Many of us are now thinking about the ecological and moral implications of taking a holiday at home or abroad. Let's take a look at responsible travel, exploring how you can enjoy a great holiday with a clear conscience.
How you can be a responsible traveller
Travelling responsibly is easier than you might think. You don't have to change your entire holiday style to make some positive contributions to the environment and make sure you respect the local community when travelling in the UK or overseas.
One of the most important ways to make sure that your break is ethical and environmentally friendly is to think carefully about your carbon footprint. Flying is probably the fastest way to stamp a huge black footprint on the environment, so you should consider more sustainable ways to travel. Replace shorter flights with public transport such as ferries and coach or train travel to help reduce carbon emissions.
If you're travelling further afield, it may be difficult to avoid flying. However, there are still plenty of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the local community. Whilst the act of travelling in itself can have negative effects on the environment, it is important to remember that many people depend on tourism for their livelihoods. Simply taking advantage of hotels and travel experiences can make an essential contribution to the income of towns and cities.
Safari holidays are a great way to promote responsible tourism. Visiting nature reserves allows visitors to watch animals at a distance in their natural habitat, making them a kinder, more responsible alternative to zoos. Many safari holidays in developing countries are run by locals who earn their income through tourism, meaning a safari trip is an ecologically and ethically sound break.
Personal benefits of travelling responsibly
As we have seen, travelling responsibly is great for the environment and can have a really positive impact on people in developed and developing countries alike. What many people fail to realize, however, is that ethical travel can have important benefits for tourists as well, making it the ideal way to travel.
Reducing your carbon footprint and ensuring that you put something into local communities can make you feel really good about yourself and your holiday. The positive emotional effects of sustainable travel may help to lower stress levels and are important for your personal development. Taking public transport rather than driving whilst on holiday can help you to meet new people and is likely to give you a great insight into the local culture, whether you're travelling in the UK or further afield.
Responsible tourism could have physical health benefits. Whilst many of us like to relax and indulge in tasty local cuisine when on holiday, most people are guilty of letting their exercise regime slip away. Walking and cycling rather than taking the car not only reduces the emissions of toxic carbon gases but can also help you to keep fit, burning off holiday treats such as ice cream and cream teas! Whatever kind of holiday you choose, be sure to make it a responsible one and enjoy the benefits of healthy, guilt-free travel!
How you can be a responsible traveller
Travelling responsibly is easier than you might think. You don't have to change your entire holiday style to make some positive contributions to the environment and make sure you respect the local community when travelling in the UK or overseas.
One of the most important ways to make sure that your break is ethical and environmentally friendly is to think carefully about your carbon footprint. Flying is probably the fastest way to stamp a huge black footprint on the environment, so you should consider more sustainable ways to travel. Replace shorter flights with public transport such as ferries and coach or train travel to help reduce carbon emissions.
If you're travelling further afield, it may be difficult to avoid flying. However, there are still plenty of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the local community. Whilst the act of travelling in itself can have negative effects on the environment, it is important to remember that many people depend on tourism for their livelihoods. Simply taking advantage of hotels and travel experiences can make an essential contribution to the income of towns and cities.
Safari holidays are a great way to promote responsible tourism. Visiting nature reserves allows visitors to watch animals at a distance in their natural habitat, making them a kinder, more responsible alternative to zoos. Many safari holidays in developing countries are run by locals who earn their income through tourism, meaning a safari trip is an ecologically and ethically sound break.
Personal benefits of travelling responsibly
As we have seen, travelling responsibly is great for the environment and can have a really positive impact on people in developed and developing countries alike. What many people fail to realize, however, is that ethical travel can have important benefits for tourists as well, making it the ideal way to travel.
Reducing your carbon footprint and ensuring that you put something into local communities can make you feel really good about yourself and your holiday. The positive emotional effects of sustainable travel may help to lower stress levels and are important for your personal development. Taking public transport rather than driving whilst on holiday can help you to meet new people and is likely to give you a great insight into the local culture, whether you're travelling in the UK or further afield.
Responsible tourism could have physical health benefits. Whilst many of us like to relax and indulge in tasty local cuisine when on holiday, most people are guilty of letting their exercise regime slip away. Walking and cycling rather than taking the car not only reduces the emissions of toxic carbon gases but can also help you to keep fit, burning off holiday treats such as ice cream and cream teas! Whatever kind of holiday you choose, be sure to make it a responsible one and enjoy the benefits of healthy, guilt-free travel!
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