Travel Light and Live Longer: 5 Ways to Achieve Eco-Friendly Travel

It might not be Earth Month currently, but we’re always thinking about ways to protect our Earth; especially during our travels. Whether traveling for enjoyment or work, the practice of eco-friendly travel should be considered essential for all travelers since this concept isn’t a trend, but rather a way of life. If we’re always reducing, reusing and recycling while we’re participating in our everyday lives, why can’t that be converted to a practice on vacation, in someone else’s homeland?

AIG Travel, a world-wide leader in travel insurance and assistance services found in a 2017 consumer research poll that sustainable travel is “very important” or “somewhat important” to the travelers they surveyed. This got us thinking more in depth about what we can do as travelers to better our Earth. AIG’s poll on sustainable travel found that 62 percent of respondents assigned the responsibility of traveling sustainably to the “travelers themselves,” so as an agent, you can take the lead with your clients and help them plan an astonishing eco-friendly experience.

Here are five achievable ways to protect the environment while traveling.

1. For starters, if you’re heading to the airport and already struggling to carry your luggage or backpack, the turbulence is only the beginning of worries for your flight. Start by packing light so that you decrease your carbon footprint. A lighter backpack leads to lighter items in the plane, meaning less fuel will be used. After all, this is a vacation not a power lifting competition.
2. When you’re traveling, why not complete sightseeing on foot (or wheels)? Chances are the metro, train or bus pass will be way cheaper than a taxi ride across town. Rent a bike and get active! Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Sure it’ll take longer, but it’s all about submerging yourself into the host country’s culture, isn’t it?
3. If it’s hot and humid, hydration is key. Bring a Camelback or personal refillable water bottle or coffee cup. Now you’re able to refill and stay hydrated, while looking way more fashionable than spending your Euros on a plastic bottle. Skip the straw too, while you’re at it.
4. Stay at an eco-friendly resort or hotel. It’s easy no matter where you’re traveling: domestically or internationally.
5. Eat and shop local. This is more authentic already and the food will be grown locally so you’re helping local farmers earn recognition and a living.