What is Sustainable Travel?

We get asked this a lot and well, let's dive in and see what it means to us.

At DPP Travel, “sustainability” is more than a buzzword or a passing trend. It’s something we are committed to supporting, especially when it comes to travel.

But what is sustainable travel, exactly? If the concept seems fuzzy to you, you’re not alone.

In a nutshell, sustainable travel aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism and maximize the positive ones.

For example, the destruction of natural resources is a substantial negative impact often caused by tourism. On the other hand, tourism money can help protect the local environment when appropriately managed.

It’s a far-reaching issue that requires collaboration between the travel industry (hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, etc.) and travelers themselves.

Fundamentally, sustainable travel comes down to the choices we make … choices that respect and benefit the local people, their cultures, economies, wildlife, and the environment.

So what can you do to become a more sustainable traveler?

Here’s a simple list of dos and don’ts you can follow on your next big adventure.

DO

· Support locally owned businesses

· Purchase souvenirs from artisans who are keeping traditional crafts alive

· Choose local food and drink options

· Take the time to understand local customs and dress respectfully according to them

· Ask permission to photograph or video someone

· Travel with a refillable water bottle

· Conserve water and energy whenever you can

· Travel with reef-safe sunscreen

· Carbon offset your flight

· Connect and learn as much as you can about the destination you’re visiting before,

during and after your trip

DON’T

· Take part in activities that exploit animals, especially endangered species

· Give gifts or money to children … instead, support the community through a local school, clinic, or development project

· Use single-use plastics

· Bargain … unless it’s a local practice (a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller)

And when you get home, consider offering additional support to programs and organizations working to protect the welfare, culture, and environment of the destinations you visit.

Of course, we know it’s not always easy to tell if the choices you’re making are good ones. Is that eco-lodge you’ve been dying to visit really eco-friendly? Is that animal sanctuary you heard about really reputable?

To make sustainable choices when traveling, you need to be informed.

That’s where we come in. As travel advisors, it’s our job to advise. We spend countless hours researching and learning and keeping up with what’s happening in the industry, so you don’t have to, so we can confidently recommend the best options for you.

If you have questions about sustainable travel, or if you’re interested in traveling more sustainably, we’d love to connect! Schedule a time to chat with us here.