With a new year comes a slew of new possibilities, and travel is no exception. Trips planned to new destinations, maybe even a new travel partner? But have you stopped planning these trips for a moment to think of things you can do to just straight up be a better world traveler and advocate of the planet we care so much about seeing? Have you ever looked around you while traveling and thought to yourself, we, our eclectic mix of travelers from all over the world, can do better.
Well, whether you just realized you have or you haven’t had this thought before, now is the perfect time to reflect on the topic before the new year begins. As a traveler, you get the privilege to see and experience various parts of the world and the impact humans have on it. We’re constantly bustling around to new places using huge fossil fuel burning machines, disturbing nature to create new tourist attractions, and using the earth’s precious resources to make something more convenient for ourselves. Although it may be hard to imagine, we do have the power to make small changes in our routines to make the travel experience greater for ourselves and others.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways to be a better world traveler in 2019, so we can continue enjoying our travels, encouraging other to take the leap with us, and have a positive impact on the world we’re obsessed with seeing more of.
1. avoid using single use plastic as much as possible
After visiting places like India and seeing the mass amounts of plastic strewn all over the streets, you start to realize just how much plastic consumption is ruining the beauty of our planet. Not to mention all the plastic that ends up in our oceans, effectively ruining aquatic ecosystems. By making a pledge to yourself and our beautiful Mother Earth to reduce your plastic use, you are ensuring that future generations will be able to see the beauty you have witnessed around the world. Plus, it’s super easy to swap single use plastics for things like reusable water bottles, reusable grocery bags, and metal straws, and they barely take up any space in your bag. Definitely a win-win!
2. pick up trash
It’s great if you vow to decrease your disposable plastic use, but it’s an unfortunate reality that not everyone is doing the same (yet). And as if to add insult to injury, those plastics and other trash get left behind in places they don’t belong, leaving a trail of litter. Some countries are sadly notorious for being overtaken with trash, even in the most beautiful of locales. Though it may not be your responsibility to pick up after others, the world will surely be grateful for the selfless gesture. If you see trash where it doesn’t belong like a beach, national park, or cave, pick it up and find a place to dispose of it properly. Take it a step further by organizing a trash clean-up party which is both fun and earth-friendly!
3. be kind to locals and fellow travelers
It doesn’t cost a thing to be kind. So why not spread it around to every new face you encounter – whether it be a fellow traveler you meet in the hostel, or the local serving you an authentic meal when you first reach a new city completely famished. Don’t act pretentious to people who haven’t traveled as much as you or don’t have as much money or resources as you. Basically do unto others as you wish to be done unto you. Be an ambassador for your country so as not to give everyone back home a bad name with your poor representation. Guaranteed, you will have a better experience, make amazing memories, and develop lasting friendships by being kind to everyone. Not to mention, kindness is contagious.
4. respect other cultures and systems of beliefs
We are lucky to live in a world that has thousands of beautiful cultures and religions – it’s part of what makes traveling to such far off places so interesting. How boring would it be if everywhere had the same food, the same art, the same traditions and rituals? Remember that different is not scary, it’s just different. Open your mind, observe, and respect the differences without judgement. You might just understand them, their culture, and yourself a bit more.
5. pack lighter
Packing lighter might seem like a burden since you’re assuming you’ll have less options when it comes to outfit choices, but the convenience a light pack will bring to your realm of exploration will far outweigh the need for differing outfit choices. For one, carry-on travel means never having to pay to check a bag ever again. Not only that, but when you always have your pack with you, airlines can’t lose it and you won’t have to wait for it to come out of the carousel at the airport. And if you choose your clothes wisely, it won’t even feel like you’re really missing out after all. Pack pieces that are compact, multi-functional, and match everything else in your bag. You’ll be glad you traded in your entire travel wardrobe for manageable and lightweight items that make your traveling lifestyle easier.
2019 is going to be a great year filled with new places, new people, and new memories. Make it an especially great one by committing to be an even better traveler than before.
Did we forget anything on the list? What do you think we can all do to become better travelers in 2019? Let us know in the comments!
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