The Sustainable Traveler’s Pact
There’s no denying that COVID-19 put a stop to the globe, halting everything from business and economies to flights and basically the entire tourism industry.
We’re all very aware of our downtown, counting down the days until we can finally be free again. But, what does “free” actually mean, and at what cost?
Before COVID-19 nearly everyone was a jet setter and country hopper, taking full advantage of affordable air travel and a well-funded global economy. Anyone could afford to go pretty much anywhere, so they did— even if that meant just for a weekend.
We got really comfortable with the ease of travel, but now that we have time to reflect and understand how unsustainable our travel practices were, will we change?
What needs to change about traveling
As frequent and full time travelers, I whole-heartedly believe that we have a responsibility to better care for our Earth. Plus, we owe more to the local communities who work so hard to make our stay as safe and comfortable as possible.
We see and experience the world the most, calling so many places our temporary or repeated homes, yet we— collectively— rarely give back.
So, how do we give back to Bali, Koh Phangan, Lake Atitlan, Sayulita, Ella and Goa for housing so many full time travelers? We are all madly in love with this lifestyle and want to continue exploring, but what practices should we throw out and which ones should we adopt? How can we be better?
The three pillars of sustainable travel
Sustainable travel sits on three major pillars: environmental, economic and socio-cultural. So, sustainability in travel isn’t just about being eco-friendly, but also includes the welfare of the local people and economies.
Environmentally, we have to not only help preserve the environment, but also make sure there are plenty of resources for future generations.
Economically, we have to be conscious about spending our money in the local economy, as opposed to putting it in the hands of foreigners who will take their profits overseas.
Socio-culturally, we have to be aware of the impacts of over-tourism and the negative impacts of tourism in general, and actively respect and preserve the cultures of the places we visit.
To be a sustainable traveler, it’s necessary to actively travel with these pillars in mind. The old way of traveling is gone — traveling is no longer a selfish experience to knock off as many bucket-list items as possible.
The new and conscious way of travel...
Instead of traveling being a one-way road and only beneficial for the traveler, it’s time we understand that tourism, if done right, can provide local economic growth and financial freedom.
As travelers, we have all had profound experiences, been absolutely touched by different cultures and customs, and have gained so much consciousness, clarity and happiness from traveling that we couldn’t possibly imagine a life without it. Traveling makes us feel free; it’s liberating to go to somewhere completely new and outside of your comfort zone.
Since we are all so romanticized about travel (and madly in love with the lifestyle), then we must make a pact right now to be better travelers. We must extend to the world the love and respect it has given us.
Let’s make a pact…
You are more powerful than you think and by collectively changing how we travel, we can still enjoy our adventures while preserving the environment and enhancing the economic opportunity of the places we visit. This power is right in the palms of your hands.
So, let’s make a pact. Say it with me— when I go back to traveling, I promise:
To take as little flights as possible and take less harmful modes of transportation when available to minimize my carbon emissions.
To volunteer in the destinations I call “home” by signing up with an organization, independently doing my own beach/park clean ups, and/or donating to organizations who will continue enhancing the community after I’ve gone.
To reduce my use of single-use plastics as much as possible by packing my own reusable water bottle, coffee cup, Tupperware for street food and reusable utensils. I will also be more mindful of my single-use cosmetics and either refill or use package-free alternatives.
To spend my money only in the local economy, even if that means asking every shop, restaurant and tour owner if the business is owned locally. I will be diligent in my commitment to keeping my money in the local economy.
To avoid ingenious cultural commodification that exploits culture for profit
To avoid dangerous wildlife tourism, ie riding an elephant, dolphin encounters, taking a photo with a caged/sedated tiger.
To respect local customs and cultures, even if they are far different from my own, i.e. covering up once you’ve left the beach if that is the local custom to do so.
To never say “yuck” or “ew” to a local food, especially if it is served to me.
To never forget that I am a guest in these countries and am grateful to be welcomed with such open arms.
To represent myself on behalf of all travelers, to meet every person with kindness, respect and gratitude, as I represent every traveler and every traveler represents me.
When traveling, you should ask these basic questions: is it locally owned? Does it employ local people? Is it eco-friendly? Does it contribute to the local economy? Does it impact or exploit the local culture?
Changing how we travel is crucially important to uphold sustainable tourism. With a little more effort and consciousness, your travels can still be beneficial for yourself and less of a burden on the environment and local communities.