I love travelling and sharing my travel adventures with others. Still, last year we completed a 90 day SE Asia trip with 9 flights included! Since this trip I have mused about the environmental impact our increased travel has had on the environment.
Here are 5 ideas we either used or intend to use in the future to reduce our travel footprint. Each one we did use enriched rather than took away any enjoyment or ease. Maybe some or all will help you offset your travel footprint too.
Here goes.
1.We used a train or a bus for longer travel stints inland Vietnam and Laos. Such a great way to see more of a country as the bus or train sped through hidden gems of countryside, remote villages and coastlines. Enabling us to sit back and soak up unforgettable sights and views. There were great photo opportunities too.
And lets not forget the humble bicycle. These wonderful perambulator’s are commonly available to rent or borrow in most towns and cities. Think fresh air and a much more connected sense of your environment as you pedal slowly around your chosen new neighbourhood.
2. We use E tickets. Most airlines will email boarding passes and tickets. Most attractions will also email an e-ticket. The added advantage of this environmentally conscience choice is not having to carry loads of paperwork along with your passport. How much holiday time is spent searching for those paper tickets?
3. Refill your reusable drink bottle from public fountains. Its so much more healthy and environmentally friendly to carry your own drink bottle and refresh the contents. Even asking at cafes. This is especially so if you are eating or drinking in their premises. We asked for a large glass of water and poured it into our drink bottle. The wait staff were always happy to help and it opened the door to some fun and interesting conversations.
4. Book an environmental trip. For example you could volunteer at marine or animal sanctuaries. Think Orangutans or volunteering to help save turtles. Many sanctuaries welcome volunteer help. The exchange of your time can led to unexpected, life-changing experiences.
5. Buy local – local food, local wares. (Many made by local sustainable manufacturers or cottage industries). We purchased lovely, local, sustainable products in Vientiane, Laos. From a shop, (Her Works) set up specifically to support Laotian women’s economic independence.
And of course buying local food also means a trade off of enjoying tasty, fresh fruit ,vegetables, fish or meat, while being enriched by special opportunities to talk to local farmers and producers about their products. All this while contributing to their economies and consuming the best quality food.
What’s not to love!
