Travel! We love it, you love it, just about everyone loves it. Travelling can open the mind, the heart (and the stomach!), and is a valuable way to have new experiences, create memories, meet new people – or simply to reset. Whether you’re an explorer, leisure-seeker or business traveller, opting to travel sustainably in this day and age isn’t tough. It’s all about making better choices at every stage of a the trip, including the planning stage.
We’ve put together a list of nine practical tips to get you on your way – the right way.
- Travel near, not far
The number one way you can keep your trip emissions in check is by travelling somewhere near your home. Ever wanted to check out that town an hour away with the amazing antiques store and nearby crystal blue lakes? Why not make that your next vacation? There are so many benefits to travelling within your vicinity… and Laidback Trip explores what they are here.
- Go by road or rail
If you do need or want to vacation further away, try to go by road or rail. Planes and cruises create much larger emissions, while travelling by train or car (even better if it’s electric!) are far more environmentally friendly.
Did you know we have an electric vehicle charger onsite at the Fox?
- Travel off-peak
Travelling to places off-season isn’t just a great way to save on your trip! It also reduces overtourism – reducing the burden the tourism industry has on the environment during the peak times of year.
- Travel thoughtfully
Whether travelling abroad or within your own backyard, choosing vacation spots that need the money that tourists inject into communities is a great way to make meaningful travel. This could include towns in your own country that used to run on industries now closed down or running at a reduced capacity. You could also travel to locations that have seen economic crashes, natural disasters or other disruptive events in recent years and are on the road to recovery..
- Book sustainable accommodation
More and more accommodation companies have taken steps to reduce the environmental impacts of their business activities – but there are many that haven’t. Looking into the ethics and actions behind your accommodation provider is a simple way to keep your trip as sustainable as possible.
Check out the Fernie Fox Hotel’s sustainability practices. We’ve even recently introduced electric vehicles to our company fleet.
- Book with companies that give back to the community
This one mirrors booking sustainable accommodation – whether you’re looking to hire a vehicle for your travels or a tour guide, look into the operators. Have they made sustainable choices that give back to the environment and to the community they’re operating in? Sustainability is about more than eco-initiatives, it’s about supporting the longevity of a place.
- Go prepared (pack reusable) and reduce your single-use plastic
When you’re packing for your trip, packing reusable items not only saves the environment, but it saves you some dollars. Reusable items you can take with you include a water bottle, tote bags, refillable toiletry bottles, and KeepCups.
- Buy & eat local
When you’re travelling you – and the environment – can really benefit from buying and eating locally. Purchasing local produce means fresher and more flavoursome food. You’ve also helped reduce the emissions associated with importing exotic or off-season produce.
When you buy locally, not only do you support small businesses, but your money goes back into the local economy as a whole.
- Limit water and energy use
Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean your energy consumption has any less of an effect on our natural resources and environment. You can consciously make an effort to reduce your energy and water consumption by turning off wall switches at hotels and limiting your shower time.
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At the Fernie Fox Hotel, we take sustainability seriously. Our goal is the become BC’s most sustainable hotel.
Looking for somewhere to stay that does good? Stay with us at the Fernie Fox Hotel – book your stay by calling 1-8770447-6788.