In honor of Earth Day, tips to make your travels more sustainable

Trek through rugged mountains, dive into the depths of the ocean or soar into the endless skies. There is no better way to embrace the majestic beauty and wonder of our planet than through travel and exploration. And, now that spring has officially arrived, warmer weather will attract more and more visitors to get out and see and experience the wider world.

However, the greenhouse gas emissions produced by our modes of transportation, the plastic debris carelessly scattered by tourists, and the potential damage to countless natural ecosystems also make travel a pursuit that can have untold impacts on our already endangered environment .

In honor of Earth Day this April 22, multinational travel service provider Trip.com Group offers several tips to environmentally conscious travelers to help them minimize their impact on the planet’s fragile natural balance: Reduce your travel footprint and start More sustainable travel.

1. Participate in a carbon offset program

With the aviation industry responsible for at least two percent of global CO2 emissions, it’s crucial to consider our carbon footprint when choosing air travel for your next vacation. Choose direct flights whenever possible, as each flight consumes the most aviation fuel during takeoff and landing. Use tools to monitor the carbon emissions generated by your flights and explore carbon offset solutions that support projects that mitigate, capture or prevent carbon emissions equivalent to your air travel footprint.

2. Consider train travel

Generally speaking, rail travel is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, making it ideal for sustainable travel. In addition to being environmentally friendly, traveling by train can provide a peaceful and enjoyable experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the scenery while avoiding the hassles of busy airports or unfamiliar roads. So when planning your next journey, explore the available train routes.

3. Rent an electric car

Road trips offer unique independence and immersion in their surroundings while allowing travelers to enjoy the sights and stops along the way at their own pace. Whether traveling in a group or enjoying the solitude of traveling alone, the flexibility and autonomy of road trips make them ever popular. But obviously, gasoline engines produce a lot of emissions, which is why choosing an electric vehicle puts individuals in a better position to reduce their carbon footprint. Although the manufacturing and charging needs of electric vehicles still generate emissions, their operation can achieve zero exhaust emissions, helping to reduce air pollution. With the expansion of the charging station network, it is becoming more and more convenient to charge electric vehicles while driving.

4. Bring your own toiletries

With annual plastic production exceeding 380 million tons, the prevalence of microplastics poses a major threat to environmental health and all life on Earth. The theme of Earth Day, “Planet and Plastic,” emphasizes the urgent need for action, with a target of 60% reduction By 2040, plastic production will achieve this goal. The approach also aligns with a growing push by restaurants to eliminate single-use plastic toiletries in favor of refillable and reusable containers.

Eco-friendly air travel. (Photo credit: tinyakov/Adobe Stock)

5. Support local communities

Interactions with local communities can provide insights into their relationship with the earth and local environment. Choosing to stay at local hotels, eat at locally owned restaurants, and buy from local artisans can not only enrich your travel experience, but also stimulate economic development in the areas you visit. Other sustainable practices include respecting local customs, protecting natural resources and supporting the area’s environmental programs, which are all important steps in protecting a destination’s cultural heritage and ecological integrity.

6. Go to hidden gems

Overtourism is a phenomenon characterized by the influx of too many tourists into a particular destination, which can strain local resources, damage fragile ecosystems, and make life difficult for local residents. Researching and selecting lesser-known destinations and hidden gem attractions can take the pressure off major tourist hotspots while also promoting a more authentic travel experience and creating a more balanced tourism industry. Travelers can use TripGenie, Trip.com’s built-in artificial intelligence travel assistant, to discover new and off-the-beaten-path restaurants, accommodations, attractions and points of interest.

7. Limit business travel emissions

Environmentally friendly practices should not be limited to leisure travel. As in-person business meetings resume post-pandemic, business travel is once again contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions. However, more and more companies are taking steps to minimize their carbon footprint through strategies such as opting for virtual meetings, creating carbon budgets for business travel, and encouraging employees to be environmentally conscious.

8. Share your experiences

This probably won’t be a hard practice to adopt since everyone is sharing their travels on social media these days. By sharing photos and descriptions of the places you see, you can inspire others to get involved in protecting these destinations. However, in doing so, you must be aware of the impact your posts may have on your audience and only share information responsibly. Do not geotag sensitive or vulnerable locations, respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance from yourself and the animals, and promote this responsible behavior to your audience.

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