Travel news
A trend for responsible travel has been gaining traction for the past few years.
But now the topic has even greater urgency. There are more of us on the planet and we have a growing lust for travel, so how can we make it work?
While the pandemic has wreaked havoc with holiday plans, it has also provided us with an opportunity to stop and consider how we might explore and appreciate our world in the future, while keeping it pristine for generations to come.
Experts suggest there will be a shift to travel in a more sustainable way, reducing carbon footprints and protecting the environment and ensuring host communities are rewarded economically. Here’s how to put the thinking into practice.
Businesses on the brink
Some countries rely heavily on tourism. Without visitors, many businesses face collapse, and travel bans as a result of coronavirus have already resulted in a loss of jobs worldwide. Safari holidays are a fine example of travel as a positive force, where employment of local people in camps and related activities provides an incentive to protect both the environment and wildlife.
Indy instincts
One way to ensure communities benefit from tourism is to stay in independent eco lodges and family-run B&Bs. Spending money by visiting restaurants and cafes also helps boost a country’s economy.
Plane crazy
We all know air travel has a detrimental impact on the environment; up until last year, aviation accounted for 2% of global CO2 emissions. But sometimes, planes are the only means available to reach a destination.
Set a personal limit for the number of flights you plan to take in a year and choose direct routes where possible.
On the right track
Public transport might be a source of Covid-related concern in the short term, but longer train journeys could shape a future of slow and meaningful travel. And sometimes the journey is the destination, with epic rail routes. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Italy’s famous floating city is a classic that is taking bookings for next year, and you only need to factor in airfare one way.