"Sustainable tourism must meet social, cultural, ecological, and economic compatibility criteria," according to a definition from the Forum Environment and Development in 1999. As a sustainable traveler, you should therefore adapt to the local culture, minimize your environmental impact, experience nature, and support the quality of life of the local population.
But let’s assume that you really want to be in harmony with the environment, yet sleeping in a meadow under the stars is not your thing. And suppose you love to travel far, but not necessarily on foot. Let’s also assume that you would buy regional products on vacation, but no one – not even you – appreciates your cooking skills. No worries! If this sounds like you, you still have the chance to become an exemplary sustainable traveler!
You can travel sustainably to any destination without sacrificing comfort. Of course, you should prefer ground transportation if your destination allows it, or ideally use CO2 compensation options for your flight. But you can also be a more conscious and thus more sustainable traveler on-site. You just need to be more curious, relaxed, and attentive. How?
- Prefer to use local transportation such as buses and trains – this way, you'll see much more of the country and its people;
- Eat local food in restaurants to experience the typical flavors of traditional dishes;
- Book a homestay or guesthouse to get a glimpse into the life of a local family. If you don’t want to give up international standards, you can still choose a hotel chain with recognized sustainability labels like Green Globe or EarthCheck.
- Explore your destination with respect and basically only do what you – as a decent citizen – would also do in your own country.
Sounds simple and obvious? Perfect! Because this behavior not only enriches you personally but also supports the local people and all future generations. Be sustainable!