7 Ways You Can Travel Responsibly and Protect the Nature

Over the years, many new travel trends have emerged. However, the one trend that has gained immense popularity and is very relevant in the modern context is ‘ecotourism.’ It is essentially a way to travel, enjoy all the things you normally do as a traveller, yet cause no or minimal harm to mother nature.  

To minimise the harm that the tourism industry causes to nature, and maximise the good it does, many governments and travel companies adopt and promote this concept to benefit the tourists, locals, cultures, and the overall global ecosystem. With World Ozone Day around the corner, let us learn to adopt certain basic practices to travel responsibly and protect nature. 

Before, we go down to listing down the tips on how you can be a responsible traveller, and contribute to protection of mother earth, let us understand what World Ozone Day is.

What is World Ozone Day? 

The ozone is a thin layer of gas that shields the earth from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Thus, it plays a critical role in preserving life on earth. With the threat of the ozone layer depletion due to the commonly used chemicals in our daily lives and the carbon emissions, the UN (United Nation) declared 16th September as the International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer. 

Tips for responsible travelling 

•     Avoid buying animal product-based souvenirs
•     Give it back to the local community
•     Be at home in your hotel
•     Carry your own water bottle
•     Use public transport 
•     Book a non-stop flight
•     Stay at a eco-friendly resort or hotel 

Avoid buying animal product-based souvenirs 

When you go to a new place, you may want to take some tangible memories of the place back home by buying souvenirs. But, be conscious about what you are buying. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether the product you wish to buy is made of animal skin, shell, etc. So, it is best to avoid buying objects that are made from wildlife. If the buying stops, killing of animals and illegal trade will stop too.  

Give it back to the local community 

Another great way to be a responsible traveller is to be a volunteer. It allows you to travel to new places and serve the plant at the same time. While you visit any place, you can work with the local charitable organisation or NGO that works for the cause that is dear to you, and do community service.  

For example, if you like teaching, you can collaborate with an NGO that works for the upliftment of street children or the children whose parents are imprisoned. Or you can work with any global organisation and help in cleaning the local beach or community, etc. The opportunities are endless. 

Be at home in your hotel 

When you are staying in a hotel, act like you are at home. So, avoid getting clean towels, when not needed, don’t take long showers, switch off the TV, AC, lights, etc when you leave the room. Sure, you are not going to pay the hotel’s electricity bill, but you are adding to the carbon footprint. You may do all this at home, why not do it while travelling as well? 

Carry your own water bottle 

You may be aware that plastic is nature’s greatest nemesis. The plastic bottles account for a huge amount of waste that end up in the ocean. So, when you travel, it is advisable to carry your own water bottle. You can refill the bottle whenever, and avoid wasting plastic cups and save money on buying water bottles.  

Use public transport 

Responsible travelling doesn’t require any special efforts. All you need to do is be mindful of your actions, and think of the consequences on nature. Simple steps can have a massive impact. For example, instead of booking a cab, use carpool to get to the airport from home.  

Do a bit of research about the transport facilities in your destination and see how you can reduce the carbon footprint. Instead of renting a car, ride a train or bus. Alternatively, walk as much as you can, it would be the fastest way to get around in big cities. Besides, walking is good for health  

Book a non-stop flight 

Flights burn the maximum amount of fuel during take off and landing. So, you can contribute to protecting nature by booking a direct or non-stop flight. This will significantly help in reducing the amount of carbon released. Besides, booking a non-stop flight is beneficial to you. You can avoid the hassles of transfer, and you can reach your destination faster. 

Stay at an eco-friendly resort 

When you book your stay, look for an eco-friendly resort or hotels that are eco-sensitive. If you are travelling within India you can book your stay at Club Mahindra. These resorts have adopted a slew of eco-sensitive practices into their everyday activities that has made tourism to these locations greener and nature friendly.  

So, now you know how to be a responsible traveller, follow these tips, and help protect nature as you continue to enjoy travelling.