Sustainable Travel is Both Socially and Ecologically Responsible

Sustainable travel really has no universal definition. It's more of a mindset of caring and respecting local people as well as the environment. Many people are already somewhat engaged in sustainable tourism by avoiding the crowds and major tourist destinations. It's mindful travel that advocates treating others as we would like to be treated, whether traveling domestically or abroad.

The idea also evolves around leaving the travel destination (both the people and the environment) unchanged and perhaps better upon departure. As travel places lose their identity. - like traveling across the country or the around the world for that matter, only to have nearly the same experiences as those in our own backyard so to speak.

A major theme in sustainable travel is to really get to know the local people and their own idiosyncrasies. And this can best be accomplished by staying off the beaten path, so to speak, and choosing instead to visit outskirts and more outlying areas away from metropolises.

For instance, most people are very tied to mobile devices for communications and convenience. And nearly all of these toys require batteries, albeit miniature. As a sustainable traveler, the right thing to do is make sure the batteries and other disposables return home with us and not dumped of left behind at the travel destination. Disposables are anything including plastic, glass, and aluminum, etc.
- At a minimum, find a recycling center where these and other items like newspapers are more responsibly discarded.

Sustainable travel basically follows that age-old saying "Waste not, want not. For example, when staying at a hotel, don't leave on electrical items (like the TV or the lights) when not in use.

Further, instead of always taking a taxi or driving everywhere, jump on public transportation, or ride a bike, or simply just walk. (I know, egad!) Try it, you may come to like it.

In a different vein, try to purchase or barter exchange items that are important to the sustenance of a particular culture. And when making a purchase, lighten up a little and offer a fairer price instead of a hard push for a bargain.

Some alternative travel ideas that help in raising awareness around sustainable travel are river cruises, archeological tours, anthropology tours and even volunteer tours. These can be far more memorable and fulfilling than (another) trip at a popular theme park. (Don't get me wrong, theme parks are fine destinations) But responsible travel starts at home. Find out if the travel agency and destination facilities have conservation policies and hire majority of local residents, etc.
Hopefully, more and more people will become savvy by actively seeking those companies that readily support sustainable travel.

By Dee Boston