Making Your Holidays More Sustainable in 2022 – 10 Unmissable Tips for Adventurers

**Collaborative post**

As the pandemic hit in 2020, the world’s emissions dropped by a sharp 10% in just a few weeks. Of course, such a dip in CO2 emissions was due to exceptional circumstances that drastically reduced the number of vehicles on the road, holiday making, and air travel overnight. 

However, that unique moment in history showed us the impact that the tourism industry can have on the environment. Now, nearly 2 years after the pandemic hit, most travel restrictions are being lifted, and we are all looking forward to packing our luggage and going on holiday. 

While this is a special time of the year that you should enjoy with your loved ones, you should also keep in mind that your actions do have an effect on the local ecosystem. Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to still enjoy a wonderful holiday – just one that is a little more eco-friendly! Let’s look at the must-know tips below. 

Stay Close to Home

One of the best strategies you could use to reduce your emissions and enjoy a greener holiday is to stay closer to home. This strategy allows you to avoid those damaging long-haul flights, be more comfortable, and discover the hidden gems just a stone’s throw from your house. 

Of course, this does not have to mean that you have to give up the luxuries you were looking forward to. Even if you are only staying just a two-hour drive away from your home, make sure to find the best holiday for families with kids, luxury stays, and delicious restaurants. 

Learn More About the Hotel You Are Staying At

Before booking a room at a local hotel, you should consider checking out what they are doing to protect and safeguard the local environment. An excellent starting point would be to check out the hotel’s website and learn more about its CSR policy. 

However, make sure to dig a little deeper than that! Indeed, recent surveys have found that over 80% of hotels have a CSR policy in place – but not all of them achieve concrete results.

Don’t forget that you can always call the hotel and ask them what to expect in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental efforts. 

Travel by Public Transport

Travelling by public transport and avoiding flights or taxis can help you significantly reduce the carbon emissions you are responsible for during your travels. 

While it might take you longer to reach the destination you have in mind to visit, travelling by bus, train, tram, or ferry can help you enjoy the surroundings and feel like you are already exploring from the moment you are out of your house. 

Don’t Support Damaging Initiatives

Many countries are heavily reliant on tourism, so much that they might be looking for all kinds of initiatives to entertain tourists and charge the price of an attraction. In other cases, some outdated initiatives continue to attract attention. 

Ultimately, before visiting a place and engaging with initiatives such as animal tourism you should check the company offering the experience. This is a simple step to take, but it can truly help you find experiences that you can fully enjoy on your travels without having to worry about hurting the planet or affecting animal welfare. 

Invest in Sustainable Travel Gadgets

There are thousands of gadgets that allow you to reduce your environmental impact while abroad and add a touch of style to your travel outfit. For example, you might consider canvas bags or a personalised travel mug to avoid having to buy plastic cups and bags. 

Or, you could be investing in solid toiletries, packing cubes, and travel towels. These items can help you travel lighter and be ready for any adventure. Just make sure you actually need what you are buying! Indeed, the most eco-friendly choice is always to use the items that you already have. 

If you are getting ready to go on holiday, this might just be the best time for you to check your wardrobe and bring back to the surface items that have been lying there for a while. In case there are items that you really don’t have but need, check out used and second-hand platforms such as Vinted and Depop.

Plan a Hiking or Glamping Trip

If you are looking for the most eco-friendly type of holiday, consider going on hiking, camping, or clamping trips. These holidays encourage you to spend time outdoors, be more respectful of the surrounding environment, and strengthen your relationship with nature. Just make sure to find a destination that is not so far from your home and suitable for your levels of fitness and expertise. 

If in doubt, consider asking local hiking groups to share the best hikes, walks, and camping locations with you. They might also help you better understand how to prepare for the trip ahead. 

Be Respectful of Local Customs

Each country you visit will have different customs, traditions, and cultural elements. Make sure to keep in mind each country’s customs! Doing so will allow you to take part in the local’s daily life, avoid offending the people around you, or damaging the area by mistake. 

While this might take you some time before your departure date, you should consider researching your destination before leaving your home. 

Support Green Destinations

Some destinations, such as Iceland and New Zealand, have been regularly investing in sustainable development for years. Because of this, these countries are today in harmony with nature and produce a limited amount of carbon emissions. 

While your own country might still be far from achieving these goals, you can show support towards sustainable development by visiting these countries. 

Opt for Eating Local and Plant-Based

Choosing vegetarian or vegan diets is always the best way to reduce your environmental impact and emissions. Whether you are at home or abroad, eating plant-based foods can help you enjoy the local cuisine without worrying about the impact of your food on the planet. You might also consider eating local and cooking dishes at home instead of eating out. 

Travel Slowly

Slow travel gives you the chance to make the most of your trip while also limiting the impact that your travels might have on the environment. Try it today!