World Environment Day 2023: Sustainable travel tips and destinations for eco-conscious travellers
Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Celebrate World Environment Day by exploring sustainable travel options! Discover eco-conscious travel tips that promote environmental preservation.
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
As people become more aware of the environmental impact of their trips, they’re looking for ways to support and give back to the local community while travelling. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2023, 97% of Indian travellers said that they intend to travel more sustainably over the coming 12 months. Opting to travel sustainably may be easier and more cost-effective than you think. It’s all about reducing environmental damage, helping and engaging local communities and preserving local culture. On World Environment Day, Booking.com shares five simple ways which can help you become a more mindful and responsible traveller.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Go off the beaten path: Try and reduce over-tourism by travelling off-peak or off the beaten track. Consider travelling to a location just outside a busy sightseeing area, travel in the off-peak season when there are fewer other visitors or to a lesser-known location – you’ll meet more locals and experience authentic culture.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Where to go: India’s first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala, which means Honey Mountain, is set amidst the Western Ghats, surrounded by dense evergreen forests, rich in timber and rubber plantations. The Thenmala Eco-Tourism is divided into three different zones such as the Culture Zone, where one can savouring various Kerala cuisine; Leisure Zone, where one can go for a refreshing walk almost up to the dam and Adventure Zone, where one can go for activities like hiking, rappelling, biking and rock climbing.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Book an eco-conscious accommodation: When booking your accommodation, try to pick somewhere eco-conscious – it usually won’t cost more than anywhere else. Look for a listing that has energy-saving measures and water-saving practices in place (whether that’s reusing towels, having water-saving shower heads, etc).(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Where to go: Located near the Indo-Myanmar border, Khonomo is known as India’s first green village. Surrounded by large rainforests, the village gained recognition in 2005 for its efforts in preserving ecological diversity and its practices of sustainable living. In order to promote environmental consciousness among its visitors, the town provides sustainable lodging choices such as retreats and homestays. Travellers can enjoy a truly authentic experience and learn about the local culture in the village’s well maintained surroundings.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Don’t litter. Do your bit for the environment: While not all travellers may share the same level of sustainability awareness as you do, taking a moment to pick up any discarded rubbish can contribute to preserving the environment just as you found it.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Where to go: Mawlynnong, renowned as the cleanest village in Asia, has taken bold steps to ban the use of plastic, adorning its streets with bamboo dustbins, resulting in an almost non-existent litter problem. A must-visit attraction nearby is the Living Roots Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short distance away from Mawlynnong. These incredible natural bridges have been ingeniously created by the Khasi tribes of Meghalaya, who intertwine the roots of Ficus trees to form these awe-inspiring structures.(File photo)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Travel locally. Take the train or compensate responsibly: Airplanes consume significant quantities of fuel and emit substantial amounts of CO2. To minimize your carbon footprint, it is advisable to choose alternative modes of transportation such as trains, buses, or carpooling. One effective approach is to explore your own country through a staycation or embark on a train holiday, which can be the best way to reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying your travel experience.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Where to go: Matheran, the quaintest and most charming hill town in India was declared a car-free zone in 2003, and to date holds special appeal for travellers looking for a relaxing getaway. No vehicles are allowed here beyond the Dasturi point to ensure travellers have a noise-free, peaceful place to enjoy away from the chaos of the city. The town boasts a toy train that gracefully traverses four stations, providing a thrilling and eco-friendly mode of transportation for those seeking a sustainable travel experience.(Shutterstock)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST
Support the local economy and buy locally: When travelling, one of the best ways to help the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint is to shop locally and eat at restaurants that use sustainably sourced produce.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jun 04, 2023 07:12 PM IST