7 Ways to Be Kinder to the Environment While Traveling

If you're like me, you'll find traveling hard. This is because you want to see the world, but you worry about the impact you're having upon it, due to your nomadic desire.

There's no denying travel is important. It opens your mind and gives you a type of education a classroom never could.

So, there must be ways in which we can see our planet, in all its glory, while doing as minimal harm to it in the process.

With that in mind, here are some ways you can be kinder to the environment while traveling.

1. Don't country hop

One thing I've noticed among my own people at least (Australians), is that there is a tendency to “compare countries.”

Everyone has their “number,” which they know of by heart. Whoever's been to the most countries has to be more worldly and, therefore, a better traveler, right?

Well. Everyone has their style of travel, but I think it is important to remember that it isn't a race. There's nothing wrong with spending an extended amount of time in a country.

It gives you the opportunity to get a better sense of its land, culture and people, which can't be anything other than a rewarding experience.

Embrace the concept of slow travel. Give yourself time to appreciate each place you visit. You're a lot kinder to the environment and yourself in the process.

2. Book flights as a last resort

Plane travel is often inevitable due to its convenience. For example, I know I won't be jumping on a boat from England to Australia any time soon. The 24-hour plane trip is upsetting enough!

However, traveling by flight isn't the be all, end all. Trains, buses, boats, car sharing, heck, even bicycles are often on offer as alternative forms of transport. They're often a lot more pleasant than flying, which is becoming more and more of an ordeal as time goes on.

Rather than flying around Europe, consider using Eurail, Eurostar, or Interrail. The prices can be decent when booked in advance. Or, organize a whole adventure based on a train ride, such as the famed Trans-Siberian Railway.

Sometimes the journey can be just as sweet as the destination, and you rarely get that when traveling by plane.

3. Take a water bottle and bag

This is a favorite of mine and pretty straightforward. Plastic bags and bottles are pointless. Bring your own bottle and put a reusable bag in your pocket or day bag. You'll stay hydrated, and the bag will be there if you need it. Easy.

4. Be wary of greenwashing

Green is the new black and eco-tourism is a concept that is only going to grow in popularity. However, just because a company says they're going green, doesn't necessarily mean they are.

I liken it to organic food. Organics are an ongoing craze. As the word itself is not required to adhere to any regulations, you'll often find it slapped on products that, well, aren't organic – not in the slightest.

Be discerning and do your research.

5. Don't adopt a wasteful attitude, bring what you need and put thought into it

I see a lot of guides on the internet, which say things like “don't worry if you forget/don't bring ‘x' item – you can pick it up on the road!”

Yes, you can, but you should only do this as a last resort. If you already own a fairly new toothbrush, then do you need to go to the expense of buying another? Especially if you just end up discarding it at the end of the trip.

If you put a bit of pre-planning into your travels, you can often cut down on expenses on the road. Make a list of what you think you need and try to stick to it.

I've found I'm less likely to forget things when I do this, or over pack. I don't need to buy unnecessary items, which means more money for important things, like food.

6. Make your toiletries, rather than buying travel sized versions

I can't think of how many times I'd buy those useless itty bitty deodorants or shampoos, only to lose them in the back of the cupboard when I arrived home.

These days, I tend to make my toiletries. It saves me money, and I like the fact that I now have a better idea of what I'm putting on my skin.

7. Leave no mark

This one's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but it's a good one to remember none the less. It's a case of being mindful – such as avoiding single-use items and not producing unnecessary food waste.