Summary
Traveling often occurs without adequate consideration of its impact. We have all been negligent at times, but as the adage goes, “When you know better, you do better…” (or words to that effect).
The discourse on sustainable travel has gained significant traction in recent years. Traditionally, the focus was on ensuring that one’s travel activities did not adversely affect the local economy, and that travelers contributed positively to the destinations they visit. Fortunately, these practices can be relatively straightforward to implement.
However, as discussions surrounding sustainable travel have evolved, numerous underlying behaviors associated with travel have come to light. These can be more complex to address, primarily due to their indirect effects on the local environment and economy.
An illustrative example of the contemporary issue of sustainable travel can be observed in places like Barcelona, where the volume of tourists exceeds the available infrastructure, resulting in inadequate accommodations to service all visitors. As a traveler, how can you mitigate such issues?
Destinations such as Barcelona attract visitors for valid reasons. However, completely avoiding these locations is not a practical solution, as this would negatively impact the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Therefore, this article aims to provide guidance on navigating these scenarios effectively.
1.) Always Research Your Destination
The first and foremost step is conducting thorough research regarding your destination. This encompasses understanding the culture, customs, or even the expected tipping etiquette, as this knowledge aids in making more informed choices while traveling.
A crucial area of focus for popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, where demand surpasses supply, is to encourage the distribution of visitors across lesser-known locales. Instead of crowding into the well-trodden parts of the city, consider exploring alternative areas that may offer unique insights or experiences.
This allows for a more authentic engagement with the city and the potential to uncover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist paths.
2.) Learn Some of the Languages
You are not required to achieve fluency, but acquiring a few essential phrases can facilitate interactions with locals.
Basic communication skills, such as greetings or ordering a local delicacy, can help bridge the gap between travelers and residents, contributing to a friendlier atmosphere.
While it may seem trivial, witnessing a local’s smile when they notice your efforts can be quite rewarding. This simple act fosters connections and encourages the sharing of recommendations that may be undiscovered by typical tourists.
Enhancing relationships with locals encourages exploration throughout the area, facilitating greater investment in the community, and thereby increasing your contribution to the regions being visited.
3.) Fund Local Businesses
This consideration holds significant weight, not just in the short term, but for the long term as well.
Regrettably, according to insights from the Travel Foundation, many major corporations secure a significant portion of their profits abroad, retaining only approximately 10% of the funds spent within the local economy. This practice disproportionately benefits large companies rather than the local communities.
During my visit to Barcelona, I sought an escape to the Mediterranean Sea and learned about Boat Trip Barcelona, operated by a devoted couple who offer sailing tours through the region. Their passion for sailing was evident, and their enthusiasm in showcasing their local area was palpable.
The experience was truly remarkable, serving as a wonderful opportunity to support local enterprises effortlessly.
4.) Try to Eat Local
This is arguably one of the most enjoyable tips, as there is no comparison to savoring local cuisine prepared with regionally sourced ingredients!
Consuming local produce not only enhances the authenticity of your culinary experience but also diminishes transportation costs involved with food imports. In essence, prioritizing local ingredients strengthens the community by reinvesting money back into the economy.
5.) Venture Outside the Hotel
While lavish all-inclusive hotels may present an appealing option for relaxation, it is integral to explore the surrounding areas to engage with the neighboring sites and local culture.
In Europe, this exploration is typically straightforward and encourages first-hand experiences, whereas in less familiar or developed regions, leaving a hotel may prove more challenging.
Whenever feasible, prioritizing safety is paramount, but embarking on local explorations, dining, and shopping at nearby establishments fosters a rewarding and direct influence on the local economy.
6.) Respect the Environment
Arguably the most critical aspect of sustainable tourism is the preservation of the places you visit. Among the most disheartening behaviors I have observed involve visitors discarding waste carelessly, an act that reflects a lack of respect (nobody would appreciate garbage littered in their homes).
Another common yet crucial practice is utilizing hotel towels more than once, as at home, one would hardly consume several towels per bathing session. This small change can reduce washing costs, energy consumption, and chemical usage, which collectively yield significant impacts.
Utilizing foot traffic or bicycles not only allows visitors to intimately experience a city but is also a more environmentally friendly option. During my excursion around Barcelona, I certainly earned the right to indulge in a large serving of churros (while supporting and engaging with the local community in a single pleasurable act).
Many cities, particularly in Italy, offer public water fountains where visitors can fill up reusable water bottles with clean, fresh water, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful plastic bottles.
Small changes in behavior can yield substantial results, particularly when multiplied across the millions of visitors exploring the same areas.
