don't get caught in the tourist trap

We don't often travel with a sense of right or wrong and we often miss things during our travels that can be perceived as irresponsible or unethical. Here are some tips on how to keep it green but still have a good trip.

Google Flights is an amazing tool and my go-to when it comes to booking my flights. Not only can you find the cheapest flights, now they even have a carbon footprint tracker that allows you to not only track your carbon footprint, but also shows flights with lower CO2 emissions, so you can choose your flight wisely!

While it may seem appealing to get an all-inclusive deal with all-you-can-eat buffets and unlimited cocktails, hotel chains often create a lot of waste with this system and staff wages remain low in a lot of countries. Some hotels may offer bio-degradable soaps however they still remain a leader in small plastic waste which has only become more prominent since the pandemic began. High energy costs are another issue, not to mention they tend to veer away from culture and language, diminishing the sustainability of a country and its communities. So instead of a big name resort, try an alternative accommodation like a boutique hotel or an AirBNB, or if you just can't seem to find the right place, let me find it for you!

There are a ton of "eco-tours" out there, but don't be afraid to ask what exactly makes them "eco". Be wary of any tour that alters or interferes with the natural behaviours of animals and their environments. Is there any education involved in the tour? Does the tour interfere with any natural eco-systems, or does it profit from the exploitation of animals or people within a community? Does it negatively affect children in any way? I could go on about this, but I think social media has done a pretty good job at exposing a lot of this dark underbelly of tourism. Also trust your gut, if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Let's face it, this is not new, we do it at home and so we should do it abroad. So wether you are looking for souvenirs or an amazing place to have lunch, keep in mind that there are tons of selections on places to shop or eat that are locally owned and operated. This is one of my missions, to guide you to these places as I find them, so you can feel confident on where you are spending your money. Oh and it's typically way cheaper too!