Modern travelers are becoming conscious of how their actions affect the environment. This means finding creative ways to travel while preserving the environment as well. That’s why it’s not surprising why we’ve been seeing a lot of emerging trends in tourism, particularly in reducing travelers’ impact on the environment.

In Singapore, SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) is taking its lead in environmental leadership by encouraging locals to use public transportation regularly than buying private vehicles. In fact, SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong sold his own car to rely on public transport for daily commute.

Aside from taking public transportation, sustainable tourism opens many opportunities to save the environment while accounting for the community, traditions, heritage, and local culture. In this article, we’ll talk about the powerful reasons how sustainable tourism is becoming a bigger priority in the years to come and how it affects solo and wellness traveling. 

Lower ecological impact

Every activity you do on vacation has a large impact on your ecological footprint. Ecological footprint refers to the measurement of the demands made by a person or a group of people on the world’s natural resources.

When on vacation, some travelers prefer to eat cuisines they’re already familiar with or try more exotic ones for a memorable international food trip. But when it comes to sustainable tourism, travelers should consider how their food choices affect their destination. Sustainable tourism means supporting local businesses and buying local produce. Importing food or any type of goods across the globe comes at a considerable cost, both environmentally and economically.

Exploring local cuisine becomes a new experience itself; you don’t only get to help locals earn a living, but you’re also reducing your ecological footprint while having fun on vacation. What’s more, eating local foods means access to better and fresher ingredients prepared by the locals. You also get to try something new to intrigue your taste buds.

Slow travel

Slow travel is a unique approach that focuses on connection, particularly with local people, food, music, and cultures. It emphasizes the idea that a trip should educate, drive the person to relish the present moment, and experience a unique emotional impact while being sustainable environment and local communities.

Solo travel means generating a lesser impact on the environment than traveling in large groups. When traveling solo, you’re more inclined to try simpler modes of public transportation to reach your destinations. This includes walking, the most natural and exciting way to explore a new place. Instead of traveling by car, walking allows you to take in everything around you than just being inside a vehicle.

Minimalist traveler mindset

Solo travelers are known for being particularly good at packing and carrying fewer items. Whether they will be away for a week or an entire month, they can bring all their essentials and other miscellaneous items without bringing a lot of luggage all at once.

A minimalist mindset allows travelers to focus on their trips and whatever is important to them. This means focusing on the journey instead of being bothered by things they don’t need. What’s more, they get to spend less fuel and save money and time for bringing a lighter suitcase to their destination. It’s also easy to move around with lighter stuff and lesser chances of generating garbage at your destination.

Shared accommodation

Staying in shared accommodation has plenty of benefits. You’re not only saving money by not staying in a hotel but also utilizing space efficiently. Most solo travelers only need an area to sleep comfortably and somewhere where they can freshen up and store their belongings. In this case, they opt to stay in shared accommodation where they can share space to meet, mingle, and eat with other travelers.

Meanwhile, those who want more alone time get themselves a smaller room or any economical accommodation with just enough space for their needs. This way, they’re using less electricity to cool or heat the area.

Support for the local economy

When shopping at a farmer’s market or the local grocery store, you’re putting money back into the local economy of the country of your destination. Many tourists are helping small businesses bring innovation and growth to the community where the business is based. In turn, small businesses contribute to economic growth by opening more employment opportunities to locals who can’t be employed by larger corporations.

Local tourism also helps in supporting families and helping towns and cities make it a more thriving attraction not just for locals but also for tourists.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy traveling in a sustainable way. Although responsible traveling can be challenging, the rewards you receive are worth every effort. Simply take advantage of each opportunity and consider how it will affect your travel experience, the community, and the environment.