It’s great to travel, but we often underestimate the impact it has on our environment. Tourism has many negative effects on our planet, including pollution, destruction of ecosystems and the exploitation of natural resources. Today, more and more people choose ecotourism to reduce their carbon footprint when travelling. What has changed in the travel industry? What are the biggest trends? Continue reading to learn about six eco-travel trends that are beneficial for the environment.
1. Travelling in the off-season
Many travellers prefer to travel in the off-season to enjoy a relaxing, eco-friendly vacation. This trend can help reduce overtourism – the presence of too many tourists. Overtourism has a negative impact on the environment by destroying ecosystems and increasing waste. It also affects the local population, which sees sudden changes in their cities.
2. Supporting local economies
In addition to an eco-friendly holiday, many travellers would like to take a vacation that benefits local communities. They can, for example, buy local foods and handcrafted souvenirs in order to support local producers. To stimulate local economies, it is recommended that families run accommodations and that locally owned accommodations be chosen.
3. You can find eco-friendly accommodation
Eco-friendly accommodation is a growing trend. There are many eco-friendly accommodations and platforms to book them, including Ecobnb. The guests are looking for eco-friendly hotels that have anti-waste systems and use renewable energy sources.
4. Staycation: a vacation at home or within your city
Staycations, which originated in the United States, are becoming more popular. The philosophy behind them is to rediscover the beauty in our surroundings. You can “go on holiday” at home by taking moments for relaxation and well-being. This will allow you to recover the time lost due to your daily obligations. This is a great way to decrease the pollution that comes from transportation and also spend a vacation that will help both the environment and our mental health.
5. Discovering the local culture through tourism
Vacations are increasingly becoming mass tourism, leaving behind the authentic cultures of the locals. In recent years, undertourism has become a popular way to counteract this trend. This means taking a vacation in lesser-known destinations to discover local cultures and traditions. By avoiding overcrowding and contributing to environmental protection, tourists can not only prevent overcrowding but also escape the overcrowding.
6. Use eco-friendly transportation
Travelling is one of the most polluting aspects of a holiday, particularly if you are going abroad or to a destination far away. There are ways to make your vacation more eco-friendly, even if you have to use an aeroplane or private transportation. For short trips, electric vehicles, such as e-bikes, are becoming more popular. Many accommodations offer bike rentals or bike tours for guests to explore the natural beauty of the area. This allows one to explore the area more sustainably and enjoy it.
Take inspiration from these six eco-travel trends to make your next trip more eco-friendly.