Travel is a fantastic way to explore new cultures, try new cuisines, and make memories you’ll never forget. Despite the beauty of travel, it causes significant environmental problems due to carbon production. Finding a balance between exploring the globe and supporting sustainable tourism is crucial to curtail the effects of climate change.
Exploring conscious travel experiences is an excellent starting point in your journey to learn about the best eco-friendly tourism activities. It’s the best path toward learning about the planet without causing damage to it.
The good news is that you’ve come to this in-depth guide to the five eco-friendly tourism experiences to try and practice. Continue reading to do your part for a clean and healthy planet today!
1. Go For a Nature Hike
One of the best ways to stay active while exploring on your vacation is by planning a scenic hike for you and your family. Eco-tourism and hiking are some of the top ways to learn about the ecosystems at your destination and their importance.
The vistas throughout the hike will provide incredible views that will take your breath away and give you a new appreciation for the nature around you. Look for resorts and hotels that are located near areas with hiking trails. You’ll have your pick of the trails to explore for bird watching and learning about the local flora and fauna.
Holding yourself accountable while on the trail and practicing conscious travel tips is critical. An excellent way to do your part is by carrying a reusable water bottle on the hike. You’ll limit litter and waste in nature by eliminating plastic bottles.
You can also pack your snacks in biodegradable packaging to limit the litter and damage you cause on vacation. Avoid disposing of waste on the trail, and consider picking up any litter you encounter to help manage pollution and harm to nature.
Nature hikes are the best of both worlds for sustainable tourism. Practice these essential tips to enjoy nature while making a difference.
2. Try Sustainable Ocean Activities
If you’re visiting an ocean destination during your travels, look into the best sustainable ocean activities for adventure and a new perspective. Your vacation can turn into an opportunity to volunteer overseas. Volunteer work could take you to Utila in the Caribbean to help baby sea turtles, or it could involve beach cleanup after a hurricane passes through.
Sustainable ocean activities are fantastic because they fill a sense of adventure without causing damage to the living things around you. Seeing marine life in its natural habitat will give you a new appreciation for its importance and beauty.
Ask about volunteer opportunities if you’re visiting an island or coastal region. These opportunities could lead to reef cleanup, diving, and paddleboarding. Eco-friendly boating is another option for tourism activities to try. The boat will take you to spaces to watch for whales and other marine creatures.
The most critical thing you can do when seeking tourism activities is help with beach cleanup. You’ll eliminate harmful plastics that create dangerous situations for the local environment. Many communities on the coast rely on the ocean for their livelihoods, and you can make a difference by cleaning up after others.
3. Visit Historical Landmarks
It’s best to ask about historical landmarks for educational tourism activities at or near your destination. The landmarks will tell much of the stories of the local people.
Visit the cultural center and museums to learn about local customs and heritage. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the local community’s way of life.
Historic buildings are an excellent starting point for your sustainable tourism needs. These buildings are another insight into the destination’s past. Walk or bike through historic neighborhoods to view street art and monuments.
Another memorable way to practice conscious travel is by shopping at local markets. Buy your souvenirs from local markets. Purchase goods that are hand-made by local artists.
Most of all, look for opportunities to join community events. Volunteering at a local cleanup event will provide a learning experience while building bonds with the locals.
4. Eat Fresh Local Food
No matter who you choose to travel with, try to eat and enjoy local and fresh food. Eating locally sourced meals helps farmers near your destination. It’s also a potent way to reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the need to travel for your next meal.
Another bonus to consider when using conscious travel tips for your next vacation is the health benefits of eating fresh food. Eating organic foods frequently will lower your risk of developing allergic diseases. The local produce is fresh and often pesticide-free for a healthy and flavorful dining experience.
5. Find a Green Resort
The last challenge to overcome when converting to sustainable tourism activities involves finding green places to stay during your trip. The place you choose to stay is another opportunity to help the environment. The best resorts and hotels work in tandem with the nature around them.
You want to find a place to stay that looks after the natural world in the region. Explore your options for amenities to ensure a memorable and comfortable stay at the resort. Options like hot tubs and infinity pools bring you close to nature while providing a luxury travel experience.
Look for a resort or hotel option with an owner working to reduce the carbon footprint. Supporting eco-friendly practices is one of the best tourism activities to use when attempting to make a difference.
The places you choose to stay are part of responsible travel. Find eco-friendly lodges for a top tourism experience.
Try These Tourism Activities Today
Traveling causes a larger carbon footprint, a significant drawback and concern for millions of travelers. Learning to enjoy eco-friendly tourism activities helps you forge a strong bond with the locals while limiting or canceling the damage your time there will cause. Go for a hike and volunteer for cleanup activities to leave your mark during your stay.
Travel is built around exploring and capturing the essence of new places. Explore our travel guides and content to book a flight to your next destination today!