Explore the world without harming the planet—or your wallet!
Travel is the perfect antidote to everyday stress. By visiting new places and meeting different cultures, we can make priceless experiences which open our mind and grow our resilience.
However, traditional tourism is also one of the biggest responsible of carbon emissions and pollution.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), 2030 transport-related carbon emissions from tourism are expected to grow 25% from 2016 levels, representing an increase from 5% to 5.3% of all man-made emissions.
Statistics reveal that 80% of travelers visit 10% of the world, causing overtourism in those hotspot areas. This damages natural and historical sites, and has a negative impact on local communities and the environment. While escalating prices and noise levels, endless queues and pollution, ruin everybody’s sightseeing experience.
The good news is that there has never been a better time to start travelling more sustainably, and we can do that while also saving money.
As always knowledge is our best ally when choosing to follow greener practices to travel sustainably on a budget. Anybody can follow our cheap eco-friendly travel tips on how to plan a more sustainable trip without breaking the bank.
Choose your transportation wisely
. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2010651146/>.
We have so many options when choosing how to travel: that’s why it is important to weight the pros and cons of different modes of transportation for each specific trip.
The plane is usually your best option for long distance journeys, and if you do your research and are a bit flexible on dates you can find good deals on tickets. To make your flight more environmentally friendly, you can use a flight comparison website committed to offset your carbon emissions. You can find a carbon footprint calculator here.
For shorter trips, travelling by car is better than travelling by plane, in terms of carbon emissions. You can go even further if you do car-sharing – the environment and your wallet will thank you.
But the prize for the greener transport options goes to trains, ferries and buses, and they are the perfect solution especially for shorter trips.
. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/94508307/>.
Choosing an alternative to the car or the plane does not only help you reduce your carbon footprint and make your travels greener; it also reduces air pollution, and it provides an opportunity to slow down and approach the travel experience in a different way, more in contact with cultures and nature. Not mentioning that walking, cycling or taking the train, ferry or bus is usually cheaper. You can read how I used the subway to travel sustainably in New York on a budget here.
Plan your adventure with sustainability in mind
If you like having your holidays booked with a travel operator, choose companies that priorities sustainable travel practices, like Earthwatch. There are also websites dedicated to find you local travel guides to make your trip truly unforgettable, like https://www.localeur.com.
If you prefer to DIY when travelling, there are a number of useful apps which can help you customise your trip and make it more connected to nature and respectful of the environment and the cultures you are going to meet. Check out Komoot, FairTrip and INaturalist if you need some inspiration.
Eat and drink green
When looking for food, you can find vegan and/or vegetarian restaurants using apps like HappyCow. There is even an app which will tell you where to find local fresh produce. If you are thirsty, drink tap water when it is available and safe to drink – and yes, there is an app that can help you do that too.
Refillable water stations are increasingly available to the public all around the world, especially in big cities: don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle! You will have free water from the tap, wherever available, and you won’t need to buy single use plastic bottles or overspend in drinks to stay hydrated on the go. If you can’t find potable water, buy and use large bottles for refills: that way you will still reduce plastic use and cost.
Choose a sustainable stay
. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2018645842/>
Accomodation is such an important element of any trip, and your choice can have a big impact both on your budget and the environment. You can find eco-friendly stays in websites like Ecobnb. Or if you are more adventurous you can join a home exchange community like this one.
Travel light
If you want to travel sustainably on a budget, learn to pack and bring with you only the essentials. You will save a good chunk of money on your ticket if you take the plane: most airlines will charge you significantly less if you have only a cabin bag. Having to carry less baggage around will also make your travels more enjoyable. And if you end up having some room left in your suitcase, you can join initiatives like Pack for a Purpose and donate essential supplies to whose in need around the world.
Follow our cheap eco-friendly travel tips when planning your next trip. You will set yourself for an unforgettable, yet affordable, journey of discovery: always in harmony with nature and respectful of new places and cultures.