Studies show that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress, and 25% say that their job is the number one stress in their lives.

Practicing self-care can make a big difference in managing stress, and one of the ways many people enjoy relaxing is by traveling and experiencing other cultures. However, it’s important to find ways to travel affordably and with a lower impact on the environment.

Here are some ways that you can travel sustainably while immersing yourself in a new culture.

One of the stressful things about daily life is that it can feel very repetitive. You go to work, come home, have supper, go to bed, and do it all over again. It’s easy to feel like what you’re doing doesn’t make a difference and isn’t appreciated. 

Unfortunately, this repetition and discouragement can lead to burnout, which can have long-term negative effects on your life.

Burnout happens when you’re doing stressful work for long hours without much of a break. You can feel tired all the time, struggle with sleep, and have mood swings. Long-term burnout can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.

The good news is that travel can help you break up your routine, have new experiences, and get a renewed perspective on life, especially when you experience new cultures. Travel can increase your creativity, allow you to reset, and improve your mental health and overall well-being.

As you take care of yourself, it’s essential to also take care of the communities you visit and the planet by traveling sustainably. Start with what you decide to bring with you. The lighter you travel, the lower your carbon footprint and impact on the places you visit.

For example, instead of buying mass-produced fast fashion to wear on your trip, choose a high-quality wardrobe that will last for years. For example, you might choose durable Wrangler jeans, a high-quality Carhartt jacket, or a genuine leather belt.

Next, think about the sustainable habits you can practice as you travel. Remember that sustainable travel is about protecting both the environment and the local communities you visit. Each individual makes a difference with their choices. 

Consider supporting local businesses as you travel rather than national or international chains. You can choose local transportation that has lower emissions and prioritize spending money with companies that have strong sustainability practices.

Best of all, immersing yourself fully in the culture of your destination can help you break out of the rut you’ve been in. By going to locally-owned restaurants and businesses, you can experience the true essence of a place, whether it’s near where you live or quite far away.

It’s easy to intend to relax as you travel, only to get caught up in stressful situations, unmet expectations, and unexpected challenges. Having the right mindset as you go on vacation can make a big difference.

Start by thinking about where you’re headed and how you can embrace the culture. Tourism can help preserve local traditions and foster your awareness of new cultures. And you don’t have to leave the country to find unique heritages — simply visiting a subculture within your state, such as visiting the Amish in Pennsylvania or the Cajuns in Louisiana, can open your eyes to an entirely different way of life.

As you make plans to enjoy the local communities you visit, focus on mindfulness to boost your resilience to unexpected challenges.

Remember that vacation isn’t automatically stress-free, but having an adaptable attitude and sense of exploration can help you adjust to changes more easily.

Sustainable travel, where you immerse yourself in a local culture, can help you break free of the treadmill that is leading you toward burnout. 

About the author:

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer who 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.