Carbon emissions from transportation, the plastic waste left behind by travellers, and the potential impact on nature, make travel an activity with lasting environmental consequences.
This Earth Day (April 22), Trip.com Group is offering eight tips to travellers (and those who book them) who want to embark on a more sustainable journey. In some cases, the online travel provider says, just simple actions can make a huge difference.
Moreover, the company also walks the talk, listing the ways it is helping travel bookers achieve their goals”
- Participate in carbon offset programs for flights
With aviation accounting for at least 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, we need to consider our carbon footprint when opting to fly to our next destination. Whenever possible, choose to fly direct because take-off and landing use the most jet fuel on every flight. Use tools to track how much carbon emissions the flight emits and select carbon offset options to support projects that reduce, capture, or avoid carbon emissions in an amount equivalent to your carbon footprint.
Trip.com has been working with leading climate-tech company CHOOOSE to help travellers support carbon offset projects with just a simple tap. When travellers book a flight on Trip.com, they may see the option to offset carbon for a small cost. In 2023, this contribution went directly to four climate-protecting initiatives around the world: building and operating two waste-to-energy facilities in Turkey, disseminating improved, high-efficiency cook-stoves in households in India, protecting and enhancing pristine mangrove forests in Cambodia, and monitoring and protecting the ecosystem for a forest in Brazil.
- Consider train travel as an alternative
On average, trains are one of the most energy-efficient means of transportation, making them an eco-friendly travel choice. Train travel can also be relaxing and enjoyable, allowing travellers to take in the scenery and avoid the stress of navigating busy airports or unfamiliar road conditions.
For trains trips in the UK, travellers booking through Trip.com can track how much carbon footprint has been reduced through train travel by checking the carbon credits on the Trip.com app. Furthermore, travellers can celebrate their achievements by planting virtual trees, taking pride in watching the tiny virtual saplings turn into vibrant forests.
- Rent electric cars rather than gasoline vehicles
Road trips offer an autonomous and immersive experience when travelling. Choosing electric vehicles over gasoline ones also allows drivers to take carbon reduction into their own hands – while the building and charging processes still emit carbon, fully electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and reduce air pollution. With the increasing availability of charging stations, it has become more convenient to charge electric cars on the go. At Trip.com, electric cars clearly labelled when searching for car rental options.
- Bring your own toiletries and avoid single-use items
Plastic production has grown to more than 380 million tons per year. Microplastics, in particular, have become yet another permanent and pervasive human imprint on the environment, presenting a grave threat to the health of humans as well as other species. This year, “Planet vs. Plastics” is the theme for Earth Day, which commits to a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.
Bringing your own toiletries instead of relying on single-use items is a key sustainability tips. Without taking up too much space in luggage, this simple action can go a long way in reducing waste. More and more hotels are now encouraging travellers to bring reusable items as they strive to promote sustainable practices and minimise their own environmental impact.
- Support local communities and empower best practices
Getting to know local communities can often provide insights into how people interact with their environments. Stay at locally owned accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and purchase goods from local artisans. Responsible practices, such as respecting local customs, conserving natural resources, and supporting environmental initiatives, further help preserve the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destination.
- Head to hidden gems and prevent over-tourism
Overtourism can strain local resources, damage fragile ecosystems, and disrupt the lives of residents. By checking out lesser-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path attractions, travellers can help alleviate the burden on tourist hotspots, thus mitigating overtourism. This approach allows for a more authentic travel experience and contributes to a more balanced tourism industry.
- Limit carbon emissions in business travel
Environmental awareness should not be limited to personal travel. As face-to-face business meetings return after the pandemic, corporate travel has again contributed to global carbon emissions. More and more companies today are keen to reduce their environmental footprint by holding video conferences, creating carbon budgets for business travel, and encouraging employees to opt for low-carbon practices.
To help businesses achieve their sustainability goals, Trip.Biz, the digital travel management company powered by Trip.com Group, has been implementing and continuously developing advanced features such as carbon emission display, tracking, carbon budgeting and restrictions, and the creation of customised carbon accounts based on clients’ specific requirements. It also presents users with carbon emission data for each available flight option, and the post-trip management report and individual travel history further aid companies in refining and elevating their sustainable travel policies.
- Share your love for nature with others
Showcasing the beauty of the places one visits can inspire others to appreciate and protect these destinations. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact of your posts. Avoid geotagging sensitive locations, respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance, and encourage responsible behaviour in your captions.
“As globetrotters, we hold the power to shape the future of travel,” says Trip.com. “By embracing sustainable travel, we are safeguarding the beauty of our planet for the next generations to explore and cherish. Whether it is reconsidering transportation options, packing reusable and recyclable items, or spreading the word to others, our actions can help ensure that the wonders we witness today will endure.”