How You Can Travel More Consciously Before Setting Foot Anywhere

What is conscious travel? It is a way of traveling where you consider the social, economic, and environmental reasons and the impact of your visit to a destination.

Below are some questions to ask yourself when you’re brainstorming where to go.

-What is transportation like locally? Transportation and lodging are the biggest consumers of energy within travel. Can you fly directly or with minimal stopovers? Is there public transportation you can use? Is it walkable?

-Is the local community reliant on tourism? If so, how can you help the local people and economy? Hiring locals directly through tours, where you stay, and where you choose to dine are some things to keep in mind.

-What are the high and low seasons? Consider traveling in low or shoulder seasons to help communities outside of peak seasons which benefits their livelihoods, the local economy, and likely your experience as a traveler

-Are there climate issues that dramatically affect this destination? Drought, history of flooding, and other limited resources.

-What is the contrast of energy and water usage with visitors and residents? Consider ways you can reduce your consumption of both. There is greenwashing in the hospitality industry so be mindful of this. You can look up ways that are effective for sustainable energy and water consumption.

-What is the local diet like? Reducing or even avoiding animal products is one way to do this, but if plant-based foods have to be shipped in from elsewhere, then finding out what people eat day-to-day will help.

-Is there a way that I can extend my stay? Slowing down your pace is another way to be a conscious traveler.

These are several questions to help you as you begin your trip-planning process. If you can avoid high season, and places experiencing over-tourism, and be more intentional about knowing the impacts of your visit, you will be able to travel more consciously.