How to Be a Sustainable Travel

The priorities of travelers everywhere have changed, and sustainable travel has emerged as a growing trend as travelers seek to lessen the environmental impact of tourism. To stay relevant, leaders in the travel industry must learn the meaning of sustainable travel and make changes to meet the expectations of conscious travelers. Sustainable travel means maintaining long-term tourism without negatively impacting natural and cultural environments. The goal of sustainable travel is to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and ideally be beneficial to the area where it takes place.

As travelers and tourists, we need to take responsibility for advocating sustainable travel and tourism. As we work towards better, more sustainable travel, here are some tips for ways we can make a change:

Choose a Sustainable Destination

Many destinations are gallantly reducing their carbon emissions. Most notably is Costa Rica. Sustainable tourism is a significant industry in Costa Rica and the ambitious goal of the national tourism industry overall. While some sectors engage in “greenwashing,” using misleading marketing to make trumped-up claims about environmental friendliness, Costa Rica does the opposite. The country has developed a series of organizations and certification programs to ensure that its sustainability is the real deal on every level.

Respect the Local Culture

The most effective method to show appreciation for the place you visit is to respect their way of life. Before you decide to visit, spend time researching the history and culture – acknowledging all aspects of the location and its residents. When visiting religious buildings, this is essential to dress appropriately – many places require guests to adhere to dress codes. It’s also beneficial to research the dates and be aware of any significant events taking place during your stay.

Check Your Stay’s Credentials

It’s no surprise that many lodging businesses stick an eco-friendly badge on their page without having the policies to prove it. Still, official environmentally conscious companies will proudly discuss their procedures online. If you’re unsure of their stance, there’s no harm in asking questions such as: Do they promote and collaborate with local businesses? Do they make efforts to give back to the community? And Have they created wildlife habitats on their land?

These are just a few ways you can be part of the solution as a traveler. As tourism recovers, we have an opportunity to start things fresh and choose a more sustainable path forward.

About Blake McCoy

Forever curious — Blake McCoy has built a successful career as a broadcast journalist by traveling to new places, seeking out new people and questioning everything. Even the biggest news stories start with a tip or hunch. A journalist explores it from all angles until a story takes shape. That boundless curiosity is what makes travel Blake McCoy’s favorite pastime.

Blake McCoy’s career often takes him to exciting new locations covering events as they happen. Journalism rewards curiosity. In his off-time, Blake McCoy channels that innate curiosity into travel with assignments he gets to choose himself.

A California native, Blake McCoy grew up outside Los Angeles. His first travels were to explore new beaches, attend summer camp in the mountains of Big Bear and on weekend trips to places like Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Catalina Island. As a teenager, Blake McCoy relocated with his family to Nevada and a small town outside Las Vegas rich in history. Founded by the federal government in the Great Depression, Boulder City was built to house workers constructing the Hoover Dam. Today, that dam creates Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, responsible for generating power and allocating water for three states — Nevada, Arizona and California.

Pick up some travel insight and glean some tips from Blake McCoy by visiting his blog page for the latest updates and information!