Guest Post

Unfortunately, travel and sustainability don’t often go hand-in-hand. We tend to think of things like carbon emissions from cars and planes, the waste produced by traveling, and the people involved that are creating even more pollution simply by having to go to work each day. 

But sustainable travel is possible, especially when you choose to stay close to home. Whether you have a travel bug or you want to take a family vacation while doing something good for the planet, you can use a few effective sustainable techniques to keep things “green” while you hit the road. 

Let’s take a look at a few of those tips and tricks, so you can enjoy your next trip in this post-pandemic society. 

While traveling via car already creates fewer emissions than traveling by plane, there are still things you can do to cut down on your carbon use while you hit the road. 

First, before you leave on your trip, make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Things like maintaining proper tire pressure, making sure the engine is tuned up, and fixing any other mechanical issues in your vehicle will help to ensure it produces as little pollution as possible. 

While you’re driving, you can also reduce pollution and travel more sustainably by: 

• Minimizing travel items;
• Developing a strategy so you can drive the most efficient route;
• Carpooling;
• Towing a trailer instead of overloading your car.

Drive slower and smarter while you’re on the road. If you’re not in a hurry, don’t keep your foot glued to the gas pedal. Frequent acceleration not only burns more fuel, but it creates more emissions. Instead, go at a leisurely pace. You’ll get more out of your gas tank and release less pollution into the air. 

You can also choose to live more sustainably on the road. Try to avoid using plastic products. Eat locally. Don’t leave any pollution behind if you stay overnight somewhere, and limit your water usage. These small actions can add up quickly, especially if you travel a lot, and they can really help to give back to the environment.

Traveling by car to tourist areas and famous sites can be fun, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy those special attractions with your family or friends. But, one of the best options for sustainable travel, especially close to home, is to get back to nature and go camping. 

Spending time in nature is also a great way to gain a greater appreciation for the outdoor world, and it can also do wonders for your mental health. In fact, doctors are writing prescriptions for nature, as outside time has been demonstrated to lower stress while increasing physical activity. 

No matter where you live, there’s likely a national park or campsite nearby. You won’t have to travel far to get there, and you can enjoy a more sustainable time away from home than you would if you went to a typical tourist trap. Plus, getting back to nature allows you to immerse yourself in local culture. Even if you only travel a few hours away from home, you’ll be able to experience new and exciting scenery, people, and ways of life. 

If you haven’t traveled much since the COVID-19 pandemic, spending time away from typical tourist sites can help you ease back into it. Camping can provide a lot of solitude and relaxation, and help you to appreciate the freedom you have to travel across the country while preserving its natural beauty. 

If you want to be an eco-friendly camper, buying organic food, ditching plastic water bottles, bringing reusable dishes, and only camping in designated areas can help. It’s a great way to feel more at home with nature, and a wonderful opportunity to teach your family about the importance of conservation and sustainability. While camping isn’t for everyone, it’s something you should try at least once! You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it, and how easy it is to give back to nature when you’re surrounded by its splendor. 

Finally, when you’re not on vacation or taking a road trip, make sure you’re living sustainably at home. Many companies – including airlines – use a practice called offsetting. It’s a way to do something good for the planet to counteract some of the harmful or negative effects of traveling. 

For example, Delta Airlines has been investing in carbon offsets since 2012 and has a goal of carbon neutrality, so you can feel good about flying without harming the planet in the process. 

At home, you can carbon offset by donating to environmental protection organizations or sustainability groups. You can promote awareness of climate change and excess waste. Most importantly, you can implement daily habits that help to promote sustainability within your household, including: 

• Using less water;
• Installing energy-efficient appliances;
• Recycling;
• Composting;
• Switching to LED lighting.

Traveling close to home is a great way to scratch that itch to go somewhere new without doing harm to the environment. Keep these sustainable practices in mind for your next road trip, and you’ll be able to make the most out of the time away from home. 

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer that lives in the Northwest region of the United States. She has a particular interest in covering topics related to travel, sustainability, tech, and accessibility. When not writing, her free time is spent reading and researching to learn more about her cultural and environmental surroundings.

In today’s digital age, Internet platforms offer a vibrant space for women to share their inspiring narratives with the world and display their traditional arts and crafts.

In community tourism, technology acts as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, opening doors to economic and social success. Women are harnessing the power of technology to bridge divides, encourage inclusion, and honour their cultural heritage through the harmonious integration of tradition and innovation.

Digital platforms have opened up new avenues for communities to showcase their rich cultural tapestry. From websites and social media to virtual reality experiences, these platforms attract tourists in search of authentic encounters. Women play a pivotal role in curating these digital offerings, serving as the custodians of cultural heritage and ensuring that their traditions are appropriately portrayed and preserved.

In addition, women are creating spaces that foster intercultural dialogue. Through online forums, storytelling platforms, and video conferencing, women from diverse cultures come together to interact, exchange ideas, and collaborate on community tourism initiatives. These virtual connections not only facilitate cross-cultural bonds but also promote mutual understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Women who possess digital literacy skills are better equipped to navigate the modern landscape and drive meaningful change. Recognizing the importance of empowering women in rural areas and assisting them in utilizing technology for their economic and social growth, several organizations and projects have emerged to provide training and resources. provide training and resources. Through digital literacy programs, women gain essential skills such as internet marketing, e-commerce, and social media management, allowing them to showcase their community tourism projects to a wider audience.

Aside from teaching technical skills, these programs often equip women with the tools they need to excel in leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial management. Women take on leadership roles in their communities, taking charge of tourism initiatives, planning events, and encouraging community cooperation.

Technology acts as a bridge, opening up new revenue streams and connecting women engaged in community tourism to a broader market. With the rise of internet platforms such as marketplaces and booking sites, women now have the ability to market and sell their local tourism services to customers worldwide. By cutting out intermediaries, this direct link enables women to maximize their earnings, contribute to their communities, and improve their quality of life

Moreover, women are using technology to diversify their sources of income. Through online marketplaces, they can showcase and promote genuine handicrafts, locally sourced products, and unique experiences. By doing so, they not only preserve traditional crafts but also generate income and establish sustainable livelihoods for themselves and fellow community members. Technology enables women to reach customers beyond their local markets and transform their community tourism enterprises into thriving ventures.

Despite the tremendous benefits provided by technology, women working in community tourism still face various challenges. Limited access, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural constraints can hinder women who aspire to embrace technology. Recognizing these obstacles, several programs and organizations are diligently working to bridge the digital divide. They provide women with the necessary infrastructure, support systems, and training to thrive in the digital era.

Furthermore, cultural norms and gender stereotypes may restrict women’s participation in leadership positions and decision-making processes within community tourism. Technology-based solutions alone won’t solve these problems; societal and cultural changes are also imperative.

In order to challenge and eliminate gender barriers and create an inclusive atmosphere where women can contribute fully to the growth of community tourism, initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, lobbying campaigns, and regulatory reforms are essential.

As we recognize the extraordinary achievements made by these women, it is crucial to support their ongoing efforts by giving them the tools and platforms needed to elevate their voices and build a more inclusive and successful future for community tourism globally. 

About the author:

Zoë Woods is enthusiastic about empowering women in the tech industry.

The women of Ccaccaccollo belong to a Quechua community, which has lived in the Andes for thousands of years. They are skilled weavers, creating beautiful textiles using the traditional techniques passed down through generations. Despite their rich cultural heritage, many of these women have struggled with poverty, lack of education, and discrimination.

Until recently, the market for their products was limited, and they struggled to earn a decent living. In the early 2000s, a group of local women with the help of Planeterra formed the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Co-op to promote their work and improve their economic prospects. 

The cooperative called “Awamaki” which means “handmade” in Quechua, also provides training and support for other indigenous women to develop their skills, market their products, and manage their finances: it’s all about women supporting other women! 

Tourism has been a game-changer for the women of Ccaccaccollo. The village has become a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic Andean experience. Visitors can learn about the Quechua culture, watch the women weave their textiles, and even participate in traditional ceremonies and of course you can also purchase their products.

It’s safe to say that the women of Ccaccaccollo have been able to improve their economic situation and they now have a stable source of income and can provide for their families thanks to tourism. 

They have also gained a sense of pride in their cultural heritage, which they are now able to share with visitors from around the world.

But tourism has not only helped the women of Ccaccaccollo economically, it has also helped to preserve their traditional way of life. The women have been able to continue weaving using the traditional techniques and materials, which have been passed down through generations. 

They have also been able to maintain their language and culture, passing it on to their children and grandchildren.

The success of the Ccaccaccollo Women’s Weaving Association is an inspiring example of how tourism can be a force for good in indigenous communities. By providing a market for traditional products and cultural experiences, tourism had a positive impact in the lives of dozens of people. 

If you are planning a trip to Peru, consider visiting Ccaccaccollo and supporting the women of Awamaki. You can purchase their beautiful textiles and learn about their rich cultural heritage. By doing so, you will not only have a unique travel experience but also make a positive impact on the lives of these remarkable women.

About the author:

Serena Hejazi is a passionate traveler and the author of Sere Travels, a blog that focuses on sustainable tourism. Visit http://seretravels.com/ to learn more about Serena’s travels.