Travelling allows us to experience different natural ecosystems, cultures, and historical areas while taking a break from our everyday routines. Greenhouse gas emissions generated from people travelling contribute to climate change and additional human pressures can impact the environment. But travel also inspires people to protect and conserve nature and biodiversity, it allows ways for people to actively collect information to monitor ecosystems and wildlife through citizen science, creates ambassadors, supports community outcomes and provides funding for conservation efforts. There are many positive impacts that travellers and operators can have on the climate and the environment. Operators who educate on environmental issues uplift understanding, many drive development of emissions reductions and work with their suppliers to influence change.

Ways you can travel sustainably:

• Research local recycling protocols so you can put waste in the correct place
• Travel with a reusable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, and travel coffee cup to reduce waste and single use plastics
• Be mindful of your souvenir choices – choose local, genuine and ethically sourced souvenirs and do not purchase merchandise derived from rare or threatened species, heritage artefacts or items of significant cultural value
• Research local culture and practices to inform considerations and minimise your impact on the local community and lifestyle
• Choose lower emissions transport options such as using local public transport, taking a Greyhound bus between cities or for your road trip, hiring an electric vehicle (EV), or booking a ‘green/EV’ rideshare
• Plan efficient travel routes so you don’t cover the same ground twice
• Tour with others – shared transport and tours reduce individual footprint
• Choose certified or sustainable tours and accommodation – look for the Ecotourism certified logo to select operators with responsible practices
• Use a carbon footprint calculator to identify the biggest emissions sources and offset your hard to abate travel such as flights
• Avoid use of any substances that may be harmful to the local environment such as certain sunscreens, insect repellents and toiletries
• Avoid transferring potential pests, seeds and invasive species with you as you travel around
• Follow local rules and signs for protected or sensitive conservation areas
• Maintain safe distances from wildlife to avoid disturbing them
• Book with local accommodation, eateries and guides
• Look for tours offering positive nature contributions & regeneration activities

You can find more information on sustainable travel here.