Sustainable and Conscious Travel on a Budget: Embracing the World Responsibly
By: Gina Cambridge
"Travel far, travel wide, but leave behind a trace of love for every mile you journey."
- Gina Cambridge
Welcome, wanderlust souls, to a journey that transcends borders and embraces the ethos of
sustainable and conscious travel on a budget. As avid or budding explorers, we can understand
the transformative power of travel, but we also must recognize our responsibility towards the
planet and its communities.
In this blog post, we embark on a quest through four essential areas: #1-planning, #2-packing, #3 research, and #4-products, to help you enable planet and community friendly travel adventures.
So let's illuminate your path with some affordable ways to travel sustainably and conscientiously. Let's embrace this adventure together while leaving behind a trail of positive change.
Here are little ways we all can make an impact for change…..
1. Planning
a) Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Seek accommodation that embody sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycling programs. Check out websites like Green Key, EcoBnB, and BookDifferent to guide you towards environmentally conscious havens that align with your values. Also read the “about” section of accommodation websites to get a feel for their ethos.
b) Opt for Off-Season Travel: Unlock the true essence of your destination by traversing its wonders during off-peak seasons. Not only will you evade crowds and inflated prices, but you will also alleviate the strain on local resources and infrastructure, fostering a more authentic and immersive experience. Personally, my favorite travel season.
c) Consider Slow Travel: In a world brimming with rapid itineraries, slow travel beckons us to savor the beauty of fewer destinations. Embrace this mindful approach, allowing yourself to truly connect with local cultures, reduce your carbon footprint, and support the economies of the places you explore. There are some great options to broaden your slow travel itinerary with work exchange programmes like WOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), WorkAway and HelpX, or volunteering. These are fabulous ways to embrace local customs and culture but also give back to the communities you are traveling in.
2. Packing
a) Pack Light and Efficiently: Seek a trusty companion, be it a lightweight suitcase or a sturdy backpack, that minimizes weight while maximizing space. By shedding unnecessary baggage, you reduce fuel consumption during transportation, fostering a more eco-friendly voyage. Remember, versatility is the key—pack clothing that can be layered and reused, alleviating the need for excessive items and laundry. Once you embrace carry-on, if possible, you will never go back. Refining your packing style is liberating, as how many times have you “over packed” for your adventures?
b) Bring Reusable Items: Arm yourself with eco-warrior essentials—a reusable water bottle (a must), utensils (like eco-friendly straws or say no to plastic straws in your drinks), and a cloth tote bag—to conquer the war against single-use plastic waste. With these loyal allies by your side, you can effortlessly quench your thirst, savor local delicacies, and carry cherished souvenirs without succumbing to disposable alternatives.
c) Use Sustainable Toiletries: Treat yourself and the environment with respect by embracing travel-sized toiletries that are free from harmful chemicals and boast eco-friendly packaging. Seek out biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste, or embark on a solid toiletries revolution to curb plastic waste and champion sustainability. Remember, some countries don’t have treated waste water systems, with many chemical products going back into the ecosystem.
3. Research
a) Support Local Communities: Unearth the gems that lie within local businesses, restaurants, and tour operators who champion sustainability, fair wages, and cultural preservation. By integrating with the fabric of the community, you nurture its well-being, ensuring your footsteps leave a positive and lasting impact.
b) Seek Eco-Tourism Activities: Embark on a voyage of discovery that champions the preservation of nature and supports responsible tourism. Seek out eco-friendly tours and activities that celebrate conservation efforts, protect wildlife, and honor the delicate balance between humanity and the environment. Through these experiences, you not only learn about the local ecosystem but alsocontribute to sustainable initiatives. Check who the companies are owned by and their “ethos” or mission statement, make sure they do not exploit animals.
c) Respect Cultural Sensitivities: In the realm of travel, cultural exchange is a sacred dance. Honor the customs, traditions, and social norms of your destination. Be respectful, even if you don’t fully understand the customs, talk to a local and try to understand. Adorn yourself in appropriate attire, embrace a few local phrases, and embrace cultural sensitivity. By doing so, you forge connections and promote mutual understanding, allowing the tapestry of humanity to flourish. Believe me you will get treated differently when you show cultural understanding.
4. Products
a) Choose Sustainable Transportation: Embrace the path less traveled by opting for public transportation, cycling, or walking whenever possible. Step into the shoes of locals, reducing carbon emissions and immersing yourself in the heartbeat of your destination. If the need for a car arises, consider a hybrid or electric vehicle. And for longer distances, explore train or bus options that whisk you away on eco-friendly adventures through scenic landscapes. Support local drivers if there is no alternative option.
b) Offset Your Carbon Footprint: When the skies beckon, and air travel becomes a necessity, embark on a journey of redemption by purchasing carbon offsets from reputable organizations. These noble efforts fund projects that combat greenhouse gas emissions, allowing you to soar with a conscience that whispers of balance and harmony. Check with your airline of choice for what they offer.
c) Use Eco-Friendly Travel Accessories: Equip yourself with sustainable travel accessories, the guardians of our planet's fragile ecosystems. Embrace bamboo toothbrushes, solar-powered chargers, and reusable silicone travel containers. These steadfast companions minimize waste, preserving resources while ensuring your comfort and convenience. With so many amazing brands out there today, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
To “pack” this up…..
When planning your next trip let us all embark on a collective journey where sustainable and conscious travel intertwine with budget-friendly exploration. By weaving the threads of planning, packing, research, and products, we create a tapestry of responsible wanderlust. This is our planet to share together but also care for.
These are some wonderful tourism values we embrace here in New Zealand, but should be carried as part of your travel toolkit anywhere in the world;
Kaitiakitanga
The guardianship and protection of our natural, built and cultural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.
Manaakitanga
Showing respect, hospitality, generosity and care for others.
Whanaungatanga
A relationship through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging.
So, gather your belongings, tread gently on this Earth, and set forth—embrace the world sustainably, one conscious step at a time.
And happy travels!
-Gina
Where you can find me in the world: A New Zealand-Kiwi born with Croatian,Scottish & English roots, I grew my passion for travel later in life, after my own personal transformational travel experiences at 40. I wanted to share these experiences and empower other women to regain their confidence and also build friendships through travel. I am an animal lover, dog Mamma, DIYer and Wanderlust Crazy. I facilitate and empower women's transformational travel through my Retreats and Travel Coaching.
You can find me hanging out here:
Wanderlust Solo Women Tours: https://wanderlustsolowomentours.com/
Solo Travel Tribe community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WanderlustMomentum/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/WanderlustSoloWomenTours
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlust_momentum/
