Sustainable travel could mean different things to different people. Whichever way you may perceive it,  travelling sustainably isn’t dreary at all. It simply is enjoying yourself but with an eco-conscious mind. When visiting the beautiful Ionian Sea, you won’t need to bypass fun activities in the name of sustainable tourism. Because that’s not what travelling sustainably is about.

Even if you thought vacationing with guidelines to adhere to may make it unexciting, there are plenty of ways to travel sustainably and make it fun-filled. So, let’s get down to it and learn about sustainable travel and how you can achieve it without making everything seem harsh.

What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel is embracing travel practices that prioritise minimising the negative impacts on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. The main idea behind it, is everyone makes a conscious choice in support of sustainable tourism practices. It essentially promotes responsible behaviour among travellers and every stakeholder in the tourism industry.

According to the UN Environment Program’s research, tourism is the world’s fastest-growing sector, but also among the biggest contributors to pollution. The research shows that the consumption of essential resources is growing quickly at the same rate as greenhouse gas emissions and other wastes.

And it’s estimated that by 2050, the rate of greenhouse gas emissions by the sector could rise to 131%. That is why sustainable tourism must be the aim of every traveller if the 21^st century is to pave the way for eco-conscious tourism growth.

Why Should Sustainable Travel Be Your Concern?

Perhaps you ask yourself whether an individual traveller’s actions will make any significant impact. Well, the impact on the environment starts with an individual’s actions. It takes every individual’s thoughtful decision to act in a way that reduces harm to the environment.

Sustainable travel involves reducing your carbon footprint and helping SMEs and communities around towards protecting the environment.

Here are more reasons why you should embrace sustainable travel when visiting Lefkada, Meganisi or any other tourist destination:

a)     Sustainable tourism supports livelihoods

Tourism, on its own, can have a devastating impact on a place and its people. It can lead to the closure of local businesses, environmental destruction, and community exploitation. However, the subject changes completely when sustainability comes into the picture. Sustainable tourism can change all these negative impacts as it can encourage tourists to support local communities and businesses. These initiatives may encourage locals to build eco-lodges, see the rise of local tour operators, and sustainable agriculture projects, among others. As locals strive to attract more sustainable travel enthusiasts, more employment and income-generating opportunities are created.   

b)     Protects cultures and heritages

Mass tourism can devoid a place of its cultural and natural significance. When tourists without eco-conscious mindsets tour a place, it can result in prolonged historic site damage and natural habitats. This is especially common in places where trophy hunting and poaching are practised. Also, tourists may trample delicate flora and fauna, destroy nesting areas, or damage coral reefs through improper snorkelling or diving practices.  

On the other side, sustainable travel can significantly conserve habitats and heritages. An example of environmental tourism is paying entry fees to a nature reserve or national park that values environmental conservation and preservation. The money collected can be used to directly promote the conservation of those parks. When the locals finally see the value of preserving the heritage, it will encourage them to go further. They can create more opportunities to enrich visitors with valuable educational experiences.

c)     Protects endangered species

Unsustainable tourism promotes activities that can ruin the lives of endangered species. For instance, the Inner Ionian Archipelagos, between Lefkada and Aitoloakarnania (mainland), is being protected by the EU under Natura 2000. It is an area hosting the short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), and the Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), both being endangered species. Tourism with boats approaching their habitat or tourists even diving in their coves to see them more closely, can unknowingly disturb their habitats and eventually their existence. The local municipality and various other societies have asked for the area to set up a specific region to protect these animals from overtourism and overfishing, but tourists still have a responsibility of ensuring these animal species live peacefully in their habitats.

When sustainable travel sets in, it can help educate locals and tourists about the dangers of mistreating wildlife. The short-beaked common dolphins, the Mediterranean monk seals but also the loggerhead sea turtles (caretta caretta) among other wildlife common in the Greek’s Ionian archipelagos, won’t be exposed to danger by tourist encroachment. When tourists detest exploitative activities, local communities will have to restructure their approach to attracting tourists.

In the end, sustainable tourism will fund environment and wildlife conservation. Many communities will be forced to embrace positive activities that benefit the environment and retain the beauty of the Ionian Sea.

d)     Sustainability is a traveller’s essential requirement

Sustainable tourism is more than just a trend in the 21^st century. More travellers are embracing it. According to the Sustainable Travel Report in 2021 by Booking.com, it was found that about 83% of travellers believe sustainable travel is a thing worth pursuing. Also, about 61% of travellers said the Covid-19 pandemic opened up their eyes to want to travel sustainably.

It’s clear that sustainable travel is not just a trend; it is a part of the 21st-century traveller’s way of life. So, the sooner you embrace it, the better it will be for yourself and the planet.

How To Choose Sustainable Travel Options

You don’t have to make massive contributions like an environmental activist. It’s all in the small decisions that you make when you travel. Here are tips for sustainable travel that you can embrace to start making positive contributions:

a)     Embrace eco-friendly transportation

When on a local tour travel, you don’t necessarily need to rent a car. Instead, you can opt for public transport. Alternatively, you can also go hiking or cycling rather than driving if it’s not a must.  If you must hire a car, go for fuel-efficient or electric cars to reduce your carbon footprint.

b)     Minimise air travel

Aviation emissions are the greatest contributors to global warming and climate change. Other than carbon dioxide, other non-CO2 emissions account for twice the effects of CO₂ emissions. These emissions contributed two-thirds of the overall impact of aviation on climate change in 2018.

Whenever possible, avoid flights and embrace other modes of transport like trains or buses. Most tourist destinations will have comfy buses to move tourists to different locations. For instance,  if coming from Athens or Thessalonica, there are buses that transfer tourists to Lefkada.

If you must travel by air, opt for direct flights since they’re more fuel efficient compared to connecting flights. If coming to Lefkada for a vacation, book direct flights to the local airport, Preveza (or Aktion).

c)     Stay at an eco-friendly accommodation

When looking for a place to spend the night while travelling, don’t go for any available villa or hotel. Look out for a lodge with an eco-friendly label or a villa which is making efforts towards sustainability. These would use renewable energy or have water conservation policies and initiatives in action. There are a few of our villas that are eco-conscious and make efforts towards environmental and social sustainability.  When eating out or grocery shopping, pick locally-owned retail stores and eateries over the leading national chains. In return, you’ll have a better travel experience and support eco-friendly practices.

d)     Always avoid single-use plastics

Sustainable tourism means practising every detail of sustainable travel to the core. For example, water bottles do matter. When packing for your outdoor adventure, remember to carry reusable water bottles and avoid bags, straws, or single-use plastic mineral water bottles.

When travelling, always be mindful of the amount of waste you produce. Avoid damping mindlessly, whether in the countryside or urban areas. One way of reducing waste is by using reusable utensils. Be sure to properly dispose of plastic bags and other wastes in litter bins as required.

If you are required to separate wastes into different recycling bins, as a sustainable travel tourist, it’s your responsibility to do so.

e)     Follow eco-conscious practises, routines, and conservation regulations

As a sustainable travel enthusiast, you shouldn’t need monitoring to act in an eco-conscious manner. But it can be hard to keep up at first. So here are a few travelling tips to help you travel sustainably at all times. Some essential sustainable travel tips include showing respect for conservation regulations. If the local laws do not permit lighting fire in the forest or hunting wild animals, do not breach such requirements.

Here are some of the tips for sustainable travel that you can follow:

• Embrace the “Leave No Trace” idea, which encourages tourists to pack their waste and maintain their course within designated trails.
• Maintain respect for culturally significant traditions and locations.
• Show your approval and support for local artisans and businesses that embrace sustainable practices. Purchase locally-made products such as organic food products, handmade crafts, or traditional textiles.

f)      Choose travel agencies that show interest in sustainable tourism  

There are so many sustainable ways to travel, especially when partaking in an outdoor adventure. When organizing an outdoor activity like boat cruises, hiking, or off-road adventure, opt for operators who express interest in sustainable tourism. In addition, when looking for accommodation, you may opt for to organise your escape by trusting a travel agent such as Ionian Anthology that is making efforts towards sustainability and also encourages its partners to do so.

g)     Support local organisations and communities

One of the ideologies of sustainable tourism is giving back to the local communities. It helps reduce the negative effects of tourism. And one way of doing it is by joining local volunteering groups.

Another way of giving back to the community is taking part in cultural activities and events to learn and appreciate local cultures. Ionian Anthology will help you become part of the destination and familiarise yourself with the local way of living by introducing you to authentic local experiences.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable travel is the new trend in the 21^st century. This new approach is increasingly gaining popularity in a bid to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Even though an individual’s activities may seem insignificant, the results are far-reaching.

Embrace sustainable tourism in an individual capacity by choosing eco-friendly travel modes, reducing your carbon footprint, and helping local communities. Bear in mind that sustainable travel is all about making decisions that are beneficial to the environment and communities you visit. It’s not about giving up fun, comfort, or luxury. So enjoy your stay to the fullest while on vacation while paying attention to sustainable tourism.