Conscious travel:
How to make a real impact
In a world where travellers are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, the appeal of conscious travel has skyrocketed. But what does it actually mean to travel sustainably, and how can travellers ensure that their choices make a real impact without falling prey to the dreaded “greenwashing”?
Despite the growing popularity of eco-conscious travel, navigating this terrain is tricky. While many accommodations and experiences boast sustainability, a closer look often reveals that some businesses are better at marketing their eco-friendly credentials than practicing them. As travellers become more eco-aware, they must also become more alert.
How to choose sustainable accommodation
The allure of eco-lodges, solar-powered resorts, and organic farms is strong. But picking a truly conscious stay goes beyond falling for buzzwords. Many travellers make the mistake of choosing a hotel based on surface-level "green" initiatives, like opting out of towel changes or offering recycled toiletries.
Genuine eco-accommodations will go beyond this, using renewable energy, recycling wastewater, or offering locally sourced meals that reduce the carbon footprint of imported goods.
To start, one of the best ways to ensure you're picking the real deal is to look for third-party certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, or the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). These standards exist for a reason; they ensure that accommodations adhere to sustainable practices, from minimizing energy use to protecting biodiversity. However, beware: not every hotel labeled as “eco-friendly” undergoes such scrutiny. Some accommodations throw around eco-friendly labels without genuine commitment.
As a rule of thumb, if a hotel doesn't offer transparent details about its sustainability practices, it's worth looking elsewhere. A legitimate eco-accommodation will share specific information about its water usage, energy sources, waste management, and community involvement, ensuring that you can verify their claims.
Supporting local communities: a critical element of conscious tourism
One of the most overlooked aspects of conscious travel is its potential to uplift local communities. While large, foreign-owned hotel chains are often well-marketed, they rarely contribute much to the local economy. In many cases, they siphon profits away from the destination, while local residents are left with low-paying jobs or, worse, are excluded from the tourism benefits entirely.
Choosing locally-owned accommodations is a powerful way to counter this trend. Not only does it keep the money in the local economy, but it also stimulates community pride and encourages the preservation of local traditions and crafts. For example, small eco-lodges in Spain or Portugal that rely on local labor and suppliers help spread the benefits of tourism beyond the tourist hotspots. These, also family-run, suppliers use solar energy, grow organic produce, and in their turn promote the local culture as well. So travellers enjoy an authentic experience on multiple levels, connecting them directly to the region while ensuring that tourism benefits stay within the community.
Travel as a cultural bridge
In a world increasingly divided by politics, travel can be a tool for enhancing mutual understanding between different cultures. When done thoughtfully, it allows us to step outside our own bubbles and engage with others on a deeper level. This exchange of ideas and traditions leads to empathy and sympathy.
However, all too often, tourists end up in over-popular destinations, engage only in superficial interactions, and contribute little to local culture. To counter this, conscious travellers are stepping up by actively booking experiences with local guides, learning about the region’s history, and spending time in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Resulting in more authentic and meaningful interactions.
How to choose wisely
- Do your research: Look beyond marketing slogans. Research the property’s energy use, waste management, and community involvement. Are they certified by a reputable environmental organization? What percentage of their staff are locals? Do they support local charities or conservation projects?
- Check reviews: Reviews from other travellers, especially those with an eco-conscious focus, can provide insights into whether an accommodation is truly walking the talk.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the property or tour operator and ask about their sustainability practices. If they can’t provide specific answers, that’s a red flag.
- Think locally: Wherever possible, choose locally-run accommodations, restaurants, shops and experiences. These businesses are more likely to reinvest profits into the community and contribute to cultural preservation.
A more thoughtful way to travel
Conscious travel is more than just a trend: it’s a necessary evolution of the tourism industry. When done right, it can benefit both the planet and its people. By carefully selecting eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses, and engaging with communities in meaningful ways, your travels contribute to a better world!
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