A Guide to Sustainable Travel

With more hotels going green these days, it's easy to support eco-friendly initiatives when you travel. We can multiply this effort by doing our bit- take showers instead of long baths, re-use the towels and remove the room key to disable the lights and air-conditioning when you are stepping out of the hotel. Natural resources are finite and we should only consume what we need. Reduce, reuse and recycle should be our living mantra even when on the road. 

For the extroverted, homestays and camping make good green options too. 

Reduce your carbon footprint where possible. Rather than renting cars, going on foot or on bike gives you an upclose experience and also a good workout! Find a local operator who can arrange for such specialty tours and avoid taking part in any unethical tours that exploit the nature or wildlife. By doing so, you help to further protect the environment and the well-being of the local people. 

If you have to travel by car due to the distance, rent a hybrid or an electric vehicle which uses less fuel and produces less carbon emissions. 

Visit a farmers market or a Sunday bazaar. This is one of the best ways to observe local daily life. By buying their fresh produce and locally-made products, you are proactively supporting their livelihood and investing in their future. When it comes to eating and shopping at their local stores, be just as adventurous and giving. 

Remember to bring along your own reusable bag and say no to plastic bags to minimise environmental impact. 

Take time to understand the culture so you can bring back the knowledge and share it with others. Check out classes where you can spend a few hours or a few days learning about cooking, wine making, coffee roasting, music, art, language, just to name a few. 

Some of these classes are run by indigenous artisans or social enterprises to raise funds. So while you are picking up a skill or two, you are also improving the lives of others and supporting good causes. 

If you are inspired to plan for a green vacation, here are 5 sustainable travel destinations that we highly recommend for an authentic and transformative experience!

Peru

A dream destination for adventurous and eco-conscious travellers, this South American country is home to the Amazon and its plethora of flora and fauna. Hike up to the world-renowned Inca Trail and be rewarded with the spectacular ancient city of Machu Picchu. Get away from it all at the secluded Tambopata Ecolodge nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest as you spend the night surrounded by sights, smells and sounds of wildlife.

Borneo, Malaysia

Asia's largest island is a popular destination with nature lovers. While continued deforestation continues to harm Borneo's orangutans, travellers can do their part by working hands-on in Kubah National Park to help improve the living conditions of this beloved species. After that, rest and recharge at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, recognised for its minimal impact on the environment. 

Bhutan

Explore the country's largest conservation zone at Wangchuck Centennial National Park or discover the wildlife at Eastern Himalayan conservation complex. Mingle with the locals when you check into villagers' homes or eco-lodges. There is plenty of eco adventures to be had in Bhutan, from visits to remote villages to guided treks through the Himalayas.

Slovenia

Famous for its alpine eco tourism, Slovenia boasts eco-friendly public transport, gorgeous green spaces and sustainable tourism policies. Its capital, Ljubljana, has 542 square metres of public green space per resident, while green spaces are still being created from degraded urban land. No wonder then it was named European Green Capital of 2016.

Galapagos Island

See wildlife upclose at these volcanic islands where some 90 per cent are protected national parks to protect the ecosystem. The Islands' conservation relies on volunteers to help restore natural habitats and maintain crops. If you're curious in the local ecology, make a stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station national park. While travellers are recommended to stay offshore to conserve the Islands, you could rent boats to experience local marine life.

Even though we don't usually associate our holidays with sustainability, travel is in reality a huge industry that contributes to environmental impacts.  The responsibility to travel sustainably lies with each of us and we can determine what we eventually leave behind for our next generation. 

The next time you plan for your travel, explore ways to reduce your carbon footprint and support the local businesses and community. Afterall, it is possible to explore the world in all its beauty and still leave the place better than you found it!