Traveling increases your carbon footprint and may not go well with sustainable living. However, this should not stop you from doing what you love. After all, eco tourism is fast becoming a trend and more eco-conscious people are joining together to facilitate sustainable travel and tourism programs. This allows people to travel and explore the world with minimal impact on the environment.

According to National Geographic there are 3 pillars of sustainable tourism. These include ~ protecting cultural and natural heritage, employing environment-friendly practices, and providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities. Here are a few tips and tricks on how you can travel without harming nature or adding up to current climate issues:

Travel Locally

You consume less energy when you do local travel. That is why advocates of sustainable travel highly encourage this. Book a local hotel staycation or plan a weekend at the local park or museum. Or you can explore a trail nearby for an afternoon of family hike. You can even take the little ones to the local library to experience something new. Imagine the possibilities and the wonders you will discover as you explore local treasures and attractions. If traveling far cannot be avoided, though, New York Times suggests you opt for more sustainable destinations.

Skip the Plane

Traveling by plane can sure add up numbers on your carbon footprint. You can avoid this by skipping the plane altogether. Opt for the train and join other travelers as you explore a destination at a much slower and relaxed pace. Try to book a flight once a year, if flying cannot be avoided.

Refuse Single-Used Plastic Bottles

Bring your own water bottle to skip the plastic ones. Think of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Yes, that huge mass of human trash that stretched for thousands of miles in the North Pacific Ocean. They include innumerable plastic bottles and are destroying an entire marine ecosystem. These plastic bottles are doing irreparable damages to nature and will live on long after we are gone.

Bring your Own Eco Bag

Avoid other types of plastic, including plastic bags. Bring your own eco bag to put your stuff in and decline the plastic bag. Bring other sustainable products, too, like utensils and  hygiene products made out of bamboo, to totally avoid their plastic counterparts.

Book for an Eco-Friendly Accommodation 

More eco resorts and hotels are opening up to support sustainable travel and cater to the swelling numbers of tourists. Book for those that tap renewable energy and implement measures to help preserve nature. Should you need expert advice or related legal services, go for trustworthy and reputable names, like Douglas Healy.

Support the local Community

Support local communities by purchasing locally-made crafts or produce. These products may not come cheap, but they generate extra income for the locals. This allows resident artisans to put food on the table and keep the local culture and traditions alive. You can also support the community by eating at the local restaurants. Have a gastronomic adventure trying out local delicacies.