World Environment Day: 7 sustainable travel tips for a better tomorrow

Exploring a new place is best done on foot or via public transport. One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling is to quit taking private transportation and opt for eco-friendly options like trains, public buses, and even bicycles. While choosing your flight options, consider the carbon offsetting travel programs by different airlines to make the best choice. Additionally, choose to travel to destinations like Khonoma Green Village in Nagaland or Majuli Island to better understand eco-tourism practices and enjoy a nature-positive travel experience.

One of the best eco-friendly travel hacks is to stay at sustainable accommodations that support eco-tourism and have responsible tourism values. Eco-lodges in Wayanad and green accommodations in Shimla are exemplary of stays that prioritise the environment through practices such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and sustainable waste management. Some other notable stays in India for your World Environment Day travels are – Alleppey eco houseboats, Jim Corbett eco-lodges and Jawai Hills leopard conservation resorts.

A responsible packing list ensures you can do a zero-waste travel. You can ditch single-use plastic and replace it with reusable bottles, bamboo toothbrushes and hairbrushes, solid toiletries like a shampoo bar and cloth bags. When you opt for plastic-free travel, you make a commitment to beat plastic pollution even on your days of relaxation.

Community-based tourism that supports local communities isn't just a responsible way of travelling but also one that promises authentic experiences. Activities like farm-to-table meals in Coorg's sustainable coffee plantations to participating in voluntourism opportunities like Arunachal Pradesh can open you up to new ways to explore, all while preserving local culture. Another ethical travel tip to keep in mind is to buy from local artisans and eat at locally-owned eateries to support their livelihoods.

Wanting to witness wildlife in their natural habitat is an exciting experience, but we have to keep in mind not to hamper their existence. Wildlife conservation travel is best done while ensuring ethical wildlife encounters where animal welfare is top priority. Choose eco-safaris in parks like Kaziranga National Park, Kanha and Nagarhole that promise responsible tourism practices along with a fun time away, and please avoid Zoos at any cost.

Eco-friendly travel can look different for different people, but if there's one thing you must include in your travel plan, it is to include nature walks. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers promise a great getaway while having minimal negative impact on nature. Choose experiences like Yoga at Rishikesh sustainable retreats or wellness retreats in Dehradun eco-friendly resorts. These experiences offer a nice escape while encouraging mindfulness travel.

Sustainable food travel involves choosing plant-based meals, dining locally, and reducing food waste. Regions like Sikkim and Munnar boast organic farms and sustainable cafés that serve fresh, local cuisine.