Flight disruptions, evacuations, and closing resorts mean travel is becoming less predictable and more stressful. And in some cases, entire destinations are at risk of disappearing due to climate change. Which is why I chose to survey you about how climate change impacts your travels, and your perceptions on sustainable travel. 

How viable is sustainable travel as an option?

What comes to mind when I think about sustainability in the past is the image of generic millennial hippies, who could benefit from giving their beards a good trim. 

Not to mention mums in their 40s, who probably survive off almonds and granola!

Imagine them teaming up to plan a holiday! Hipsters are richer than they let on, and granola is expensive. They probably would rock up in some tree house at an ‘eco resort’ in Switzerland, equipped with a spa, sauna, and a tremendous price of over £1000 a night. 

Yet, with 87% of travellers wanting to travel more sustainably, according to the Sustainable Travel Report, it is clear that travelling sustainably is something that many wish to do. This is understanding in the wake of the ever-increasing impacts of climate change, which concurrently harm travel experiences and the wonderful world that travelling connects us to. 

Thoughts on the survey results 

I would like to thank everyone who completed the survey. The written comments were particularly insightful and will be helpful for the content I create in the future. I felt quite hopeful after seeing that most had positive perceptions of sustainable travel. And whilst I understand that many who completed the survey were likely to be more knowledgeable than ‘the average person’, the more that knowledge is shared, the more confident people will become.

The direct impact of climate change 

Climate change has clearly impacted people’s travel, and an increasing number are concerned about its future impact. From the comments, it is clear that climate change can affect the comfort of specific locations, cause disruptions, and, of course, put some places in peril. 

Sustainable tourism

There were still concerns regarding the accessibility of sustainable travel, in terms of price, knowledge, and its portrayal. Sustainable travel is also incredibly nuanced. Every location has its own history, culture, and community. And what can we do when some places are grappling with over-tourism, while others require tourists? 

Climate change clearly impacts the people and the environment. Sustainable tourism is just as much, if not more, about people as it is about landscapes (although, of course, they are linked). This way, sustainable tourism is just as much about connecting with local communities as it is about lowering your own footprint.

How to practice Sustainable Travel: Short and sweet tips

Those who are less aware of sustainable travel lack the time rather than the capacity for understanding. Before starting this blog, I had very little knowledge on the topic, mainly because it wasn’t discussed and I hadn’t engaged with any relevant content. 

There are many brilliant content creators and companies that advocate for sustainable travel. Yet there are also a lot (more) ‘travel influencers’, and I think that there is scope for the online travel community to start pushing for more sustainable practices. 

Finding sustainable travel that’s not exclusive to rich people or ‘granola mums’

Sustainable travel can be for everyone, and it is never about being perfect. Instead, it is about learning together and making small steps towards positive change. 

Accommodation and activities 

There are a vast number of eco-friendly accommodations to choose from. These range from hostels and apartments to more upscale resorts. As well, there is a wide range of tour companies that strive for sustainable practices. For example, I went with Intrepid, which engages in community-led tourism and supports local organisations. You can also participate in activities that are locally led or organised by local companies. If you use Get Your Guide or a similar platform, you can often see whether the company is locally run. And if not, the company’s website is usually listed, enabling you to look there.

Means of travelling

I am not going to tell you to never fly again, because in many cases it would be impractical. Instead, it is about doing what you can to reduce the frequency of your flights. The train is often a viable alternative, offering much better views compared to travelling by plane. Additionally, spending more time in a location results in fewer emissions. Again, when shopping or eating out, look for locally run outlets. These are often not much more expensive than large chains (and they can be cheaper). 

And you won’t be wasting your time.

If you have signed countless petitions, only for nothing to change, then I understand why you might be apathetic. 

However, if you stay at a home stay or support a family-run business, you are fostering authentic connections that you will undoubtedly feel. Moreover, you know you are directly benefiting those people, even if it is just in a small way. Plus, if there is a higher demand for sustainable tourism, then more companies will cater to it. 

What next

I will begin by creating a series on Instagram that highlights specific areas related to sustainable travel. These will include how to avoid tourism traps whilst remaining safe, how to travel sustainably on a budget, and fun things you can do that are all ‘sustainable’.

Finally, thank you for taking the time to read my post. What do you do to travel more sustainably? Please share in the comments. And to ensure you don’t miss out on any further content, make sure to subscribe.