How to Travel Sustainably on a Budget

Today we want to share with you something special:

10 Simple Ways to Save Money and Practice Sustainable Travel

When the end of “sustainable tourism” started circulating in the travel community, some myths arose that sustainable also means expensive. I believe that there are many eco-friendly hotels around the world that offer ecological accommodation and high-impact resorts, but they are just the iceberg point. Sustainable travel means establishing a balance between the environmental, social, and economic aspects of tourism. This means valuing local experiences, supporting goals that protect the environment, minimizing waste, expanding the economic development of communities most affected by tourism, and preserving resources.

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel in the country because is synonymous with love; of course, traveling in a sustainable way is cheaper. Supporting the economy of life could provide a much more enriching experience and provide large-scale samples for people, while the ecological resources guarantee that more travelers can approve them in the future. Besides, the approaches to sustainable travel can be applied in any place, even if the world travels in the street.

Opt for Locally-Owned Accommodations

With few exceptions, sophisticated resorts are almost always more expensive and tend to generate more waste. Instead, put your money directly into local pockets by reserving rooms in smaller, family-owned accommodations like inns or even campgrounds. Don't be afraid to search for hostels, which are more likely to be owned by locals and where you are less likely to be forced to pay expensive resort fees. Just as you should research the safety and quality of a local hostel or lodging in advance, take the time to examine their responsible tourism strategies as well.

Buy from Farmers Markets

Local farmers' markets are a sustainable traveler's dream. In one go, you're supporting family farming and the local economy, eating healthier, and often saving money, all at the same time. One of the indirect benefits of shopping at a farmer's market comes in the way of protecting the environment, as transporting food over long distances emits more CO2. When you buy your own ingredients at a farmers market to make some meals, you are saving a ton of money by not eating out.

Choose Public Transport Instead of Car Rental

Car rental is responsible for some of the biggest expenses while on vacation, and airport car rental counter costs are by far the worst. Consider hidden fees and insurance costs, and you'll have a good chunk of your travel budget. There are definitely places where you need to rent a car, but sustainable travelers should always look for opportunities to reduce pollution by using public transportation, renting bikes, or walking instead of driving. Another option is to rent the car for just part of the trip to save money, gas, and parking fees. Research your destination's public transportation and how to get around beforehand to be prepared.

Travel During the Middle Season

We've all heard of high and low season when it comes to travel destinations, but what about the time in between? It turns out that the mid-season after the busiest time of the year and before the slower has a lot of hidden benefits. A destination's low season generally coincides with its worst weather, while peak season brings large crowds and consequently higher prices to meet demand. The seasons give travelers the best of both worlds, as the weather often hasn't completely changed and organizations are starting to offer better deals. Economically, you are saving money while supporting local businesses during a less profitable time of year and not increasing overcrowding or resource depletion during peak seasons.

Choose not to Fly

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air travel is responsible for three percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to grow as the tourism industry recovers and expands. Choose Other means of transport other than flying when possible, such as trains or buses to get from point A to point B. Especially in places like Europe with well-organized train systems, traveling by train is almost always cheaper (and much more enjoyable) to fly. If you want a place accessible only by plane, consider purchasing carbon offsets to reduce emissions elsewhere. Regardless of which transport you choose, try to pack as light as possible to avoid baggage fees and lighten the load.

Support Natural Conservation Areas

National parks and nature reserves have many sustainable advantages. In addition to offering a low-impact attraction that minimizes negative effects on the environment, access to natural preservation areas is inexpensive (and many have annual pass packages). By paying the entrance fee, you are supporting the organization's conservation efforts and contributing to its continued protection. For animals, be sure to select legitimate wildlife sanctuaries that work to rescue, rehabilitate, and return wildlife to the wild. For zoos and aquariums, make sure they are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Visit Museums

Museums play an important role in a destination's heritage and history, which is why they are often sponsored by government grants or private donations to help keep admission costs low or free. Adding a museum to your travel itinerary promotes a greater understanding of the destination's culture and supports local jobs. Likewise, there are numerous tourism agencies that organize cultural events for free or free of charge, helping to promote cultural preservation and supporting local artists.

Stay in The Same Place for Longer

Slow travel refers to when visitors spend more time in a single destination, rather than jumping from one place to another as quickly as possible. The latter option may mean seeing more must-see attractions on your bucket list, but it may not be as rewarding for a travel experience. Oftentimes, when travelers focus on seeing as much as possible in a short space of time, this can lead to over-tourism and overcrowding at popular tourist destinations. They may end up spending extra money on transportation and supporting multinational companies online to save time. On the other hand, travelers staying in the same location are more likely to venture out of busy, dense tourist spots and explore smaller, locally owned businesses, reinvesting money in the community.

Stay Close to Home

Consider staying closer to home for your next adventure trip, as domestic travel is responsible for fewer emissions than international travel. Also, international travel is expensive, so much so that we often spend months or years planning and saving for it. Instead, visit a nearby small town or a local attraction you've always wanted to see; It's amazing to see the local treasures that we neglect in favor of great international travel. It's affordable, takes less time, supports neighboring communities, and doesn't require expensive passports or visas. Perhaps best of all, you will find a new hidden gem.

Don't Forget your Reusables

Any regular traveler will tell you that he was forced to buy a $ 5 bottle of water at the airport at one point or another. Reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, portable utensils, and cloth bags come in handy for shopping or dining out, while avoiding expensive single-use items on the go. Buying a travel-sized, reusable, refillable container for cosmetics, beauty products, and toiletries is also a great investment for sustainable travelers. Plus, you won't have to spend extra money on those disposable bottles that contribute to plastic pollution.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Tips to Travel on a Budget

Source: Tess Florio

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