Eco-Friendly Travel After the Pandemic

What Has Changed? These Tips for Eco-Friendly Travel After the Pandemic Will Help!


it takes longer to fly now

June 2021

It’s been a rough couple of years for travellers. You may have been separated from loved ones, or just missed the excitement of travel. If you’re ready to pack your bags again, here are some great tips for eco-friendly travel after the pandemic

Remember - the travel decisions that you make now can have a lasting impact on the places you visit, and also on your fellow travellers.

What Has Changed Since the Pandemic?

The Covid pandemic has wreaked havoc, but one of the good outcomes is a newfound appreciation for travel and a desire to do things better this time – we have clearly seen the impact tourism has had on the world.

The time spent at home, unable to travel, has given us the time we needed to consider what’s important in life - and how we wish to travel in the future.

Pre-pandemic, super-cheap flights meant many people jetting off for a weekend away on a regular basis. But those flights are lousy for the environment.

Post-pandemic, what about travelling more slowly?

More thoughtfully.

Less often.

Don't assume you’ll be greeted with open arms when you land in a tourism-reliant destination.


I think it’s a great idea to stay longer in each destination. You can get a feel for the local rhythm of life there. You’ll also be contributing to the local economy in a more sustainable way.

Instead of a whistle-stop tour of many different places - where you see very little of the “real” place - rather stay a while. Get to know the area.

Your trip is so much more meaningful when you connect with real people who live there (instead of multiple tour guides).

Will I Be Welcome?

You might assume you’ll be greeted with open arms when you land in a tourism-reliant destination, but a pandemic flipside has allowed locals to enjoy their own cities without crowds of visitors.

If we all flock back to the same over-touristed areas, not only will we be putting the same strain on communities and ecosystems as in the past, but it may also be difficult to keep a safe distance from others.

Encouragingly, the pandemic is motivating many travelers to explore lesser-known destinations in low-impact ways, and to opt for small-group travel experiences that embrace nature.

Travel companies are responding - you can now find carbon-neutral itineraries, off-the-beaten-path routes, and local partnerships that help communities recover and give travelers the authentic travel experiences they’ve been craving.


worried about climate change


Where to Go for Eco-Friendly Travel After the Pandemic

Family reunions are top of the list for many people, and so are trips abroad, after our long stint with closed borders.

But is your proposed destination ready to receive visitors? There are a few things to consider -

  • What are the current vaccination rates in the country you want to visit?
  • Are vaccines welcomed, accessible (and affordable) to everyone?
  • How much risk will you pose to local communities just by being there?

Also, think about what could happen.

  • Suppose you (or someone in your group) gets sick and needs hospital care. Will you be placing an additional burden on an already strained healthcare system?
  • If the pandemic isn’t under control where you’re headed, will the care you need even be accessible?
  • Remember that some people are unable to be vaccinated because of their age or health conditions, at home and abroad.

Choose your destination with care, and with consideration for others.

Be kind and mindful towards people you meet who may still be feeling some anxiety about the virus.

Do your research, and plan well in advance. Preparing for every contingency will give you the peace of mind you need to travel with confidence.

If You’re Fully Vaccinated…..

If you are fully vaccinated, you can travel with more confidence. So far, the research indicates that vaccinated people have milder symptoms and less chance of passing the virus on to others if they catch Covid-19. But we’re still learning, and nothing is certain yet.

And don’t forget that unvaccinated children, for example, may have COVID-19 but not show any symptoms

Even if you are vaccinated, you should do what you can to protect everyone you meet by wearing a mask, social distancing and sanitizing your hands frequently.

What About Getting There?

Minimize your travel footprint by avoiding flying if possible. As I write this, airlines are falling over themselves to convince us it’s safe to fly, but we must begin as we mean to go on and fly with the environment in mind. Choose airlines with environmentally friendly fleets (newer planes are generally more fuel-efficient) and that have actively worked to reduce single-use plastics on board. Make up for your flight’s emissions with carbon offsets, and fly direct if you can.

Trains and buses are more eco-friendly than planes. I love trains - they’re so much more comfortable than an airplane, you can get up and move around, and you see much more scenery. Depending on your location, it may be just as quick to take a train as a plane, when you factor in all the waiting times and security checks at airports, disembarking, waiting for your luggage etc.

top 10 green tips - trains not planes

Choose an ethical tour operator if you use one.

Do what you can to make sure the travelers following in your footsteps have an experience as enriching as yours. How? Travel with kindness to ensure locals give future travelers a warm welcome.

A Final Word

Accept that travel may be different now.

Not everything may be open.

Not every local may appreciate your presence.

COVID-19 precautions are different around the world, and they’ll probably cause you inconvenience.

Borders may suddenly close and new restrictions may be put in place.

You may need to suddenly change your plans.

But being flexible and adapting without a fuss is the mark of a truly global - and caring - citizen.


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Will you travel soon? Will it be different? Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

signature Clare

 P.S.  Don't forget to see what you can do to help slow climate change - click here (it's free)


Tags

climate change, eco travel, eco-friendly travel, travel


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