Tourism finds itself at a critical intersection, tasked with the challenge of recent growth while ensuring sustainability. While tourism promotes economic growth, it can come at the expense of disturbing local destinations and crowding historic streets, increasing pollution, and overburdening centuries-old cities we love so much.
Recently, destinations have started implementing measures to counter unsustainable tourism. Cities such as Venice have banned large cruise ships from getting too close to the city, limiting tour group sizes and introducing a tourist tax that charges day-trippers entering the city.
While these are certainly steps in the right direction, there’s still much more to be done throughout Italy.
Let’s be part of the solution by embracing sustainable travel practices and supporting companies that join us in taking action. In this post, I’ll discuss what sustainable travel looks like and how we can implement these practices in our future travels. Read on to discover these top tips for sustainable travel.
First, let’s define sustainable tourism.
Sustainable travel is commonly perceived as reducing our environmental impact, but its scope is far broader and more comprehensive. Sustainable tourism aims to strike a balance among economic development, human welfare, and ecological preservation. It concentrates on minimizing the adverse effects of tourism while enhancing its positive contributions to local communities, cultures, natural habitats, and the globe. Sustainable tourism considers not only the immediate consequences felt in the present but also the long-term effects that will impact future generations.
Reimagining the Essence of Travel
It’s time for a fresh perspective on travel! We, as travelers, can make a conscious effort to reframe our journeys as an opportunity for meaningful exchange with local communities rather than just a consumer transaction. Travel is so much more than just our personal experience. Choosing to be a thoughtful traveler and consider our impact on destinations and communities can have a profoundly positive effect on the future of travel.
How to Travel Sustainably in Italy
Stay Awhile
Wholeheartedly embrace the art of slow travel. It’s super easy to fall into the trap of wanting to pack your trip with as many activities as possible. You might think, “This could be my only chance to see this place!” But trust me, a jam-packed schedule might look great on paper, but it often means you’ll spend most of your vacation rushing from one spot to another. Sure, you’ll check off lots of items on your bucket list, but you’ll miss out on truly connecting with the destination. And let’s not forget, this whirlwind approach to travel is practically an invitation for stress.
Do yourself a big favor and give yourself the gift of time to truly explore your destination. Instead of squeezing in multiple short trips each year, why not go for one longer getaway? Once you arrive, settle into one area for a bit instead of hopping around from place to place.
Taking it slow is the secret to unlocking a deeper, more meaningful experience. Without the rush, you can dive into the local culture, forge stronger bonds with the people you meet, and uncover the unique charm of the place. Why not take a cooking class to savor the local flavors and learn how to whip up traditional dishes? Spend a leisurely day wandering or biking around town, and you’re bound to stumble upon hidden treasures like a quirky café. Or wander through a museum and come out armed with a bunch of fun facts to share.
Taking your time in a destination leads to travel experiences that are not only more authentic but also more meaningful. Plus, it eases the strain on the cities and communities you explore while boosting the local economy as you support nearby businesses. Slow travel is a win for the planet, too, as it cuts down on the carbon emissions from hopping on planes or driving between places. So, by slowing down, you’re doing a world of good for yourself, the locals, and the environment!
Use Efficient Modes of Transportation
In addition to embracing slow travel, there are other fantastic ways to reduce your trip’s carbon footprint. Did you know that travel and tourism are responsible for about 8% of the world’s carbon emissions? (read the article here) That’s right! The travel industry plays a significant role in climate change, which is a major challenge for the future of tourism, people, and our planet.
The biggest chunk of tourism’s carbon footprint comes from transportation like air travel and driving. Although all forms of transport need energy, some are way more eco-friendly than others. The way you choose to get to, from, and around your destination can really make a difference.
Generally speaking, planes and cars are the least efficient ways to travel. If you’re heading somewhere closer to home, why not take a train or coach? You’ll reduce your emissions and get to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Once you’ve arrived, think about hopping on a bus, taking the train, or cycling around town instead of renting a car. If you need to rent a car, use a hybrid or smaller model.
Taking the train is a fantastic choice for lowering your travel emissions and discovering charming small towns and breathtaking landscapes. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing transportation, as the carbon footprint also depends on the type of energy used. The most sustainable option can change from one place to another. For example, trains in the Netherlands are powered by wind energy, Washington D.C. boasts zero-emission buses, and some of Thailand’s famous tuk-tuks are going electric. Do a little research on the transportation options in your destination to make a smart choice.
Low-Season or Off-Peak Season Travel
Opting for off-season travel is a fantastic way to bolster the local economy during its quieter moments, aid in the conservation of natural and cultural treasures, and lessen the adverse effects of overcrowding from tourism. When you venture out beyond the bustling peak months, there’s less overall consumption, meaning essential resources are shared among fewer people. Plus, waste products don’t pile up, giving destinations a much-needed breather.
There are so many advantages to low-season travel – less hustle, more space, and the opportunity for authentic exploration translates to more genuine experiences. With fewer tourists, locals are more approachable and keen to engage in conversations, share their stories, and offer insider tips about their city.
Conserve Water and Energy
Apart from transportation, the tourism industry heavily depends on energy—things such as air conditioning, heating, lighting, and electricity. Coupled with tourists’ high water usage, this can really strain local water sources and energy systems. Tourists often use way more water and energy than the locals, and many destinations struggle to meet this demand. With rising tourism numbers in Italy, this issue is only going to get bigger.
On your visit, try your best to save local water and energy. Switch off the lights, TV, and other gadgets when you’re not using them. Adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher before you head out from your hotel. Opt for a shower instead of a bath.
You can also shrink your environmental footprint by choosing low-impact accommodation. This could be a smaller, simpler place or a high-end accommodation that uses renewable energy and water/energy-saving technology.
Keep Your Euros Local
The best way to help host communities thrive from tourism is by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Consider stays owned by locals and family-run hotels. Treat yourself to a meal at a local trattoria and enjoy traditional dishes made with ingredients sourced right from the area. Step out of your comfort zone and dive into the local market scene – purchase produce from a local farmer or handmade jewelry from a local artisan. While it’s common to haggle in many cultures, remember to be fair and pay a decent price. Go for excursions led by local guides, or pick up a new skill from a local chef by joining a cooking class. And if you’re going for a packaged tour, choose a company that gives priority to local suppliers.
Respect Local Communities
Travel has this amazing ability to give us a peek into different traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles. It’s a transformative opportunity to broaden your horizons by celebrating the differences and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Kick off your cultural immersion by brushing up on the local history, traditions, and etiquette before your trip. Download a language app and pick up a few phrases in the local tongue. Remember, some gestures, outfits, or words might be considered impolite in certain places. Be extra mindful when you’re visiting sacred or spiritual sites, and follow any rules they have. This might mean covering your shoulders, keeping quiet, or not snapping photos at certain locations.
Wherever your travels take you, remember that you’re a guest. Follow the local laws and guidelines, whether it’s traffic regulations or health and safety measures. Try to leave places as you found them so that future travelers and locals can continue to enjoy them. A little respect goes a long way—treat the locals with kindness and consideration. This includes respecting their privacy and always asking for permission before taking their picture.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
As tourism makes a comeback post-pandemic, many hotels and tour operators have brought back disposable plastics as an extra hygiene measure. However, the challenge is that many places don’t have the waste management systems needed to handle the amount of plastic waste generated by both tourists and locals. Now, it’s even more crucial to reduce your own plastic use when traveling.
A common plastic culprit among travelers is single-use beverage bottles. But there’s an easy fix: bring your own reusable water bottle on your trip! If you’re concerned about water quality at your destination, consider a bottle with a built-in purifier. Refillable toiletry bottles are another great addition to your eco-friendly travel kit. Another simple way to cut down on plastic waste is to tweak your dining habits. When eating out, choose to dine in rather than opt for takeout, which often comes with a side of plastic bags, containers, cups, and utensils. Explore the local street food scene, but go for vendors that serve their treats in biodegradable options. Some travelers even bring their own reusable containers and utensils. Generally, it’s a good idea to enjoy fresh, local foods or drinks rather than imported ones, which usually come with more packaging. Even just asking the bartender to hold the straw can help make a difference.
Visit Parks and Protected Areas
National parks and other protected sites are crucial for safeguarding Italy’s natural treasures and biodiversity. Many countries depend on tourism fees like entrance fees to maintain these precious areas. This income supports conservation efforts to protect these areas and also benefits local communities.
As you plan your adventures, take a moment to research protected areas at your destination and include one in your travel plans. When exploring any natural spot, make sure to minimize your impact by being a responsible visitor. Steer clear of harming historical sites, follow all visitor rules, and adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles. In addition to paying any required fees, make a point to support local communities by choosing local accommodations and service providers.
Choose Sustainable Accommodations and Operators
Did you know your purchasing choices can inspire businesses to switch up their game and bring sustainable travel into the mainstream? The most effective way to make a difference in the industry is by choosing businesses that are reducing their environmental footprint and supporting local communities.
While a large number of companies have jumped on the sustainable travel bandwagon, there are still many that haven’t caught on. Show them that sustainability is important to you by spending your money with those who are making a true effort. But remember, just because a business claims to be ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ doesn’t mean they truly are. Dig a little deeper and look for concrete details about their practices and policies. Don’t be shy to ask questions that show you’re considering sustainability in your choices. What measures do they have for saving energy and water? Do they give local residents in management positions? Do they prefer local suppliers and products?
Ask yourself these questions
A great way to help inspire sustainable travel choices is to ask yourself these questions before taking your next trip: How can I travel in an off-peak time? How can I go to destinations that aren’t overcrowded? How can I ensure that the money I spend stays in the local economy?
