Overtourism and sustainable travel have been in the news more frequently over recent years.
As part of a wider surge in understanding, Covid lockdowns during 2020 highlighted the impact we have, as nature reclaimed world tourist hotspots in our absence.
Increased concerns have seen real change, from “Barcelona is not for sale” protests in the Catalonian capital to a ban on cruise ships in Venice.
None of this means that we need to stop travelling altogether. But there are ways to see the world while being conscious of your environmental impact.
In honour of World Environment Day (5 June), keep reading for your look at how and where to travel this summer to explore the world while also looking after it.
1. Step off the beaten track
Many of the world’s top tourist attractions and favourite cities have been suffering from over-tourism for some time. Some have limited tourist numbers or doubled ticket prices, simply to maintain the attractions people are going to see.
Opting for lesser-known, or less frequently visited destinations not only eases congestion at the most popular sites but it gives you the space to breathe and enjoy the destination you choose.
You’ll also be giving your money to a different region that might need the tourist income usually swallowed by more heavily visited places.
Instead of Barcelona, try Girona. Rather than Venice, consider Padua to the north. And if you want to follow the South East Asian backpacking trail, head out of Bangkok and even Siem Reap in Cambodia and head to Laos instead.
You’ll have a more unique experience, avoid the crowds, and could see a more authentic side of the country you visit.
2. Slow down and stay a while
We’ve all been there. You head off for a city break or even a fortnight-long tour and come home feeling like you need time off work to recuperate. When you get away – especially if you don’t get away very often – the compulsion to see absolutely everything can be overwhelming.
But these whistlestop tours for the perfect photo opportunity mean that you only see the tourist hotspots, from within large crowds, and then you’re gone. This gives little back to the local community and might mean you miss out on incredible experiences elsewhere.
A few years ago the Isle of Skye launched a campaign urging tourists to “stay longer, see less and experience more”.
Slowing down and staying longer helps you acclimatise to the local pace of life and will likely help you to better understand the community and its people. Plus, the longer you stay, the more you’ll be doing to economically support that community.
3. Think carefully about how you travel
Tourism is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for as much as 8% of the world’s carbon emissions.
If you’re planning a staycation this summer, consider taking the train and using public transport once you arrive at your destination. You might opt for a walking holiday or “bike-packing”, allowing you to cover a wider area while getting huge amounts of fresh air and exercise.
For overseas travel, try to avoid short-haul flights for weekend trips and check out the local train options instead. For long-haul flights, consider carbon offsetting. Simply measure the potential impact of your journey using an online calculator and look for reputable projects that will help you to offset that amount.
You’ll be able to enjoy your holiday while supporting sustainability projects worldwide, helping to ensure the same opportunities are available to future generations.
4. Consider affordable hotels over Airbnb
One of the issues raised by Barcelona protestors was that the increased need for tourist accommodation has seen rents soar, local amenities replaced with expensive tourist traps, and private holiday rentals making it harder for locals to live in their city. The same complaints have been made in countless other tourist destinations from Venice to Margate.
Increasing ethical concerns about pricing out locals in favour of short-term holiday lets means that you might look again at the other accommodation options available.
Hotels can cover all budgets, and while they might not offer the flexibility of an Airbnb “whole apartment” or holiday cottages, you will be supporting local businesses that help local people find employment. Equally, you might opt for locally-owned guesthouses rather than international hotel chains, if you can.
5. Be sure to do your research
One of the main things tourists can do to ensure a great experience for tourists and locals alike is to research the area you’re travelling to thoroughly before you set off.
Be sure you understand the culture of the country you’re visiting – their traditions and beliefs, local history and ways of life, and the etiquette expected of visitors.
Learn some key phrases of the local language if you can and pay attention to local laws and safety precautions.
Many countries are economically reliant on tourism, for local employment, and to maintain national parks, sanctuaries, and protected areas. Visit these if you can and be sure to “leave no trace”.
