re Paying the Bills

Be mindful of your energy and water usage during your stay. Reuse towels, minimise sheet changes and turn off lights and air conditioning when not in use. These small actions can significantly reduce your environmental impact. And remember that water is incredibly precious in many of the places that we tend to go on holidays.

3. Try To Fly Direct

If you need to fly, aim for direct flights and consider taking fewer, longer trips instead of multiple short ones. This reduces the number of take-offs and landings, thereby lowering your carbon footprint. Try not to be tempted by that cheap flight that has one or more stop-offs. And a longer trip allows you to contribute more to the local economy and get to know the local culture better too.

4. Use Public Transport

When you arrive at your destination, wherever possible, opt for public transport, or better yet, explore on foot or by bike. This not only reduces your environmental impact but also allows you to connect more closely with the places you visit.

5. Support the Local Economy

Choose locally owned accommodation, dine at local restaurants and spend your money where staff are treated fairly. The longer you stay in one place, the more your spending benefits the local community and economy.

6. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

Carrying a reusable water bottle and avoid buying bottled water. Many destinations now offer water refill stations, making it easy to stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste. And don’t assume that local water is not drinkable. Ask a local before you buy water.

7. Practise Leave No Trace

Always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles: pick up litter, leave natural objects like shells and flowers where you found them, and never trample on sensitive environments such as sand dunes. Stick to paths and adhere to signs. These practices help keep natural areas clean and beautiful.

8. Use Sustainable Travel Apps

Download apps that make sustainable travel easier. Apps like BlaBlaCar for ride-sharing, Refill for finding water refill stations, and Bikemap for discovering cycling routes can help reduce your environmental footprint while travelling.

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9. Explore Local Culture

Visit local cultural attractions, national parks and cultural shows and exhibitions. Your entrance fees support conservation efforts. If there are no fees, even your footfall will flag the attraction or natural site as something to be protected and worthy of government investment. And your trip is likely to enrich your travel experience too!

10. Connect With Locals

Spend time interacting with locals, perhaps over coffee in a local café using real crockery, or by taking the bus alongside them or shopping where they shop. These simple, authentic experiences can provide deeper insights into the local culture and way of life. If you’re staying in a resort, remember there are real communities outside so go visit them!

11. Minimise Food Waste

Food waste is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Be mindful of your food choices, order only what you can eat, and don’t hesitate to take leftovers home from restaurants. And beware the buffet. It can be a huge source of food waste because with so many options, humans tend to put too much on our plates! Try and remember that you can go back for a second helping!

12. Reduce Meat Consumption

Cutting down on meat consumption, even by one day a week, can make a substantial impact on your carbon footprint. A vegetarian or vegan meal once a week can save up to 143kg of CO2 per year. Try and bring this nugget on your holidays!

13. Take Short Showers

Water is a precious resource, and conserving it is crucial. Aim for shorter, one-song showers to save water and reduce the energy required to heat it. Another nice tip is to turn off the water while you lather up. And never shave in the shower! Use a small amount of water in the sink. While we’re on the subject of water, turn off that tap while you brush your teeth. An easy peasy way to save water!

14. Think Before You Buy

Before purchasing new items for your trip, consider borrowing, sharing or renting what you need. For example, does every person need a full set of ski clothing that sits in their attic for 51 weeks a year? Taking this approach will reduce waste and support a more sustainable lifestyle. And as for souvenirs, try and buy locally made items that support the local culture and economy. And it goes without saying – avoid plastic! And maybe do a double think on whether the item is worth buying in the first place or is it just another thing that will gather dust at home and ultimately find its way to landfill.

15. Keep Secret Spots Secret

If you discover a hidden gem during your travels, consider not sharing too much detail on social media or geotagging it. Keeping quiet about a lesser-known beauty spot can helps preserve their natural beauty and a possibly very delicate landscape. And it can prevent such a spot from becoming overwhelmed by too many tourists without any warning or preparation. Far too many special places have succumbed to fates like these.

16. Travel In The Off-Season Or Shoulder Season

If you travel in the off-season or shoulder-season, you’ll be helping to extend the season in the area you visit. This can help to improve the quality of jobs and job security for those working in an industry that can sometimes only supply seasonal jobs. And you may just have a more peaceful trip too!

Conclusion

Becoming a better tourist doesn’t require drastic changes; it’s about making thoughtful, sustainable choices that respect the environment and local communities. By following these tips, you can enjoy your travels while contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. To pinch and adapt Anne-Marie Bonneau’s famous quote about zero waste, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste sustainable tourism perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”