Sustainable Travel: 5 Tips for the Responsible Traveler
What’s one “good” thing that came out of 2021?
A renewed emphasis on sustainability. During the pandemic, companies' actions were closely scrutinized. As the economy slowed due to the lockdowns, every company's commitment to social responsibility – or lack thereof – was on full display. People noticed which companies cared and which did not. These observations resulted in a record $12.2 billion in ESG fund investments. As travel restrictions loosen and the tourism industry seeks new adventurers, this new value is reshaping our perceptions of travel. Traveling sustainably isn't a fad. It's just one of many ways the pandemic has altered our lives. Here are five suggestions for embracing sustainability on your next international trip.
5 Tips for More Sustainable Travel
According to National Geographic, 42% of Americans are willing to put sustainability ahead of other considerations when travelling. But what exactly does that imply? To different people, sustainability means different things. There are numerous factors to consider when travelling, ranging from environmental concerns to how tourism affects local residents. Sustainability is a broad term that refers to actions and preferences that help us meet our own needs while also meeting the needs of those around us.
On your next trip, here are five ways to embrace that.
- Choose Alternate Ways to Travel
According to studies, aviation travel accounts for 3% of total CO2 emissions. That may seem insignificant until we consider that flying is a far less common mode of transportation than automobiles. Despite this, a round-trip flight from LAX to Bangkok emits just over three tones of CO2, which is less than a single car emits in a year. As a result, a lot of people are reconsidering flying to their next destination. Consider taking the train, bus, car, or even a motorcycle the next time you go out. Here are some pointers to get you started:
• Travel at a slower pace. You don't need to use fast modes of transportation if you're not in a hurry. Getting on a train or bus is also an adventure in and of itself.
• Travel as if you were a local. Do you see a lot of motorcycles in your neighborhood? Bicycles, for example. These modes of transportation are frequently not only less expensive and more convenient, but they are also more environmentally friendly.
• Take advantage of shared rides. Look for ways to share the ride with others as much as possible, from songthaews to shared taxis
2 Dispose of the Disposables
Did you know that we use one million plastic bottles per minute as a society? The vast majority of them do not go through the recycling process. Of course, you can replace more than just plastic bottles. Replacement of disposables with high-quality and durable alternatives can help keep your travel sustainable, from utensils to clothing.There is, however, one caveat to this. Refrain from throwing everything out and replacing it right away. Instead, reuse it until it's no longer usable. Then swap it out for something better. Similarly, avoid purchasing "travel clothes" that are solely for the purpose of adorning your suitcase. The fashion industry not only pollutes heavily, but it's also possible that the clothes you're wearing are inappropriate for the climate or culture you're visiting. Then, guess what, you throw them away.
3. Go Digital As Much As Possible
It’s super easy to go digital these days with everything from your tickets to your accommodations. With the internet becoming ubiquitous, many places are turning to digital modes of operation to lure tech-savvy tourists. That’s even more true after the pandemic, thanks to an increased interest in contactless transactions. Going digital is, therefore, both better for the environment, and safer. We recommend that you:
- Download apps for services that you use to make it easier to access paperwork
- Opt for e-visas when they’re available
- Send digital postcards
- Get digital brochures or brochures you can return when finished
- Use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay whenever possible
4. Get an eSIM
SIM cards may be small, but they pack a punch with the environment. According to the International Card Manufacturers Association, a single SIM card puts about 50 grams of CO2 into the atmosphere during manufacturing. That’s because the creation of a single SIM card requires PVC plastic, aluminum, and even precious metals. That may not seem like a lot, until you consider that some two billion of them get manufactured every year for smartphones alone.Getting an eSIM is one of the single best things you can do to help offset this. Instead of picking up a local SIM card everywhere you go (many of which will be single-use), download data packages onto your eSIM-capable phone before you head out on your adventure. That ensures you stay connected, have access to all your travel apps, and aren’t contributing to carbon emissions.
5. Skip the Souvenirs
Americans can bring up to $800 worth of goods back into the country duty-free... But, seriously, can you imagine stuffing your suitcase with that many trinkets?Souvenirs are appealing, but they come with a slew of drawbacks. They could, for example, be made from hazardous or illegal materials. It's not uncommon to come across stolen artefacts, as many unscrupulous dealers are aware of the high demand for them in the West. So, at the market, avoid the souvenirs section. No, we're not talking about picking up broken pottery from a historic site or bringing rocks home from a protected beach. Instead:
• Instead of shopping, take photos
• Sign up for unique experiences and tours
• Choose one or two small, thoughtful items from local vendors
Embrace a More Sustainable Way to Travel with Airhub
Sustainable travel has become a major focus of both travelers and the travel industry, but it’s not just a trend. Like with most changes inspired by the pandemic, it’s here to stay. We’ve covered five ways you can introduce sustainability into your next trip. From choosing your mode of transportation to your tours and souvenirs thoughtfully, you can enjoy yourself while respecting the needs of the people, culture, and corner of the planet you visit.
You can click on the link below to view and “Buy” any of the above Global eSim Data Plans:
If you have any issues and need support, you can always contact the AirHub team at support@airhubapp.com
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